Fieldlab Will Do Research Into 'Logistics of the Future

In this test environment, the fieldlab experiments with AGVs and other robotics. The aim is to gather knowledge about all logistic processes so that companies in the manufacturing industry can produce more efficiently.

The Fieldlab AML, which is part of the innovation programme ‘Factory of the Future’, wants to improve the logistics of companies on campus by implementing various Industry 4.0 applications, such as autonomous vehicles, connected systems and digital simulation.

The test environment that is officially taken into use today mimics a simplified logistics chain, manned by robots. The test environment is part of a study into how companies can automate their logistics as much as possible and improve and align their logistics planning.

“We offer the supply chain in the manufacturing industry the opportunity to take a leap in productivity, lead time and supply chain costs. By automating logistics and optimising planning, fewer operations and investments are required. At the same time, companies have faster delivery times and higher productivity,” says Erik Vermeulen, Project Manager of the Fieldlab. “Here we are going to build up knowledge about all logistic processes. From simulation to mobile robots. We will demonstrate this knowledge in the test environment.”

IJssel Technology, Rubix, KMWE, Brainport Industries, TU/e and Erasmus University are the founding partners of the fieldlab. Faes Packaging Concepts and Yaskawa are connected as extended partners, and there is already cooperation with innovation technology parties in the chain such as Grenzebach, MIR and Anylogic. Vermeulen is enthusiastic about this collaboration and the possibilities it offers: “We are going to make logistics future-proof by research into things that are not possible yet. If these studies are successful, we will implement them in practice. I am enormously proud that we are going to work with this now.”