KNAPP, a renowned global provider of intelligent intralogistics solutions, has announced the launch of their cutting-edge OSR shuttle technology tailored for cold chain applications and projects. Renowned for its excellence in automated storage and retrieval solutions, KNAPP has successfully completed extensive beta testing, including rigorous trials encompassing conveyor hardware, AS/RS shuttles, and software. This comprehensive testing, involving over 2 million cycles and 7000 miles of travel, ensures the reliability and effectiveness of the solution.
Leading the charge in implementing this innovative technology is Shufersal, Israel’s foremost supermarket chain. Their state-of-the-art 294,000 square feet fulfillment center, catering to ecommerce food retail, spans all temperature zones.
The evolution of cold chain technology dates back to the 1950s, initially devised for preserving animal-based tissue. With the proliferation of medical advancements, particularly evident in vaccine distribution such as during the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for advanced cold chain automation solutions has surged. Jusuf Buzimkic, CSO of KNAPP Inc., underscores the company’s strategic advantage in this realm, citing their leadership in ‘track and trace’ technology, software, and shuttle-based automation.
An imperative driving force behind KNAPP’s foray into this market is the imperative to minimize human exposure to the demanding freezer environment, which is both financially burdensome and challenging to staff.
Mr. Buzimkic highlights additional factors and synergies propelling KNAPP’s interest in cold chain automation, including:
- Mitigation of labor volatility through automation solutions.
- Enhanced safety by assigning freezer tasks to robots.
- Adaptation of KNAPP’s mixed load palletizing technology to the varied needs of cold chain operators.
- Overcoming limitations of manual reach trucks in freezers through ASRS deployment, enabling taller freezer constructions.
- Heightened efficiency and cost-effectiveness of taller freezer designs, resulting in reduced land costs.
- Optimization of building designs for greater cooling efficiency, facilitated by high-density structures.
- Improved accuracy and efficiency in pallet assembly and loading through robotic systems.
In essence, KNAPP’s entry into the cold chain automation market signals a transformative shift towards safer, more efficient, and technologically advanced solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
