Bosch Rexroth is expanding its comprehensive VarioFlow conveyor system to include the new VarioFlow belt conveyor variant, which features a fine-meshed chain surface. It ensures the smooth transport of FMCG, pharmaceutical and healthcare products.The new VarioFlow belt conveyor is a stand-alone conveyor system for flexible CPG products, delicate products and diverse items. The modular belt chain has a very fine-meshed, almost closed and flat surface. This makes it suitable for the mass transport of unstable or bulk, film-packed products such as small sealed-edge bags. However, the VarioFlow belt conveyor can also be used to convey large or wide products, such as packs of paper towel or toilet paper. Products that are inherently stable can even protrude sideways in horizontal sections. Unlike conventional chain conveyor systems, VarioFlow modular belts are also suitable for the direct transport of deep-drawn plastic trays, which usually have a delicate contact surface.Customized basic modules – identical system componentsVarioFlow belt includes modular belts in standard widths of 406 and 608 mm. Scalable cross connectors make it possible for integrators to also implement customized belt widths with identical system components. The basic components of the modular belt conveyor system comprise the base unit for the drive, the return unit, the section profile as well as vertical and horizontal curves. These allow conveyor lengths of up to 30 m, layouts with curves on both sides and conveyor speeds of up to 40 m/min to be realized with one drive. In terms of accessories, VarioFlow plus and VarioFlow belt use identical system components such as product guides, leg sets and drive kits.Quick configuration and design with MTproMTpro, the free and intuitive software for planning assembly systems, supports users from selection and configuration through to ordering of Rexroth products. The Layout Designer enables even the most complex constructions and system layouts to be created in minimal time. An integrated evaluation function for the individual configuration eliminates the need for a third party to check the design and further reduces the engineering times.Quick and simple installation Smart solutions also reduce the time required to assemble the conveyor sections. For example, fewer sliding rails need to be installed compared to standard solutions on the market. The sliding rails are mounted from the side without the use of rivets, thereby eliminating the need to machine the running surface and ensuring the VarioFlow belt runs extremely smoothly and with little wear.About Bosch RexrothAs one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile and Industrial Applications as well as Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions, engineering and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, around 33,800 associates generated sales revenue of 7.6 billion euros in 2023.To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth-us.com.About BoschThe Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 429,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2023). The company generated sales of 91.6 billion euros in 2023. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 90,000 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers.Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.iot.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com.ContactBosch Rexroth CorporationEden Estabrook(704) 942-4227Eden.estabrook@boschrexroth-us.com

Driving Next Generation, High-Speed, High-Density Warehouse Automation SolutionsPITTSBURGH, PA / FRISCO, TX - Feb 27, 2025 — Freespace Robotics, an innovator in autonomous robotics for material handling and logistics, today announced a strategic manufacturing collaboration with CASI, a leader in industrial automation systems. By leveraging CASI’s decades of industrial expertise and advanced rack infrastructure through CASi-IBOD and conveyor lines, Freespace Robotics will deliver a comprehensive, turn-key AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) that integrates storing, retrieving, sorting and sequencing—all within a single, compact cube that efficiently delivers orders to pick stations or docks.“We are excited to offer a combination of Freespace Robotics' automated storage, retrieval and cross-docking solution with CASI's industry-leading conveyor technology to create a seamless, end-to-end material processing solution,” said Karl Sanchack, Chief Operating Officer at Freespace Robotics. “Together, we are bringing our customers a flexible, high-efficiency solution that automates key functions across the warehouse process flow while integrating seamlessly into their existing operations. We expect to grow this collaboration over time to include technologies such as the CASi-Intelligent Box Opening Device (IBOD) and the CASi-AutoDecant to robotically place cases into our system trays or customer totes.”