Description

A celluveyor is a modular material flow system consisting of hexagonal cells, which can be assembled to any layout. On the celluveyor surface, packages can be moved and positioned flexibly thanks to omnidirectional wheels. Thus, even complex material flow tasks can be realized – for example, the celluveyor can receive individual packages and form layers for automatic palletizing systems.

Complex applications become a piece of cake for customers: the celluveyor can be programmed and configured by installing new software – similar to apps on a smartphone. No programming knowledge is required and anyone who can use a smartphone can control a celluveyor system.

The technology can be used in all stations of a material flow chain where a more complex movement than simply “straight ahead” is required. Especially logistics centers, but also production centers, in which packages are moved, are the main operation area for the celluveyor. The celluveyor can also be optimally used by machine manufacturers who transport or process plate-like material such as wood, glass or metals.

The celluveyor cell is the central element of the technology – it is always identical regardless of the application and can be produced in large quantities. Thus, very high scaling effects are achieved.

Innovations

Conventional material handling systems are designed to perform a specific function and provide optimum performance at peak loads. Most conventional conveyor systems move objects in predefined paths. Such systems consist of hundreds of components for linear movement and nodes for all special functions (such as rotation). To cover peak volumes efficiently and reliably, systems are often built larger than they need to be. They are “reliable workhorses” for relatively simple, unchanging tasks. However, they cannot provide the multifunctionality and flexibility required today. They are therefore very inflexible, capital-intensive, take up a lot of space and require a lot of spare parts.

In contrast, the celluveyor is a modular, multi-functional material flow system that represents a completely new approach: instead of a rigid, mechanical conveyor belt designed for a single, unchanging task, the celluveyor can be (re)configured with a few clicks at the touch of a button – rotation and linear movements are “mechanically decoupled” and are controlled solely by software. The celluveyor requires up to 95 percent less space than conventional material flow systems and the spare parts are reduced to a single element: the cell. Compared to traditional systems, it is more flexible, less expensive and can be delivered at short notice.

Market relevance

The main growth driver in this market is e-commerce and associated changes in customer purchasing behaviour. This growth is expected to continue – for the five years 2018-2023 at a CAGR of 17 percent to €5.9 billion in global e-commerce retail sales.

The relevant market for the celluveyor is the market for material flow technology. Industry sources estimated the size of the relevant global subsegment of continuous conveyors at € 33.5 billion in 2016 (of which EU: € 13.2 billion) and forecast significant growth (CAGR 9.9 percent). Manufacturers and logistics companies are the main customers for material flow systems, with the main target group being system integrators who install complete systems for manufacturing and logistics companies. Secondary target groups are logistics operators, OEMs and manufacturers. cellumation has already successfully implemented various pilot projects with key customers, several systems are in industrial use and the sales pipeline is filled.

Customer benefits

The main advantages for the customers are:

• Layout flexibility: The celluveyor can be built in any shape, which means unique layout flexibility. Thanks to this flexibility, the celluveyor can be easily integrated into existing systems even when they have a fixed layout.
• Security of investment: The celluveyor can be used for all conveyor functions. The functionality can be (re)configured with a few clicks on a laptop or tablet. Changes in a customer’s requirements (changed volume, changed package sizes, new services, etc.) can easily be accommodated and customer investments are sustainably secured.
• Low space requirements: The celluveyor requires up to 95 percent less space compared to conventional systems for complex applications.
• Plug & Play principle: No time-consuming integration and programming of static logic controls is required – the celluveyor counts with automatic layout recognition and the individual cells communicate directly with each other. This allows a quick set up of the celluveyor.
• Simple & cost-effective maintenance: The celluveyor has only a single spare part: the cell. This can be replaced within minutes by the customer’s factory staff. In this way, longer system failures can be avoided, the spare parts stock is minimized and there are almost no maintenance costs.