This year’s winner for Transport/Logistics Innovation of the Year is so new that it has not yet been released. Scheduled to be unveiled at Post-Expo in Stuttgart, Siemens’ new truck unloading device is a semi-automatic machine that enables fast and gentle parcel unloading. The device has won the award before being launched because of its fast and ergonomic truck unloading.
One major advantage, according to Dr Torsten Tanz, product lifecycle manager at Siemens logistics and airport solutions department for the semi-automatic truck unloading device, is that it can be used without modifications to existing loading docks, trucks, trailers or swap bodies. “Posts can save a lot of time, effort and cost if they don’t have to completely restructure their buildings or make changes to their current delivery vehicles, but can gain the advantages of faster unloading,” says Tanz. “A customer could double the amount of sorting it can do without opening up more wall space for more docks.”
“This technology accelerates unloading,” says Tanz, “because the semi-automatic moving platform positions next to the load for easy movements.” Tanz explains that the main element of the device is a mobile, walkable, near-to-the-ground platform mounted on wheels. A telescopic conveyor can position the platform, which is directly in front of the stack of parcels inside a truck, trailer or swap body.
The platform itself consists of three conveyors that transport the parcels to the telescopic conveyor, which is connected to a downstream sorting system. Additionally the module has slides on its right and left sides to enable the removal of parcels. The slides can be moved easily backwards and forwards. The operator stands in the centre of the unloading platform and is able to push the parcels onto the slide or directly onto the conveyor, depending on how many there are.
“In exceptional load conditions a parcel could become stuck. This is easily and quickly solved with the single operator, who is always immediately available to fix the problem. This gives a large degree of flexibility and adaptability,” says Tanz.
The parcels are moved from the stack almost directly onto the conveyors, which enables very gentle unloading. Additionally the flexible construction of the chutes and the shock absorbing conveyor belts protect the parcels from damage.
“Because the device doubles the unloading throughput per dock door, there is a huge saving in time and floor space,” says Tanz. “Floor space is hugely important in both new and existing processing centres. Also, the new process with its three levels is more efficient and less physically demanding for the operator. It is a unique and high-performance technology and is the first to be brought to the market.
“It is a great feeling to have won this award, and it shows that this technology will be a great success. It is a great honour for our entire interdisciplinary team, which has worked tirelessly to meet market needs and develop a highly effective technology that has the highest degree of automation possible,” concludes Tanz.
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