“By combining the strengths of Freespace Robotics' innovative sorting, storage, and sequencing capabilities with US-manufactured CASI solutions, we are providing customers with a transformative tool that not only reduces operational costs but also increases efficiency and flexibility,” said Greg Judkins, CEO of CASI.Freespace Robotics’ pioneering solution leverages advanced robotics to deliver high-turnover, small-footprint, high-rise AS/RS technology. Its design integrates functions traditionally managed by external conveyors—such as sortation, sequencing, each-picking, order buffering, and pre-staging—into one seamless operation. Combined with CASI’s specialized automaiton and advanced racking, the Freespace solution offers unmatched versatility across diverse industries and workflows, improving KPIs for efficiency, scalability, throughput, and cost-effectiveness.In today’s fast-paced supply chain environment, businesses demand solutions that are not only efficient but also reliable amid economic fluctuations and labor shortages. This collaboration minimizes international trade concerns by using US-based sourcing, including US Steel at the materials core, with some Freespace Robotics solutions ready in as little as 6-8 months from concept to commissioning.Through this strategic manufacturing collaboration of the Freespace Robotics solution, Freespace Robotics and CASI are setting a new standard in flexible, fast, and reliable outcomes by delivering innovative automation solutions that empower customers to meet today’s dynamic supply chain challenges.Key benefits of the Freespace Robotics’ solution with CASI: • End-to-End Task Management: Seamlessly integrates with industry-standard WMS platforms (e.g., Manhattan, Oracle, and SAP) for inventory management, order picking, and replenishment.• Scalable, Modular Design: Adapts to diverse facility configurations, uneven floors and unconventional layouts-with high-rise options up to 70 feet, enabling vertical and horizontal expansion to meet future business requirements, unknown demands and changing product characteristics without demolition, retrofitting or new builds.• Cost-Effective Maintenance: External positioning of robotics components facilitates easy servicing, while domestically sourced parts ensure reliability, availability and resilience.• Versatile Inventory Handling: Supports standard and large trays, full cases and individual each-picks, accommodating loads up to 100 pounds.• Sustainable Operation: Powered by rail systems, eliminating costly and fire-prone battery dependencies while reducing environmental costs, fire risk and insurance outlays.• Shipping Buffers: Optimizes operations with seamless sorting, buffering and sequencing in a single process inside the cube for timed delivery to docks• Cross-Docking Operations: Reduces labor, equipment needs, and operational footprints while improving safety on the floor.• Last-Mile Delivery Potential: A mobile version delivers goods directly to drivers in dolly order, eliminating the need to enter the trucks- reducing manual labor, fuel consumption and shift time.Freespace Robotics will also showcase its solutions at the prestigious Startup Pavilion, in booth E11200SP, during ProMat 2025, North America’s largest conference and expo for material handling and logistics professionals. The event is being held March 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago.ProMat attendees can find CASI’s latest automation innovations at booth N7933, found in Hall B of McCormick’s North Building. The CASI exhibit showcases the uniquely modular, scalable design of the company’s products, exhibiting the seamless connection of package opening, transportation and sortation solutions.About Freespace RoboticsFreespace Robotics, a spin-out company of venture studio Carnegie Foundry, is a leading innovator in autonomous robotics solutions for the logistics and warehousing industry. By combining advanced robotics, modular design, and unmatched versatility, Freespace Robotics delivers breakthrough advances that redefine how businesses approach storage, retrieval, order fulfillment and the movement of goods. Based in Pittsburgh, PA and backed by US Steel, NFI Industries and Matthews Automation Solutions, Freespace Robotics thrives at the intersection of industrial innovation and artificial intelligence. To learn more about Freespace Robotics, please visit www.freespacerobotics.com.ContactPilot/Sales/Operations: Karl Sanchack, ksanchack@freespacerobotics.comInvestment: Matthew B. Wachter, matt@freespacerobotics.comAbout CASIFor more than 20 years, Cornerstone Automation Systems (CASI) has been at the forefront of the warehouse automation industry, delivering industry-focused tools that laid the groundwork for the e-commerce industry. Headquartered in Frisco, TX, CASI has delivered tailored, turnkey, and tested solutions to some of the largest retailers, 3PLs and warehouse operations all around the world, while being recognized by a variety of industry leaders, including receiving the FANUC Top Robotics Integrator and Innovation Award. All CASI solutions are US manufactured and tested in North Texas. To learn more about CASI, visit www.casiusa.com.Contactsales@CASUSA.com

