Many of the technologies driving industrial automation, including IoT, robotics, analytics, AI and AR require an evolved network infrastructure that can support the sheer volume of connected and powered devices. In this video, Warren Jennings, Industry CTO at Telstra and Alan Seery, Managing Director of Aqura, discuss the benefits of 5G, IT/OT convergence and the power of partnerships.
DSV A/S (“DSV”) has signed an agreement with Deutsche Bahn to acquire 100 per cent of Schenker AG (“Schenker”) and its affiliates in an all-cash transaction. The transaction values Schenker at EUR 14.3 billion (approximately DKK 107 billion) on an Enterprise Value basis.
The acquisition of Schenker is a transformative transaction for DSV. DSV and Schenker will have a combined revenue of DKK 293 billion (based on pro-forma 2023 full-year financials) and a joint workforce of around 147,000 employees across more than 90 countries.
The combination of the two businesses will create economies of scale and provide a unique offering for our customers, with the addition of highly skilled employees, an enhanced global network, comprehensive solutions and digitalised products and services. The commercial and operational fit between all three divisions of DSV and Schenker will provide strong opportunities to develop the combined business in the coming years, which in turn will contribute to growth, job creation and strong financial returns.
“This is a transformative event in DSV’s history, and we are very excited to join forces with Schenker,” says Jens H. Lund, CEO, DSV.
“With the acquisition, we bring together two strong companies, creating a world-leading transport and logistics powerhouse that will benefit our employees, customers and shareholders.”
“The sale of DB Schenker to DSV marks the largest transaction in DB’s history and provides our logistics subsidiary with clear growth prospects,” says Richard Lutz, CEO, Deutsche Bahn.
“It has been important for us to find a strong partner for Schenker and a long-term home for the employees of the company.”
“DB Schenker is one of the most powerful and innovative teams in transportation and logistics with more than 150 years of experience, ” says Jochen Thewes, CEO of Schenker.
“The recent years have been the most successful in our company’s history and we have proven that DB Schenker is fit for the future. We are excited about the future prospects of the combined business. Together with DSV, our goal is to transform the industry and build a truly global market leader with joint European roots for the best of our employees and our customers.”
To read more about DSV, click here
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) are excited to share a significant update for Victoria’s freight and air cargo sectors. The Federal Government has approved Melbourne Airport’s third runway, a key development that will address the growing demands of our industry. Scheduled to be operational by 2031, the runway will greatly enhance Melbourne’s freight capacity, creating new opportunities for exporters and logistics providers.
As a critical air freight gateway, Melbourne Airport handles over 40 per cent of the nation’s air freight exports, moving $1.8 billion in goods annually. High-value, time-sensitive products such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and electronics rely heavily on the airport’s efficiency.
The new north-south runway will increase capacity by allowing simultaneous take-offs and landings, reducing delays, and improving service levels. As Melbourne’s population grows, so will the demand for reliable air cargo services, and this expansion ensures the airport can meet these future needs.
Melbourne’s curfew-free operations already give freight services around-the-clock flexibility, valued at $6.5 billion annually and supporting over 58,000 jobs. The third runway will build on this, allowing seamless freight movement day and night.
With rising air freight demand and the growth of e-commerce, the third runway will help maintain Melbourne’s competitiveness. New direct routes to key markets like Asia, North America, and the Middle East will further boost opportunities for Victorian exporters.
Melbourne Airport moved 205 million tonnes of freight in 2022, valued at $22 billion. The new runway will help meet rising demand for imports and exports, directly benefiting industries like dairy, meat, seafood, and pharmaceuticals. This expansion positions Melbourne to better compete with other Australian airports, ensuring Victoria remains a leader in air freight logistics.
Founded in 1967 in New Zealand, Douglas Pharmaceuticals is now one of the country’s largest privately-owned pharmaceutical companies and a respected name in the global pharmaceutical industry.
As well as producing prescription drugs, Douglas develops, manufactures and distributes a wide range of consumer health and wellness products.
As a growing company with both domestic and international customers, it faced the common issue of its manual, highly utilised warehousing operations becoming a bottleneck, particularly for its fast-moving consumer healthcare range.
This dilemma spurred a collaboration with Kardex, an automated storage solutions specialist, which has global partnerships with AutoStore, Rocket Solution, Robomotive, and Sumobox.
