Wednesday, 12. October 2011
„Heavyweight“ appearance by Apostore
Automated picking systems manufacturer sets standards at the Expopharm Trade Fair
The engineers from Gelsenkirchen announced we would see a technical “quantum leap” in the world of automated picking systems at the Expopharm 2011 Trade Fair – and they were able to keep their word. They presented a completely new and absolutely stable generation of automated picking systems and made a live demonstration of the highly modern self-cleaning system “ApoClean”. However, it was the high-tech gripper, able to easily store and retrieve 2 kg weights, that surprised and excited the stand visitors. At a time when packages are getting increasingly larger, this innovation is of great relevance to pharmacists.
The future has already begun at Apostore
It was not by chance that this highly modern company, headed by Dr. Geßner and Dr. Jung, received the award for being one of the „100 most innovative middle-sized companies” from Dr. Lothar Späth himself. Dr. Frank Jung confirms the strategy: „We are not building up artificial marketing pressure but rather striving to reach the top with the most modern technology. Those who compare products accurately will find there will be no way of getting past our automated systems.”
VidCap, ApoClean, Greenline Technology - the vocabulary of the pharmacy of the future
At the Expopharm, we put it to the test. These trend terms are not a marketing maneuver but rather brilliant technology that saves a pharmacist’s time and money. With the “ApoClean” self-cleaning technology, shelves can be emptied and cleaned at night or on the weekends – fully automatically, of course.
VidCap, photo-controlled storage and retrieval technology, makes the tedious comparison of goods a thing of the past and ensures highly modern and controlled storage. And when combined with the Greenline technology, the power consumption of Apostore automated picking systems is even more cost-efficient. The stand-by mode of this high-tech robot can be compared to that of a light bulb! And if electrical components are not continuously under tension, they also live longer.
Highest amount of automation – live at the Expopharm Trade Fair
What might seem a fairytale of the future, if read, was demonstrated live at the Expopharm 2011 Trade Fair. Due to the unique gripper, large weights and very large packages can be handled without problem. The result: Anyone who uses an Apostore system will hardly ever need to leave the counter in order to retrieve goods. 97.5 % of all pharmacy only packages can be retrieved extremely quickly and securely. The same applies to storage. Apostore automated picking systems recognize the package that is to be stored, allocates it correctly and assumes most of the administrative tasks. And with the shutter storage system, they also demonstrated the fastest storage system in the trade fair.
But what happens if the machine breaks down?
This is a question every flight passenger has asked at one time or another and was happy to hear that “redundant systems” exist. The new generation of Apostore automated picking systems works with intelligent redundancy. All important electrical functions have a redundant design. If, at some point, a component does not work, another will substitute it automatically. The core element, the controls, has been tested successfully in offshore installations in the North Sea and in installations in the desert.
Can this much technology have an attractive design?
An enterprise that has already won the iF Product Design Award has a commitment: technology must look good. Its design should even be trendsetting and modern. After all, it is a matter of its position in sight of the pharmacists, pharmaceutical technical assistants and patients. Since taste varies, Apostore has set a standard, here too. The new generation of automated picking systems offers over 500 different decor variations – ranging from muted colours and elegant wood decor to a lively and modern design.
Too nice to be true?
That is what the Apostore manufacturers also thought and therefore presented all innovations live in their exhibition booth at the expopharm trade fair. Everything was demonstrated live. Fascinating engineering skills you can touch.