13 / 28
quickly. “It is even possible to add new transfer stations or other trans-
port systems at any time, allowing the user to respond to order peaks
with a high level of flexibility. The systems can then be removed from
the circuit again just as quickly,” Ramers explains.
From Project into Practice
LEO came about as a result of a project commissioned by BITO – a
specialist in storage and operating equipment – and undertaken by the
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics based in Dortmund.
The focus of the project was on developing a cost-effective system
that is also particularly flexible in its design and easy to use. “The issue
of controlling this sophisticated application was resolved using our
sensors – we have ultimately spent over three years collaborating on
the project,” says El Menaouar.
BITO has already successfully tested all the vehicles in the pilot run
with its end clients. “We were delighted to test LEO in practice
at our own plant in Buehl,” says Markus Hertel, Site Manager for
Pepperl+Fuchs at the plant in Buehl. The small, flexible system offers
another key advantage: Due to its low weight and maximum speed
of one meter per second, no special safety engineering is required.
“This makes the flexible transport system particularly attractive for use
in logistics,” says Hertel. “LEO is proving reliable in operation on our
test circuit in Buehl – we are happy that the collaboration with BITO has
yielded such an excellent result.”
n
www.bito.com13