The partnership allowed Kardex to enhance Douglas’s operations by increasing warehousing efficiency and storage capacity without expanding the physical footprint.
UNDERSTANDING THE BUSINESS NEEDS
Douglas has always prioritised customer service. However, the manual nature of its warehousing operations was starting to hinder productivity and employee satisfaction.
“Douglas is incredibly focused on delivering exceptional customer service,” says Andrew Mackintosh, General Manager of Supply Chain at Douglas.
“However, our traditional manual warehousing methods were becoming a bottleneck, impacting the operating environment for our team and challenging our ability to maintain the high service levels we’re known for.
Additionally, the increased pressure on our warehouse team was affecting morale.”
Recognising the need for change, Douglas sought a solution that would not only solve its immediate storage capacity issues, but also enhance overall operational efficiency. This is where Kardex’s expertise came into play.
“What Kardex did really well was they invested a lot of time upfront, getting to know the context of our business, our products, and our goals,” adds Andrew.
“They went beyond just understanding our current state and asked for a lot of our operational data to run simulations and come back with various scenarios for different automation solutions, ensuring the best fit for Douglas both now and in the future.”
SELECTING THE RIGHT AUTOMATION SOLUTION
The collaboration between Kardex and Douglas led to the selection of the AutoStoreTM system, an automated storage and retrieval solution.
“The major benefit for us is the increase in storage capacity,” explains Andrew.
“The AutoStore solution will expand our storage capacity by 30 percent while using only 10 percent of our warehouse footprint. We also anticipate significant improvements in inventory control and replenishment processes through the automation tool.”
The decision to implement Kardex AutoStore was not taken lightly. Douglas considered multiple options, including expanding its existing warehouse, purchasing a new facility, or utilising a third-party logistics provider. However, these options didn’t offer the benefits of automation.
“We were answering our storage capacity issue, but we weren’t getting the other benefits that come with automation,” says Andrew.
“With AutoStore, we saw a 68 per cent improvement in operational throughput from order receipt to dispatch, without any other related changes to our operational workflow.”
THE ROLE OF KARDEX IN FACILITATING CHANGE
Grant Smith, Director of Business Development AutoStore, ANZ Kardex, highlights the importance of understanding the unique needs of each business.
“When we talk to customers, we make sure to understand all aspects of their business, not just the immediate pain points,” says Grant.
“This helps us tailor solutions that address both current problems and future opportunities.
“For Douglas, we facilitated a process that involved detailed simulations and scenario planning, which were crucial for validating and fine-tuning their assumptions. This support was instrumental in building a solid business case for automation.”
Grant further emphasises the role of Kardex as a partner rather than just a solution provider.
“Our approach is to work closely with our customers, helping them understand their business better and challenging them with questions around data and operations. This collaborative process is essential for developing a roadmap that aligns with their growth projections and operational goals.”
IMPACT ON OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTIVITY
The implementation of AutoStore is set to revolutionise Douglas’s warehousing operations. The increased storage capacity and improved inventory control are just the beginning.
“The automation solution will not only address our current storage capacity issue but also significantly enhance our overall operational efficiency,” says Andrew.
“We anticipate improvements in inventory control, replenishment processes, and a substantial reduction in operational bottlenecks.”
The automation system allows the company to maintain its workforce while scaling operations.
“One of our key drivers was to grow our business without the need to double our workforce or cut it in half to pay for the automation,” explains Andrew.
“This approach aligns with our community-based values and heritage, showing that automation can support growth without compromising on employee retention.”
ADVICE FOR SMEs CONSIDERING AUTOMATION
For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contemplating automation for the first time, both Andrew and Grant offer valuable insights.
“Reflecting on our journey, we initially focused on solving our immediate problem of limited storage capacity,” says Andrew.
“However, with Kardex’s facilitation, we also considered our long-term business goals and how automation could help us achieve them. My advice is to invest time in understanding both your current challenges and future opportunities.”
“The first step for SMEs is to ascertain their pain points and what’s holding them back from growth,” adds Grant.
“It’s important to understand your problems before looking for solutions. Partnering with the right integrator or consultancy is crucial for navigating this process. At Kardex, we pride ourselves on being a partner who helps SMEs understand their business better and develop tailored automation solutions.”
