Dematic, a provider of logistics systems for factories, warehouses and distribution centers, has introduced a new system for case picking called LaserTrucks+. The offering combines laser-guided pallet trucks with a voice-directed system, with the aim of increasing case-picking productivity. LaserTrucks+ upgrades pallet trucks to driverless operations, through the use of industrial-grade laser-guidance systems. At the start of an order, the Laser Truck delivers a new pallet directly to the picker, automatically moves with the voice-equipped picker as it verbally confirms picks, and transports the completed pallet to shipping while the next Laser Truck brings a new pallet to the picker. During peak periods, pickers with manual pallet trucks can work in conjunction with LaserTrucks+ to take up the additional throughput. Routing plans can be updated as requirements change, and additional Laser Trucks can be added or transferred between sites. Dematic is partnering with Kollmorgen, a maker of driverless control technology, to provide LaserTrucks+. Dematic will draw on Kollmorgen's Pick-n-Go laser guidance and vehicle-control technology as a core component of the system. Dematic has also developed a new website for the online purchase of system parts. Through www.dematicparts.com, customers can buy parts and controls for package and pallet conveyors, diverters, sorters, pick-to-light systems, voice devices and other items from Dematic and other OEMs. More than 80,000 unique part numbers are available on the site, the company said.