OCONOMOWOC, Wis. — April 11, 2024 — ORBIS Corporation, a global leader in reusable packaging solutions, is proud to announce its latest innovation in sustainable packaging materials with the introduction of ORBIShield ECO™, a new dunnage product line focused on providing protective packaging solutions while reducing environmental impacts.   ORBIShield ECO offers a wide range of products which utilize materials that reduce solid waste generation and carbon footprint, without compromising on product protection or performance. This product line is designed to meet the growing needs of businesses who are increasingly conscious of the impact that packaging has on the environment.   Furthering ORBIS's commitment to the circular economy, this new product line promotes and demonstrates the reuse of materials and reduces reliance on single-use packaging. Like all ORBIS products, this line is designed with sustainability in mind. The ORBIShield ECO line is produced using recovered and reprocessed plastic resins and can be recycled at end of life, making it an ideal solution for companies looking to enhance their sustainability efforts.   "We are thrilled to introduce ORBIShield ECO to the market, as this highlights our ongoing commitment to providing innovative, sustainable packaging solutions," said Greg Leighton, product manager at ORBIS Corporation. "With this new line, we aim to empower our customers to make a positive difference in the world while protecting their valuable products."   ORBIShield ECO offers a wide range of products including: • ECOLux: Crafted from Polypropylene, ECOLux coated fabric surpasses vinyl coated and laminated textiles in terms of sustainability. It is more cost-effective than Polyurethane or Silicon coated fabrics, and it is also free from harmful substances such as Phthalates, Dioxins, PFAS, and heavy metals. In comparison to PVC textiles, ECOLux fabric boasts nearly half the weight, at least a 50% lower carbon footprint, and provides complete circularity (recyclable for reuse). This makes it a highly desirable alternative to clear PVC, as well as light and heavy weight PVC, which are not accepted by most recyclers in North America. ECOLux is an ideal material for curtains, dust covers, and full fabric dunnage solutions.   • Evolon Laminate: This innovative solution offers unparalleled softness and contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the automotive packaging industry. With 70% postconsumer recycled content, Evolon lamination ensures lint-free protection for highly delicate parts while simultaneously supporting the beneficial reuse of recovered post-consumer material. Each square foot of Evolon lamination is equivalent to diverting one post-consumer bottle from a landfill.   By incorporating this sustainable material into our packaging solutions, we are actively promoting sustainable packaging practices. Unlike traditional staple fibers, Evolon microfilaments are endless, resulting in a fabric that is entirely lint-free. This unique characteristic provides both exceptional mechanical strength and a gentle touch, making Evolon microfilament fabrics the ideal choice for contact with sensitive surfaces.   • EPE: EPE (Expanded Polyethylene Foam) is a lightweight and durable closed cell beaded foam used for protecting and cushioning products during transportation and storage. At end of life, it is 100% recyclable and reduces the Carbon Footprint by 40% compared to other foam packaging options. EPE foam can be used in various applications, such as dunnage rails, cavity pads, and cushioning. It offers performance benefits, such as tear resistance, thermal fusion of beads, no ghosting of painted parts, chemical resistance, and non-absorbent properties.   In addition to new materials, ORBIS offers a diverse selection of standard materials to support sustainable dunnage initiatives. These include corrugated, trilaminate, and solid sheet materials, all of which can be considered “zero waste” products as ORBIS recovers, reprocesses, and reuses byproducts from its extrusion and cutting operations to create additional sheets eliminating the need for additional raw material. Other ORBIS materials such as LiteFoam, plastic corrugated, Trilaminate, and HDPE are all recyclable.   Learn more about ORBIShield Eco.   About ORBIS Corporation Menasha Corporation, ORBIS’ parent company, celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2024. With 175 years of material handling expertise and 70 years of plastics innovations, ORBIS helps world-class customers move their product faster, safer and more cost-effectively with reusable totes, pallets, containers, dunnage and racks. Using a proven approach, ORBIS experts analyze customers’ systems, design solutions and execute reusable packaging programs to create a more sustainable supply chain for their business. ORBIS uses packaging life-cycle assessments to provide directional guidance on environmental impact data to help customers make informed decisions on the benefit of reusable to single-use packaging to achieve longer-term cost savings while minimizing their overall environmental impact. As a steward of sustainability, ORBIS is committed to a better world for future generations. ORBIS is a part of Menasha Corporation, one of the oldest family-owned manufacturers in the United States. Headquartered in Oconomowoc, ORBIS has more than 3,300 employees and almost 50 locations throughout North America and Europe. For more information, please visit orbiscorporation.com.