The partnership between Kardex and Douglas exemplifies how thoughtful planning and collaboration can lead to operational improvements.
By investing time in understanding the business context and leveraging advanced automation solutions, Douglas is well positioned to achieve its growth ambitions without compromising on customer service or employee satisfaction.
As SMEs continue to navigate the challenges of a changing market, the lessons from this collaboration serve as a valuable guide. Automation is not just about technology; it’s about understanding your business, setting long-term goals, and choosing the right partners to help you achieve them.
For Douglas, the journey with Kardex has been transformative, paving the way for a more efficient, productive, and scalable future.
Read more about Kardex here
On 9 September 2024, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a new trilateral collaboration that will strengthen strategic cooperation and address risks to critical supply chains.
The MoU includes the establishment of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Supply Chain Resilience Cooperation Group to cooperate on data sharing and joint action to build resilience in priority supply chains, enhancing our mutual ability to identify and address risks, threats and disruption to our critical supply chains.
The Group will develop an early warning pilot focused on the telecommunications supply chain, essential for our global, digitised economies. By identifying and monitoring disruption risks to the telecommunications supply chain, this pilot will enhance all three countries’ knowledge of the vulnerabilities, criticality and residual risks. It will develop procedures for sharing this information and responding cooperatively to disruptions.
Strengthening critical supply chains is vital for ensuring the stability and resilience needed to meet the UK’s growth mission. This agreement signifies a deepening of the important and historic relationship between the UK, US, and Australia and reinforces mutual commitment to tackling supply chain challenges.
Read more about Supply Chain here
Nilfisk keeps sustainability and efficiency at the forefront of its product development, as demonstrated by the CS7020 Combination Sweeper/Scrubber dryer cleaning solution.
Nilfisk’s CS7020 is helping transform industrial cleaning with its string of innovative features designed for efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and safety.
Sustainability is at the forefront of every Nilfisk solution, and the CS7020 is no different.
“The common aspect of cleaning with a combination machine, scrubber, drier, sweeper – any machine like
that – is the use of water or chemicals to assist the cleaning process at the floor,” adds John.
“Anything that can be done to reduce water consumption and chemical consumption is important and many people within the warehouse and distribution areas are conscious of that.”
THE ECO FLEX SYSTEM
A feature of the CS7020 is its optional EcoflexTM System, which can be built into the machine to promote sustainability. This system allows users to adjust water flow and chemical usage based on cleaning needs and the nature of the site, reducing both water and detergent consumption.
“Clean with detergent or green with just water? We say both,” says John. “It enables users to select different cleaning intensities and conserve resources effectively.”
Additionally, the CS7020 is designed with user convenience in mind.
“Different facilities require different cleaning in different areas. By applying the right blend of brush pressure, water or detergent, the EcoflexTM system is the professional and green solution to any cleaning challenge” says John.
As a result, the machine solution enhances productivity by allowing for faster, more efficient single pass cleaning without compromising quality of clean.
“With the customisable CS7020, you can make adjustments to water levels and detergent usage on the go, making it a highly versatile and adaptable solution,” says John. “It’s also a very easy to use solution with a simple control panel. It’s mostly a one touch button operation, which means it’s very easy for any user to get on and to use those features as well.”
SMART FLOW TECHNOLOGY
Its Smart Flow technology further optimises cleaning efficiency by adjusting water and chemical flow based on the machine’s speed. This ensures that water or chemicals are not wasted, even during complex manoeuvres such as aisle end turns and busy site areas.
“Smart Flow controls the flow of water and chemicals needed for the scrub brushes, preventing issues like excess water down the end of an aisle,” says John.
“It helps reduce water usage, costs and improve overall efficiency.”
The CS7020’s capabilities extend to its performance metrics as well. The machine can clean up to 12,000 sqm per hour and even reach up to 50,000 sqm from a full battery charge, depending on settings and usage. It combines sweeping, scrubbing, and drying functions all in a single pass.
“The CS7020 is not only highly effective in sweeping but also excels in scrubbing and drying, making it a popular global choice among users,” adds John.
THE RISE OF LITHIUM- ION BATTERIES
In the realm of energy efficiency, lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly prevalent, which is what also drives the CS7020.
