improving systems for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) markets: “Another key point is the continuous investment in R&D projects aiming to develop a fully automated system designed to streamline Order Case Picking for the FMCG market. Some of the most important goals are the minimization of inefficiencies linked to manual work and the ability to operate 24/7 with seamless adaptability, with the possibility of applying the solution even to brownfield projects. It offers realtime data tracking and ensures scalability, flexibility, and increased safety throughout operations.” Pongolini also discussed the ongoing development of E80 Group’s proprietary software platform: “We are continuously implementing our SM.I.LE80 software platform. As automation evolves, so must our software. We are constantly adding new features, improving system integration, and enhancing the user experience. We aim to ensure that our customers are equipped with the latest tools to drive efficiency and stay ahead in an ever-changing industry, supported by real-time analytics. We invest in these developments to keep our systems futureproofed and to help our clients scale and optimize their operations as their needs evolve.” We also wanted to know more about the growth E80 Group has experienced in recent years. Q: HOW HAS E80 GROUP GROWN IN RECENT YEARS? “In the past six years, E80 Group has experienced tremendous growth, strengthening its key role in the industrial automation sector for the CPG industry. Back in 2018, we had a revenue of around 250 million euros with a workforce of about 800 people. Today, we’re projecting revenues of approximately 550 million euros for 2024, with over 1,400 employees. To date, we’ve completed 450 fully integrated plants worldwide, installed over 2,800 robotic systems, 9,000 automated laser-guided vehicles, and delivered dozens of ASRS warehouses.” Pongolini attributed this growth to the company’s continuous focus on exceeding industry standards: “By consistently exceeding industry standards and this technology and, recently, we’ve expanded its deployment to Europe and Australia, where we’ve tailored our systems to meet the specific technical requirements of those regions. Today, we can confidently say that we are capable of automating any intralogistics process, from material unloading to finished goods loading, across a variety of facilities.” Pongolini also detailed some of the advancements in the safety of their laser-guided vehicle (LGV) technology: “Additionally, to strengthen our focus on laser-guided vehicle (LGV) safety, we’ve spent the last years developing SmartDect technology.This is a system that uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to precisely locate people in real time, especially in environments where humans and automated systems can interact. By doing so, we significantly minimize any residual risks and enhance the safety of our LGVs.” He also highlighted the company’s focus on Andrea Pongolini 168 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 10
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