Do you have any special requests, concerns or questions about our products and services? Our team of experts looks forward to supporting you.
The world is changing Global megatrends such as digitalisation and automation are changing society – and therefore intralogistics. The connected world is smaller, the paths are shorter. New spaces for innovation are being created. Global networking poses particular challenges for the economy, which must be met with new opportunities and the search for future-oriented solutions. The potential of digitalisation and automation in the field of intralogistics obviously offers huge opportunities.
Discover how our products keep your intralogistics moving
Power and control cables
ETHERLINE® data cables
UNTRONIC® data cables
HITRONIC® data cables
Plug connectors
Cable glands
Cable protection and guiding systems
Marking systems
The digital age in logistics
The use of automated storage and transport systems enables more efficient processes that save time and costs. The intelligent networking of all components satisfies the demand for same-day delivery and just-in-sequence production. The continuous and complete transparency of the flow of goods thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) also makes real-time monitoring and control of warehouse and logistics processes possible, thereby offering precise solutions for forecasting and speed.
Applications
The applications include complex challenges in the age of digitalisation, which open up plenty of space for innovation and thus pioneering solutions. The areas of application are varied and numerous, and the respective benefits are immense. LAPP sees itself as a pioneer of future-oriented developments and therefore enables optimum intralogistics processes in many areas.
Storage and retrieval machines are a central component of an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). These electrically operated, rail-guided cranes move vertically and horizontally within the high-bay warehouse for the storage and retrieval of goods. Depending on the system, the storage and retrieval machines can be between six and eight metres high, while larger models can reach heights of up to 46 metres. With a speed of up to six metres per second, they enable fast and efficient storage, reduce space requirements and significantly increase productivity in warehouse operations.
Challenges:
- The assembly of storage and retrieval machines is time-consuming and costly.
- The cable chain is often the weak point during maintenance.
LAPP Solutions:
- Complete storage and retrieval machine connectivity package for easy installation.
- Reduction of suppliers and complexity for shorter assembly times.
- Highly reliable components to minimise downtime.
The carousel system is a sub-category of the ASRS and consists of containers that rotate on a predetermined track – either horizontally or vertically. The system rotates automatically until the desired container is in the correct position for removal. This technology operates at low to medium speeds and is particularly suitable for space-saving storage of small parts. The available space is optimally utilised thanks to the high storage density.
Challenges:
- Series machines sold worldwide, where a certain variability of sizes and configurations must be covered.
- Too many different suppliers and connection components that cannot be sold globally.
LAPP Solutions:
- Optimised cable chain design, can be used worldwide.
- Different variants for different carousel systems.
- Reduction of suppliers and complexity for shorter assembly times.
A shuttle system in an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) is a dynamic solution for storing and retrieving containers or pallets. The shuttles move autonomously within the shelving structure and can either operate on a fixed level or switch between several levels – by using rails or lifts. These modular and scalable systems enable a high degree of flexibility and can be expanded as required. A high throughput can be achieved by using several shuttles.
Challenges:
- High system complexity leads to high initial investment and maintenance costs.
LAPP Solutions:
- Cost reduction by offering prefabricated cable harnesses and modules.
- Reduction of suppliers and complexity for shorter assembly times.
An automated small parts warehouse is an advanced storage system for the efficient storage and fast removal of large quantities of small parts. The fully automated and computer-controlled solution is often combined with ASRS systems, robotic gripper arms, shuttles and conveyor systems to achieve a particularly high storage density. The use of modern control software ensures fast and error-free order picking.
Challenges:
- No series machine, high degree of modularity and customisation of sensor/actuator cabling required.
- Focus on automation, usually little expertise on the connectivity side.
- On-site installation is time-consuming.
- Requires a high quality and reliable cable system to minimise the risk of failure/maintenance.
LAPP Solutions:
- Design-in: providing expertise for the best choice of cabling.
- Standardisation of connection elements, suitable for every
- customer-specific requirement.
- Plug & play solution for quick installation.
Conveyor systems enable the efficient transport, sorting and forwarding of goods within a warehouse or production facility. Motorised rollers or conveyor belts are used for this purpose. The systems can consist of individual modules or complex systems. Thanks to their modular design, they can be flexibly adapted to changing transport routes, types of goods or throughput requirements.
Challenges:
- High modularisation for maximum flexibility or forwarding.
- High need for standardisation of components and interfaces in order to reduce complexity in all the different modules.
- On-site installation is time-consuming.
LAPP Solutions:
- Maximum depth of added value for every component: plug connections, cables and assemblies from a single source.
- E2E connectivity to realise a modular design.
- Mastering complex logistical requirements (e.g. just-in-time delivery for airport projects).
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicle systems (AGVs) are intelligent, self-driving vehicles that coordinate their routes independently and adapt dynamically to their surroundings. While AMRs calculate the optimum route to their destination completely autonomously, taking obstacles into account in real time, AGVs move along predefined routes. Both systems offer an efficient solution for in-house goods transport and significantly reduce manual labour.
Challenges:
- Need for highly compact robot design.
- High iterations of robot generations with improved software, sensors and design in general.
LAPP Solutions:
- Co-engineering and customised products to improve space requirements, weight, EMC and routing.
- Design, prototyping and delivery of complete cable harnesses.
Sorting systems identify, process and automatically forward products to the designated storage or dispatch areas. The use of sensors, cameras, barcode scanners or robots in combination with data-driven software optimises the accuracy and speed of processes. This technology reduces manual effort, minimises error rates and increases efficiency in logistics.
Challenges:
- Difficulty in finding sorting systems that can be easily reconfigured or scaled.
- Fully customised solution leads to long lead time from purchase to delivery.
LAPP Solutions:
- Provision of modular cable systems that enable simple reconfiguration and scalability without long downtimes.
- Offer of high quality and durable cables that reduce the frequency of replacement and maintenance.
The system installation and infrastructure includes the seamless networking of all relevant halls and systems – from the external building connection through to complete integration within the intralogistics system. High-performance cables ensure a stable power supply and enable the smooth operation of automated transport systems and highly complex storage solutions.
Challenges:
- Difficult installation of large cable dimensions without any flexibility.
- Difficult to source coordinated cables, cable lugs and crimping tools.
- Difficult last-mile management for Greenfield projects if the delivery address is not yet available.
LAPP Solutions:
- Support when switching to more installation-friendly cables or single-core variants.
- Complete system of products and tools for easy installation.
- Logistics service for coordinating last-mile management with GPS data.
LAPP Harnessing Solutions – the all-round solution
The intelligent networking of all components is a comprehensive project that requires individually tailored connection solutions from a single source. LAPP Harnessing Solutions is the all-round carefree package from LAPP – the result of rethinking product and service together. The system solution developed by LAPP offers pre-assembled single-core cables for stationary systems, servo assemblies for fast applications and highly complex cable chains.
At 17 state-of-the-art assembly sites in 12 countries and on 4 continents, 920 employees on 40,000 m² work on the outstanding, manufacturer-independent system solution. We are always close by and can rely on the experience and knowledge from about 500,000 different assemblies per year. We offer kits for new projects and see ourselves as an external department for our customers. Benefit from our extensive expertise in cabling technology and find an individual system connection solution tailored to your needs here.