IK4-TEKNIKER and ULMA Handling Systems develop solutions for the logistics sector
18-10-2016
The technology centre and the company have signed an agreement to set up a joint experimentation environment within the scope of R&D&I
The technology centre, IK4-TEKNIKER, and the logistics company ULMA Handling Systems have signed a collaboration agreement for the purpose of setting up a joint experimentation environment within the field of R&D&I for the purpose of developing innovative technologies applicable to sectors dealing with logistics.
The agreement, signed at the Eibar headquarters of the technology centre by the General Managers of IK4-TEKNIKER, Alejandro Bengoa and ULMA Handling Systems, Juan Jesús Alberdi, will strengthen the ties between both signatories as collaborating bodies and allow them to cooperate on technological developments such as the design of new equipment (robots, cargo elevators and handling devices, among others) and the automation of mechatronic components, robotics and vision know-how.
On the one hand, the agreement consolidates IK4-TEKNIKER’s vocation and commitment as regards furthering the competitiveness of companies by generating and transferring new knowledge. On the other, it reinforces the wish expressed by ULMA Handling Systems in terms of focusing on innovation as a key driving force for its activities in different work areas.
In short, this ceremony will make it possible to formalise a cooperation agreement allowing the Oñati-based company to take further steps as regards developing more advanced technological solutions.
A growing cooperation
The agreement has strengthened the ever-growing cooperation between ULMA Handling Systems and IK4-TEKNIKER. It is the end result of past developments in areas such as robotics, mechatronic components, software, etc. For instance, the development of a multiple pallet system, which, once installed on Ulma Handling’s automatic storage lines, has allowed them to automate the generation of multi-reference pallets (under the IKPAL project).
A FLECOP case study for unit picking has been developed within the framework of the European project EUROC.
As a result of this agreement signed by both organisations, their research and development strategies have been fully aligned. Especially relevant are those featuring integrated technological solutions in what is known as Industry 4.0 and in the field of automation and robotics.
It is also important to note that ULMA Handling Systems will soon commission the Knowit collaborative intelligence platform developed by the technology centre to improve decision-making at an operational and strategic level within the company.