“We’re seeing a significant shift towards lithium-ion batteries due to their consistent performance, zero emissions and fast and opportune charging capabilities,” says John. “Previously, long-hour usage sites and operations required hybrid models with diesel or LPG, but now, lithium batteries are proving to be productive, convenient and an affordable solution.”
DIVERSE ENERGY SOURCES
John says Nilfisk has three main sources of energy for its solutions.
“In our case, our main three energy sources are batteries, and our lithium-ion batteries. The other two sources we have in some of our larger machines are what we call a hybrid model, a combination of battery/diesel or a battery/LPG,” says John.
“Demand for hybrid machines are shifting more and more to LithIon battery powered solutions. It’s changing quickly, and machine pricing is becoming more affordable.”
As logistics businesses continue to face competitive pressures and tighter margins, the CS7020 offers
a sustainable, efficient, and cost- effective cleaning solution. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make it a valuable asset for modern industrial cleaning needs.
INNOVATION IN INDUSTRIAL SITE VACUUM CLEANING
Nilfisk’s new Industrial battery powered vacuum cleaner – the VHB436 is adding to the suite of innovative cleaning solutions Nilfisk offers. This state-of-the-art vacuum
MHD WAREHOUSING cleaner, powered by lithium-ion batteries, addresses several key challenges in large facilities such as warehouses and distribution centres.
One of the primary advantages of the VHB43 is its ability to eliminate the need for long power cords out in the site aisles.
“In facilities like warehouses, you don’t want long mains powered cords laying all over the place,” says John Mahar, Commercial Product Manager-Pacific for Nilfisk.
“The VHB436 offers a cordless vacuum cleaning solution that allows for thorough cleaning even in hard- to-reach areas, like the back of aisles or underneath racks, where traditional power outlets are not available.”
The global demand for such solutions is on the rise rapidly, particularly in North America and Europe. The focus is not just on tidying up, but on ensuring that every corner of the facility is addressed and cleaned easily and effectively.
“Our smart customers won’t just leave that spill or dust and dirt in the corner or down the end of the aisle,” says John.
“They want to get it cleaned up fast, especially in critical areas like 3PL logistics sites where all visible areas should be spotless”
For more information on Nilfisk, click here.
Combilift, an innovator in material handling solutions, has achieved dual recognition at this year’s UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024, securing two highly prestigious awards.
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Ben Haughey and Jordan McFall from Automate-X, the industrial automation solutions company founded in Auckland, New Zealand, explain its offerings and projects it’s worked on.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new player emerged in the automation industry – Automate-X, founded in 2020 in New Zealand.
As businesses faced challenges in their supply chains, the demand for automation solutions grew. Automate-X seized this opportunity to innovate across various sectors.
“We saw a significant boom in automation demand due to labour restrictions and the need for efficient processes,” says Ben Haughey, Director of Operations and Co-founder of Automate-X.
“Our solutions have been diverse, initially focusing on manufacturing industries with production line automation using robotics and machine vision, and now expanding into warehouse automation.”
A COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP APPROACH
From the outset, Automate-X has emphasised the importance of partnering with clients.
“Partnership has been a core value for us,” explains Ben.
“We guide our clients through technological advancements and offer comprehensive support systems. This collaborative approach ensures that we’re not just service providers, but also strategic partners in their growth.”
“We offer turnkey solutions, including project management, engineering, and ongoing support,” says Jordan McFall, Business Development Manager for the company.
“Our clients appreciate that we provide end-to-end services, from conceptualisation to implementation and beyond. This partnership model has been crucial in our projects, especially as we expand into new markets.”
DIVERSE INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS
Automate-X has been active across a range of industries.
“We work with some of the largest companies in the dairy and manufacturing sectors in New Zealand,” says Ben.
“Our projects have included innovative solutions like the four-way shuttle system for a food distribution company and bespoke machine vision applications for quality control.”
“We’re proud to introduce the first mobile goods-to-person system to a client in New Zealand,” explains Ben.
“This project, on the back of our first project with Geek+ in Melbourne, Australia, marks a milestone as Automate-X expands its footprint beyond New Zealand.”
TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET
As Automate-X enters the Australian market, the focus is clear.
“In Australia, we’re concentrating on logistics automation, particularly within warehouse environments,” says Jordan. “We aim to handle everything from bulk storage to intricate logistical challenges.”
