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This paper presents a comprehensive pallet-picking approach for forklift robots, comprising a pallet identification and localization algorithm (PILA) to detect and locate the pallet and a vehicle alignment algorithm (VAA) to align the vehicle fork arms with the targeted pallet.

Opposing vision-based methods or point cloud data strategies, we utilize a low-cost RGB-D camera, and thus PILA exploits both RGB and depth data to quickly and precisely recognize and localize the pallet. The developed method guarantees a high identification rate from RGB images and more precise 3D localization information than a depth camera. Additionally, a deep neural network (DNN) method is applied to detect and locate the pallet in the RGB images. Specifically, the point cloud data is correlated with the labeled region of interest (RoI) in the RGB images, and the pallet's front-face plane is extracted from the point cloud. Furthermore, PILA introduces a universal geometrical rule to identify the pallet's center as a “T-shape” without depending on specific pallet types. Finally, VAA is proposed to implement the vehicle approaching and pallet picking operations as a “proof-of-concept” to test PILA’s performance.

Experimentally, the orientation angle and centric location of the two kinds of pallets are investigated without any artificial marking. The results show that the pallet could be located with a three-dimensional localization accuracy of 1 cm and an angle resolution of 0.4 degrees at a distance of 3 m with the vehicle control algorithm.

PILA’s performance is limited by the current depth camera’s range (< = 3 m), and this is expected to be improved by using a better depth measurement device in the future.

The results demonstrate that the pallets can be located with an accuracy of 1cm along the x, y, and z directions and affording an angular resolution of 0.4 degrees at a distance of 3m in 700ms.

The development of a generic flexible assembly system involves the design, selection and integration of a number of different mechanical systems in order to develop an assembly system, which is capable of assembling a wide variety of products having an unknown specification. A specific system configuration being dependent on a variety of factors such as, product size, weight, component insertion direction, and manipulator geometry. This paper examines each of the factors that should be considered when designing a generic flexible assembly system and presents a novel generic flexible assembly system design.

As a discussion of Flexible Manufacturing Systems and their implications for British industry, the advantages of FMS are described and particular systems are examined.

Vision is slowly emerging from the laboratory and loosing its ivory tower image. Systems such as that of Bosch, described here, originated in the research environment but are commercially available.

This paper aims to present how the success of inter‐organizational systems (IOS) implementation projects can be increased by aligning the different incentives of buyers and suppliers.

The research method employed is case study and its unit of analysis is a network of supplier and wholesaler (buyer) companies acting in the Finnish technical trade industry, which are implementing inter‐organizational tracking. The implementation project followed an implementation process model developed to execute the case study.

For a buyer, the challenge in IOS implementation is that suppliers feel the adoption more difficult and have less identifiable benefits. However, in the case study, suppliers were ready to implement tracking solution because they understand that improvements in IOS help to apply common industry data exchange standards and will lead to better supply chain collaboration, which also increases their operational performance in the long run.

This paper concentrates on supplier and buyer incentives but also the role of other supply chain members such as logistics providers could be analyzed to examine different factors for IOS implementation.

If the buyer takes a cooperative approach to IOS integration, suppliers can be motivated to integrate tracking as a part of their own operations. This high‐level integration offers more options to improve the management and hence the performance of the whole supply chain than low‐level integration.

IOS implementation projects are seldom studied from the perspectives of buyers and suppliers in the supply chain.

Preface The functions of business divide into several areas and the general focus of this book is on one of the most important although least understood of these—DISTRIBUTION. The particular focus is on reviewing current practice in distribution costing and on attempting to push the frontiers back a little by suggesting some new approaches to overcome previously defined shortcomings.

The purpose of this paper is to detail the design and prototyping of a smart automation solution for de-strapping plastic bonding straps on shipping pallets, which are loaded with multiple containers secured by a top-cover as they move on a conveyor belt.

The adopted design methodology to have the system perform its function entails using the least number of sensors and actuators to arrive at an economic solution from a system design viewpoint. Two prototypes of the robotic structure are designed and built, one in a research laboratory and another in an industrial plant, to perform localized cutting and grabbing of the plastic straps, with the help of a custom-designed passive localizing structure. The proposed structure is engineered to locate the plastic straps using one degree of freedom (DOF) only. An additional strap removal mechanism is designed to collect the straps and prevent them from interfering with the conveyor.

The functionality of the system is validated by performing full-process tests on the developed prototypes in a laboratory setting and under real-life operating conditions at BMW Group facilities. Testing showed that the proposed localization system meets the specified requirements and can be generalized and adapted to other industrial processes with similar requirements.

The proposed automated system for de-strapping pallets can be deployed in assembly or manufacturing facilities that receive parts in standard shipping pallets that are used worldwide.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first mechanically smart system that is used for the automated removal of straps from shipping pallets used in assembly facilities. The two main novelties of the proposed design are the robustness of the strap localization without the need for computer vision and a large number of DOF, and the critical placement and choice of the cutting and gripping tools to minimize the number of needed actuators.

To develop an image processing approach for jigsaw puzzle assembly.

First, pixels are extracted from the jigsaw puzzle blocks to calculate their rotation angles and centre coordinates. Second, a template matching method is employed to recognise each block and its orientation.

A robot‐based jigsaw puzzle system is established; and an effective image processing approach for assembly is developed.

Automatic assembly lines that assemble parts with the same shape, but random position and angle, can employ the jigsaw puzzle assembly method.

An effective image processing method for jigsaw puzzle assembly is presented in this paper. The validity of the method is proved by analysis and experiment.

The Fourth International Biennial Conference on Warehousing and Centralised Distribution, organised by the International Association of Chain Stores (CIES), presented delegates with three days of intensive instruction on everything from increasing productivity to the role of the security officer. Held in Zurich towards the end of last year the conference attracted speakers from France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, North America and Britain—Oliver Richter of GKN. His paper on the development of a national pallet pool is published below. It is followed by the paper given by W.H. Jonkers of van der Berghs who urges less emphasis on low prices and a move to greater efficiency fostered by close links between manufacturers and retailers.