Description

The Destuff-it system is an advanced unloading solution that significantly increases efficiency when unloading containers and trucks. Its ergonomic design improves safety and comfort by allowing operators to easily place boxes – whether on the floor or stacked high – onto the belt positioned at the same height, without the need for bending or twisting.

The innovation lies in the flexible belt inside the container and the high manoeuvrability of the unit both inside the container and on the warehouse floor. The system can be moved easily from dock to dock. This mobile ergonomic conveyor system helps workers unload containers faster and more safely. It supports handling of boxes up to 74 kg and enables higher throughput and efficiency with less fatigue and strain thanks to its optimal ergonomic positioning.

The Destuff-it unit can be used at both inbound and outbound docks and features a modular, bi-directional belt. Its flexibility improves health and safety while increasing productivity and reducing fatigue, muscle strain, and risk of injury.

Innovations

There are many ways to unload a container. The Destuff-it is focused on companies unloading two or more containers per day. Traditional manual unloading using forklifts and labourers is responsible for about 30% of all musculoskeletal injuries in logistics. Other systems, such as flexible or telescopic conveyors with integrated platforms, offer partial solutions. However, these platforms are positioned in front of the unit, requiring operators to lift, rotate (up to 30 kg or more), and place boxes onto the conveyor behind them.

The Destuff-it unit is unique:

• Its conveyor is positioned next to the operator, who can simply move the belt toward the box and pull it on – without lifting or twisting.
• This system is a cost-effective step before full automation, suitable for all carton types regardless of condition.
• Being battery-powered and fully mobile, one unit can serve multiple dock doors within a warehouse.
• It is the only solution on the market that brings the belt so close to the carton wall, eliminating the need for lifting or lifting aids.
• It also features the most comprehensive safety measures available in its product category.
• The intuitive one-hand controls (left, right, up, down) enhance productivity by allowing continuous operation without interruptions.

Market relevance

The EU market in this segment is growing rapidly, with safety and ergonomic regulations becoming increasingly important. Recently, the German government announced a reduction of the maximum parcel weight to 20 kg. Many countries face labour shortages for physically demanding warehouse tasks that cannot be fully automated.

Common productivity challenges include:

1. Insufficient labour availability
2. High employee turnover
3. Rising labour costs
4. Increasing pressure from Health & Safety authorities and labour unions
5. Limited warehouse space
6. Workplace accidents and injuries
7. High absenteeism
8. Sustainability and inclusive employment of both genders and older workers also play an important role.

Over the past ten years, around 3,500 machines have been installed in North America – approximately 85% of them since 2020. The system is therefore well-proven, but still new to the European market, which is considered to offer comparable potential. According to Statista, the European market for e-commerce, logistics and warehouse automation is growing rapidly, with expected increases of 30 to 100% over the next few years.
Key target groups include 3PL providers, postal and parcel service operators, as well as large shippers handling multiple containers per day. The market potential is accordingly significant.

Customer benefits

1. Productivity improvements of up to 100%.
2. Elimination of most ergonomic risks during unloading – no lifting, carrying, overreaching, or twisting required.
   Data collected in early 2023 from 13 sites with 45 machines:
   87% overall reduction in injuries
   100% reduction in acute injuries
3. Full mobility within the warehouse and container environment