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Logistics operations that opt for automation, retrofitting, or expanding their warehouse often focus on software and systems. “The floor is often overlooked,” says Hendrik Ruys, former owner and now an innovation driver at Ruys Group. “Especially when it comes to robotization, the quality and levelness of the floor are critical. This means the floor plays a key role. Only then can robots perform optimally, with minimal downtime.”
The Ruys Group is seeing a growing number of companies coming to them because they want to make smarter use of their existing floor space. Hendrik: “Many warehouses are reaching their limits. Mobile racking creates more pallet spaces. To take full advantage of this, a good floor is essential. Over time, a floor loses its quality and is no longer always level enough. This isn’t a problem for a traditional forklift, but it is for a modern robotic system.”
The transition from traditional stack-type warehouses to high-tech distribution centers is in full swing. Ruys: “It’s fascinating how much work you can get done these days with just a few people. This does require some adjustments, though. For heavy-duty systems, such as an Autostore, a solid floor is important. This is even more critical when using AMRs. If the floor isn’t perfectly level, an AMR is more likely to malfunction more frequently because, for example, it isn’t level.”
What Ruys has noticed is that companies underestimate the importance of a good warehouse floor. “In addition to levelness, expansion joints and seams often cause major problems—that’s what the DR Flexjoint material is designed for. It eliminates joints and seams. The flexible material can withstand heavy traffic and absorb horizontal movements. It’s truly a solution that’s not only essential for robots but also makes forklift drivers, for example, very happy.”
Ruys Group is the European partner for automation specialists and logistics managers. Hai Robotics is one such automation specialist. Robin Verschuren, business development manager at Ruys Group, talks about the partnership: “We advise and execute. We handle the entire project, from initial measurements to final inspections and everything in between. Time constraints are not an issue; we’re used to working with minimal downtime in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals.”
For companies considering a retrofit of existing warehouses, Verschuren strongly recommends CemSkin. It is a durable, wear-resistant, and versatile cement-based coating.
Verschuren: “This gives existing concrete floors—both indoors and outdoors—a new lease on life. After application, the floor looks as if it were poured yesterday. CemSkin has been extensively tested under harsh industrial conditions. Whether it’s the heaviest mechanical loads or the latest robots, with Ruys Group, you have a solid, high-quality foundation that’s ready for the future.”