“Our team is heavily involved in every stage of the project,” explains Ben.
“Our engineers are trained in the specific technologies we use, such
as Geek+. This hands-on approach makes us an extension of our client’s team, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.”
COMPREHENSIVE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT
Automate-X is committed to providing robust post-implementation support.
“We offer tailored maintenance and service level agreements to meet our clients’ specific needs,” says Jordan.
“Our service team is available 24/7, providing preventive and corrective maintenance. This comprehensive support structure is crucial in ensuring our customers realise the full benefits of their automation investment.
“Our team is diverse and skilled, covering everything from machine vision and machine safety to system engineering,” adds Ben. “This versatility allows us to be nimble and responsive, adapting to any challenge that arises.
BUILDING A STRONG TEAM FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS
The team at Automate-X is a blend of experienced professionals from various backgrounds, united by a shared vision of robotics.
“Our team members are not just experts in their fields; they are problem solvers and doers,” says Ben. “We look for individuals who are flexible, nimble, and ready to learn new skills. This mindset is what sets us apart and enables us to deliver exceptional solutions.
“Our values – partnership, nimbleness, and excellence – are at the heart of everything we do. We aim to do things well, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible service and support.”
EXPANDING IN AUSTRALIA AND BEYOND
As Automate-X looks to the future, its plans are ambitious.
“We’re growing our team in Melbourne and plan to establish a presence in Sydney later this year,” says Ben.
“This expansion is part of our strategy to offer local support and strengthen our position in the Australian market.”
“We’re also working on several key projects, including warehouse automation and software solutions,” explains Jordan. “Our goal is to make a significant impact in the market, offering innovative and reliable solutions to our clients.”
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Automate-X aims to be more than just another player in the automation industry; it seeks to disrupt the market.
“We want to make a big impact and provide real value to our clients in Australia and beyond,” says Jordan.
“Our focus on long-term partnerships means we’re in it for the long haul, ready to support our clients at every stage of their automation journey.”
“It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about educating and guiding our clients through the entire process,” adds Ben.
“We believe that automation is a journey, and we’re here to help our clients every step of the way.”
As Automate-X continues to expand and innovate, it wants to be known for it’s partnership driven approach and commitment to excellence.
To know more about Automate-X, click here
Falcon Autotech is reshaping global warehouse automation with innovative technology and a robust international footprint. Sandeep Bansal, Chief Business Officer and Chris Josey, Regional Head ANZ share insights into the company’s transformative journey.
Since its inception in 2012, Falcon Autotech has established itself as a trailblazer in the realm of warehouse automation solutions. Initially focusing on solving specialised automation challenges for clients, the India-based company designs, manufactures, supplies, implements, and maintains cutting-edge warehouse automation systems.
“Falcon Autotech initially focused on specialised machinery. By 2012, recognising a gap in India’s warehouse automation market, Falcon developed a local technology stack to replace costly imports from Europe and Japan. Today, Falcon is a leading player in India’s intralogistics sector, commanding over 75 per cent of the sortation market,” says Sandeep.
With operations spanning 15 countries, Falcon Autotech has advanced in the sector, specialising in cutting-edge technologies including sortation, robotics, conveying, vision systems, and IoT.
“Since our launch, we have expanded our product line to include static and dynamic weighing systems, sortation and conveyor systems, and our latest innovation, the fully 3D ASRS system, NEO,” says Sandeep.
“About three years ago, we began our international expansion by establishing sales offices in Australia, the Middle East, and Europe, with plans for the US,” says Chris Josey,
“Since launching in Australia in March 2023, we’ve achieved remarkable success, including recent system awards for the New Zealand market. We’ve installed systems across Europe, the Middle East, India, and Australia, and we’re excited to continue our growth with a planned launch in the US market by March 2025.”
These installations include partnerships with major players in industries such as E-Commerce, CEP (Courier, Express, Parcel), fashion, food/FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods), automotive, and pharmaceuticals.
Integration of AI
AI is turning traditional operations into agile, data-driven marvels. With real-time data analysis, AI enhances inventory management, optimises sorting, and predicts maintenance needs, all the while accelerating speed and accuracy.
The AI works at multiple stages in the warehouse automation system.
“One basic use of AI is analysing data from sorters to improve the accuracy of labels, reducing the chances of missorts and efficiently reading unreadable labels before sending the information back to the sortation system”, says Sandeep.
