Element Logic is an international cross-industry system integrator and solution developer for efficient intralogistics. The robotics solutions, material handling systems, software and consulting services, which are precisely tailored to the respective requirements, increase the workflow of the customers and make their value chain more profitable. The company’s headquarters are located in Norway. Worldwide, Element Logic achieved total sales of more than 200 million euros in 2021 as an interim stage of its growth strategy.
Interview with Joachim Kieninger, Director Strategic Business Development at Element Logic Deutschland.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Joachim Kieninger: Element Logic is a pioneer in the field of automation solutions for efficient intralogistics. From the very beginning, the company’s core business has been the development of innovative solutions and technologies that optimize warehouse processes and performance. After the company was founded in 1985, the first automation solutions were based on vertical carousels in combination with control software from Element Logic. Within a decade, they made the company the market leader in Scandinavia.
Since 2003, Element Logic has been the world’s largest and first official AutoStore distributor. The automated, robot-based small parts storage and picking system combines process automation, the flexibility of end-to-end scalability, and compact, energy-efficient system technology into a complete intelligent solution. The systems for high-density storage with minimum space requirements and fast, error-free order picking without walkways are considered the most successful automation system of the past decades. Since then, the continuously growing partnership has promoted the growth of both companies with clear double-digit growth rates in the international market. In parallel, Element Logic is continuously developing further components and applications for process optimization and more sustainability in intralogistics.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
J.K: Supported by our software, Element Logic is continuously developing innovative technologies for load optimization. In addition to the integration of the latest optimizations and components of the AutoStore technology, the eOperator, an integrated pick-rooter solution from Element Logic for automated picking and the integration of Automated Guided Vehicles (AMR) from our Indian cooperation partner and robotics specialist Addverb Technologies are standard solutions from Element Logic.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
J.K: In addition to the components of a comprehensive modular conveyor system and the aforementioned AutoStore expertise with more than 200 projects implemented internationally, Element Logic focuses on the integration and further development of sustainable technologies – both in terms of software and information technology (IT) as well as hardware. For example, Element Logic has developed the eOperator together with the specialists from RightHand Robotics. eOperator is a robotic arm that works with machine learning (ML), an artificial intelligence (AI) process. With image capture and the programmed algorithms, the robotic arm is able to safely grab products from bins and place them in a targeted manner at a picking workstation on an AutoStore system. Using ML, the picking robot continuously improves its ability to grip known and new items without having to be trained in advance.
Joachim Kieninger, Director Strategic Business Development at Element Logic Deutschland.
Another new product at Element Logic is the automated guided vehicle (AMR) from the Indian cooperation partner and robotics specialist Addverb Technologies. With their integration, Element Logic relies on another efficient, future-proof and flexibly scalable standard component for efficient material flow in the warehouse. Combined with an AutoStore system and eOperator, Element Logic now offers end-to-end automation solutions from incoming goods registration to storage and outgoing goods from a single source.
This spectrum in the IT area is rounded off with the eManager software from Element Lo-gic. Among other things, it provides the functions of goods receipt, inventory control, returns processing, replenishment and picking – and as a portal to all the necessary information, it ensures transparency and optimized processes in the automated warehouse. In addition, Element Logic recently expanded its range of products and services with the acquisition of S&P Computersysteme GmbH to include a state-of-the-art intralogistics software suite. This means that Element Logic covers the entire spectrum of customer needs with its own product portfolio, from warehouse management software to warehouse and conveyor technology hardware with the associated control software.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
J.K: The mechanical and plant engineering sector for automation solutions in intralogistics continues to register a good development in demand. The pandemic and the geopolitical developments of recent years have heightened awareness of flexibility, automation, digital transformation and resource efficiency and are revealing a need to catch up in many places. Element Logic is excellently positioned in this market environment with its forward-looking range of products and services.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
J.K: As I said: In automation solutions for intralogistics, flexibility, digitalization, and resource efficiency determine the current development trends and define our innovative new products.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
J.K: Systems and solutions that meet current requirements in a future-proof manner are currently in high demand. This includes the consistently scalable and flexible AutoStore system as well as our eOperator and our innovative software applications with integration of modern technologies up to artificial intelligence.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
J.K: It remains to be seen how inflation, energy shortages and price increases, as well as further geopolitical developments, will affect the areas of automation and digitalization in intralogistics. Therefore, the future economic situation is currently difficult to forecast in concrete terms. However, plant manufacturers and innovative system integrators such as Element Logic will continue to benefit in 2023 from the fact that many companies with a solid equity ratio will invest in process optimization and sustainability in order to consolidate and expand their flexibility and competitive position for the future. The continuing shortage of skilled workers and the ongoing requirements of the digital transformation will further promote automation in all areas. Against this background, I am positive about the future for the industry and for Element Logic in particular.
Image credits: Element Logic
Element Logic GmbH
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Str. 3
74177 Bad Friedrichshall
Tel. 07136/270409-80
Joachim.kieninger@elementlogic.de
