At Stand i1134 of IntraLogisteX, this year co-located with Robotics and Automation for the first time, iCart launched its latest logistics solution – the i-Series.
Chris Smith is the Managing Director of iCart Logistics. Originally an automated systems integrator, as ADM Automation, the company began to manufacture its own product – an automated guided vehicle (AGV) primarily aimed at the automotive industry. Smith saw an opportunity for this technology to be used within the logistics industry and noticed a gap in the market for a solution that could handle different-sized carts, trolleys, pallets, and roll cages. That lead to the development of the new iCart i-Series.
A key feature of the iCart i-Series is its flexibility, with Smith identifying that “in logistics and warehousing there’s very much a focus on a certain area at a certain time and then a focus on another area at a different time, so any automation you put in stands around doing nothing for so much of its time”. That’s why iCart solutions are designed to meet demand for automation to be “where you need it, when its needed and be flexible enough to do all the jobs that you want it do”.
The i-Series has configurations that can carry out general transfer (iT), queue management (iQ), and order picking (iP) functions. What’s more, it “automatically changes itself from one [configuration] to another”, something that Smith believes makes the product “a total revolution”.
The new system operates with a shuttle running on the side of a track rather than underneath, eliminating the need for a guide system either side of a track. This means that the cost of installing the necessary infrastructure can be significantly lower.
The shuttle is also capable of becoming an AGV. This allows it to move to another track when it is needed elsewhere. Furthermore, it can be attached to a base unit with wheels to carry roll cages and the two units automatically attach without any construction necessary. Plus, as an AGV it can become a picking solution.
iCart Logistics is based in Gateshead and its solutions are designed and manufactured in the UK.
Talking about IntraLogisteX, Smith said: “It’s been really first-class. We’ve done a few other shows this year and this has definitely been the best one by far.
“Having been an exhibitor at the show twice in the past this was by far the best.
“It’s been the ideal venue for us to launch the iCart i-Series and get across to people just how innovative it is.
“It certainly caused quite a stir, demonstrated by the number of high quality leads we received.”
IntraLogisteX 2023 has come to an end after two days of conferences and valuable conversations between visitors and exhibitors from a wide range of industries but the show will return, once again co-located with Robotics and Automation at the NEC in Birmingham on 19-20 March 2024.