“However, the most significant application we’ve seen is in the automated storage and retrieval systems. Today’s ASRS systems, including our newly launched Neo, can analyse historical data, predict future demands, perform ABC categorisation, and auto-map inventory to specific stations. There are numerous use cases for AI in enhancing ASRS functionality.”
Falcon recently has also enhanced one of its oldest product lines – Dimension Weight Scanning (DWS) Systems. Companies often need DWS for storage space planning, optimising packaging size for outbound products, correcting freight costs and vehicle space utilisation.
“By integrating high-end vision cameras and AI technology, we’ve advanced DWS to accurately capture the volumetric weight of irregularly shaped items. For instance, it can now determine the cubic volume of a water bottle or a polybag of tomatoes, showcasing another example of how AI and vision technology are transforming our products,” adds Sandeep.
Adoption of warehouse automation
Warehouse automation offers the potential for enhancing operations, cutting costs, and boosting customer satisfaction. Yet, the transition to automated systems is fraught with challenges.
According to Falcon Autotech, there is an uptick in the trend of adoption of warehouse automation technologies, especially since COVID-19, which highlighted the reliance on human labour.
“The acceptance level has increased with a higher inquiry level,” said Chris. “Organisations are more motivated to invest as they see the importance of focussing on improved efficiencies, productivity increases and accuracy. Accompany this with a strong ROI and the business case with our solutions is very strong.
The biggest challenge in this market is securing skilled labour. To address this, we’ve partnered with specialised organisations in Australia, allowing us to sustainably grow our footprint while ensuring we can support our products throughout their entire lifecycle.”
A new take on ASRS
Falcon Autotech’s NEO is set to transform how businesses approach efficiency, productivity, and inventory management. Unlike traditional ASR systems limited to X and Y axis, NEO can move in three axis, climb racks without the need for lifts or conveyor systems, reaching heights up to 12 metres.
This innovation allows businesses to utilise vertical space, access any SKU with any robot, and seamlessly interact with any ‘goods to person’ station.
The NEO system, powered by cutting-edge robotics, AI, and advanced sensors, features five groundbreaking components: NEObots, NEOgrid, NEObins, NEOit, and NEOstations.
“Two key trends we’re seeing are the increasing unavailability of skilled labour and the rising cost of land, which is continually escalating, says Sandeep.
“As quality land becomes more expensive, businesses must focus on utilising vertical space effectively. We’re observing warehouses expanding from eight metres to sizes of 12, 16, and even 24 metres in height. Companies must leverage vertical height and find systems that can boost productivity levels by three to four times, which is exactly what our ASRS achieves.
Our system delivers a productivity boost of around four to five times by minimising the need for operators to walk the warehouse, allowing them to remain static while products are delivered to them. This goods-to-person technology is highly efficient, reduces fatigue and workplace incidents and adds another level of security to our clients’ products.
Additionally, our system utilises vertical height effectively, currently supporting storage up to 12 metres and potentially up to 16 metres in the future. This capability meets approximately 80 to 90 per cent of market needs.”
NEO offers an ROI of around three to three and a half years. In Australia, however, it typically sees an ROI of about one and a half years – two years, though this can vary based on the size and scale of operations. On average, Neo delivers a return on investment in about 18 months in the Australian market.
Sustainable future
Falcon Autotech maintains a paperless policy and focuses on using recyclable materials and renewable energy in its manufacturing processes. Its technology is designed with energy efficiency featuring power-saving modes that deactivate unused components to conserve energy.
“We are incorporating recyclable plastics in our NEO bins and exploring models to collect and recycle these bins from customers for reuse. These initiatives are part of our broader commitment to sustainability,” adds Sandeep.
Global Outreach
Initially focusing on developing automation solutions tailored to the Indian market, Falcon has distinguished itself from multinational competitors by emphasising homegrown innovation.
This commitment aligns with the Make in India initiative, showcasing its ability to produce high-quality, competitively-priced products. As demand grows, Falcon has penetrated international markets, including Europe and the USA, while continuing to invest in R&D to stay ahead of industry trends.
