Logistics technology – New actuator made from shape memory alloys enables extended AutoDrop functionality in e-pouch systems
BEUMER Group and Ingpuls Dynamics have entered into an exclusive partnership to develop the next generation of high performance actuators for logistics applications. The jointly developed AutoDrop technology optimizes the automatic unloading of the BG Pouch System and relies on innovative shape memory alloys (SMA).
Shape memory alloys: A proven material for new applications
The AutoDrop technology, developed by the Beumer Group and Ingpuls Dynamics allows for automatic unloading of bags in the BG Pouch System. This technology is mainly characterized by its high-performance unloading capability and stands for both highest availability and reliability. The application creates huge benefits for customers in fashion logistics, courier, express and parcel services as well as e-commerce warehouses and logistics service providers. With AutoDrop, companies can now operate logistics centers and completely eliminate manual handling during unloading. This saves time and cost and shortens order processing times. Nickel-titanium actuators have been used in the automotive industry, medical technology and aerospace for many years. They achieve enormous service lives, have the highest energy density of all functional materials known today and thus contribute to sustainable lightweight construction solutions.
The Beumer Group and Ingpuls Dynamics were the first in the world to recognize their unique potential for use in logistics and developed their first product to market maturity in record time in partnership. The great success of the first project confirmed the two companies on their path to innovation and discussions about further products and solutions have already begun. The active strips of the BG Pouch System are manufactured by the Brandgroup, which co-founded the technology joint venture Ingpuls Dynamics together with the German shape memory alloy supplier Ingpuls GmbH.
Partnership for technological excellence
Dr. Christian Großmann, co-founder and Managing Director of Ingpuls Dynamics GmbH, comments on the collaboration as follows:
„The development of the SMA actuator system for the Beumer Group’s AutoDrop system is an excellent example of exemplary collaboration. Probably the best I have experienced so far in my career in the Ingpuls history. The bar for the product was set extremely high from the start. Functionality on the one hand and quality without compromise on the other hand were the main objectives of our development. From day one, the teams of all the companies involved subordinated everything to the big goal, communicating intensively, fairly and always on an equal footing. If there were any problems, they were solved quickly without hesitation. We can see the result here in Stuttgart on the LogiMat today and everyone from the R&D and production teams can be proud of it.“
About BEUMER Group
BEUMER Group is a global manufacturer of material handling solutions. As a third-generation family-owned business, the company offers high-quality system solutions and comprehensive customer support worldwide and is a “Partner of Choice” for the mining, cement, building materials, petrochemical, consumer goods, postal, e-commerce, fashion, and baggage handling industries. With 5,600 employees worldwide, BEUMER Group generates an annual order intake of around 1.25 billion euros. In line with the company motto “made different”, BEUMER commits to the highest standards of quality, innovation and sustainability. For more information, please visit www.beumer.com
About Ingpuls Dynamics
Ingpuls Dynamics is a joint venture between brandgroup, a leading global supplier of technical springs and spring assemblies, and Ingpuls, a manufacturer of high-purity and customized shape memory alloys, based in Bochum, Germany. Ingpuls Dynamics uniquely combines the strengths of two companies that already hold leading positions in their respective markets. The joint venture is the logical consequence of many years of cooperation between the companies at various levels. It pursues the goal of creating added value for the joint customers by significantly reducing the complexity of using SMA on the customer side through vertical integration in the joint venture.
For more information, please visit
www.ingpuls-dynamics.com