“Our approach to international markets is straightforward”, says Sandeep. “First, having a proof of concept in that market is crucial, as demonstrated by our success in Australia. Second, robust sales and support networks are essential; we ensure peace of mind for our customers by maintaining a 100 per cent success rate over the past 12 years with all projects still operational. Lastly, building a strong partner ecosystem is key, which is why we’re establishing our dealer and agent program in Australia to enhance accessibility and support for our technology.”
Falcon Autotech’s advancement in warehouse automation reflects its leadership in integrating innovative technologies and global expansion. By leveraging AI and robotics, the company continues to address complex supply chain challenges while maintaining a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
For more information on Falcon Autotech, click here
The majority of Australians would consider buying an EV as their next vehicle.
New sales of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Australia have doubled every year since 2020, and 2023 was no exception with just under 100,000 EVs sold, according to the newest data from the Electric Vehicle Council. These sales come as the Australian Federal and State governments encourage car buyers to consider EVs with legislation such as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which encourages suppliers to sell lower-emission vehicles.
The Australian Capital Territory remains the leader in EV adoption in Australia, with 21.9 per cent of all new cars sold being EVs. New South Wales is next with 9 per cent, followed by Queensland at 8.3 per cent. Geotab believes EVs have a great future in Australia, but it will take some time and work to get there.
Here are three trends which show Australia’s promising efforts to fully transition to EVs:
Price is the biggest barrier to adoption, but prices are falling
The Transport Opinion Survey, conducted by the University of Sydney, found that 1 in 3 Australians are considering buying an electric vehicle in the next 5 years. However, 44 per cent of those surveyed say they cannot afford an EV, as they are more expensive than traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars and come with additional infrastructure costs that an ICE car does not.
EV technology is constantly evolving, and newer brands which aim to increase affordability, such as Chinese manufacturer BYD, will make EVs more accessible over time. According to the government’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy Annual Update 2023-2024, the number of EV models under $60,000 has increased from 14 in 2023 to 22 in 2023, giving price-sensitive consumers greater choice. Improvements to the distribution of charging infrastructure will also mean EV owners may not need to invest in charging docks at home.
EV charging infrastructure is expanding
EVs themselves are only half the picture. Consumers remain concerned about the lack of public fast charging infrastructure and wish to see subsidies for home charging infrastructure. But there’s good news on the charging front as well. The EVC report saw a 75 per cent increase in the number of charging sites from 2022 to 2023, representing just under 350 new sites added to Australia’s charging network.
Victoria saw the biggest increase in commissioned sites in 2023, adding 88 fast charging and 22 ultrafast locations. NSW added 80 new sites , and Queensland added 53. Last year, the Federal Government announced $39.3 million to expand Australia’s charging network by installing fast chargers on national highways. The NRMA matched this amount, pledging to upgrade charging infrastructure in rural and regional Australia to provide coverage on all major highways.
Telematics helps range anxiety
One of the key challenges in the EV transition is the concern about range anxiety, particularly in regions with sparse charging infrastructure. While the number of charging stations is improving, some organisations are looking for solid evidence before they make the switch. Installing telematics can help to gather this evidence.
Business NSW, which represents nearly 50,000 businesses across New South Wales, took this approach. Business NSW partnered with Geotab to pilot an EV program to assess and overcome the difficulties of EV adoption in regional areas. They used Geotab’s telematics to monitor vehicle performance, charging habits and energy consumption. This approach helped them assess the feasibility of EVs, even in areas where charging stations are few and far between.
Easier electrification ahead
As EVs become more popular in Australia, the opportunity for consumers and businesses alike to reduce their carbon footprint grows. EV technology will continue to improve, with greater range and better features available to drivers.
As fleet adoption grows, more fleet managers will consider telematics as a way to drive efficiencies and reduce costs. Efforts to decarbonise Australia’s transportation industry will be vital to meet our clean energy targets, and telematics form just one part of the answer. Though there is still significant work to be done to achieve a full EV transition, Australia is making good progress.
To find out more about how Geotab can help your fleet transition to EVs, visit sustainable fleet solutions.
Article originally published on Geotab, https://www.geotab.com/au/blog/electric-vehicle-sales-australia/
Implementing robust cybersecurity measures is essential for any business. With the growing reliance on data and artificial intelligence (AI), safeguarding sensitive information has never been more crucial. Cyber threats continue to evolve, making it imperative for companies to stay ahead of potential risks.