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Rocla expands the existing AGV line and introduces shorter automated reach truck

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Rocla AGV Solutions expands the existing AGV line and introduces ARTsmf, a shorter version of our automated reach truck, offering our customers a more versatile product range to fit their unique needs even in aisles with free space as narrow as 2.85 metres.

Warehouses are designed to maximise storage capacity and support processes as efficiently as possible. Tight aisles and high-racking solutions offer space efficiency, and to maximise that efficiency, your warehouse can also be automated.

Our goal is to offer solutions that are defined by customer needs. No matter how tight the aisles might be, to consider automation in any warehouse, AGVs must be able to perform efficiently within the same space requirements as driver-operated forklifts – and that is what Rocla AGVs are able to do. [Read more…] about Rocla expands the existing AGV line and introduces shorter automated reach truck

Kollmorgen launches ‘combination’ of AGVs and AMRs

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Kollmorgen has introduced the “NDC Flex”, which it describes as a “combination” of an autonomous mobile robot and an automated guided vehicle.

Kollmorgen says the NDC Flex “combines the finest features from Kollmorgen’s portfolio; the efficiency of AGV systems with the adaptability of AMR features”.

This integration ensures that site productivity remains at highest performance, while minimizing risks associated with potential disruptions. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen launches ‘combination’ of AGVs and AMRs

Empowering Automation: A Comprehensive Guide to AGV Battery Charging Systems

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In the realm of industrial automation, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) represent a pivotal innovation, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs across numerous sectors.

Central to their performance is an often-overlooked component: the battery charging system.

This guide embarks on a detailed exploration of AGV battery charging systems, elucidating why an efficient charging system is not just an accessory but a cornerstone for AGV performance and longevity.

AGVs, robotic movers that follow markers or wires on the floor or use vision, magnets, or lasers for navigation, are indispensable in modern warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers. [Read more…] about Empowering Automation: A Comprehensive Guide to AGV Battery Charging Systems

Alstef automates Bank of France’s new banknote printing facility

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The Banque de France, or Bank of France, has launched a large-scale project to build a new plant in Vic-Le-Comte, France, which already houses a paper mill, creating a global banknote production hub at the cutting edge of technological innovation.

The new, highly secure building will house both printing and logistics activities. Process automation was entrusted to Alstef Group, who will supply a logistics system including a high-bay warehouse served by four stacker cranes within an automated “greenhouse”.

Flow management will be handled by a fleet of automated guided vehicles and/or autonomous mobile robots comprising 10 of Alstef’s “Turtle” AGV-AMRs Loadstar machines equipped with roller conveyors, as well as 10 GL 10.1 AGVs. [Read more…] about Alstef automates Bank of France’s new banknote printing facility

Seaports to install almost 400,000 automated guided vehicles by 2030

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The maritime industry has drastically surged its automation efforts in the wake of global seaport congestion.

In addition to solutions such as gantries, automated port gates, and stacking cranes, autonomous horizontal transport modes such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that transport containers and loads to and from ships have been the most productivity-augmenting solutions in seaports.

According to ABI Research, a technology research firm, AGV seaport deployments worldwide will have a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 26 per cent from 2022 to 2030 and exceed 370,000 global deployments by 2027. [Read more…] about Seaports to install almost 400,000 automated guided vehicles by 2030

BlueBotics takes indoor robots outside

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Swiss autonomous robot navigation company BlueBotics has launched ANT everywhere, a new product extension for its ANT navigation products that widen the scope of AGV and AMR operations by enabling outdoor operations.

Outdoor use has traditionally been a challenge for producers of automated vehicles. This is because there are typically few permanent “features” visible outdoors, which are required for modern mobile robots to calculate their exact position.

Up to now, vehicle producers have addressed this challenge either by using ad-hoc navigation add-ons, such as patching a GPS system on top of an existing navigation product or by adding additional outdoor infrastructure, such as custom poles featuring reflectors. [Read more…] about BlueBotics takes indoor robots outside

Hesai Technology to provide lidar for planned Cratus warehouse robots

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Hesai Technology, a provider of lidar solutions, and Cratus, a software solution integrator for lidar systems, have agreed a strategic alliance to develop autonomous warehouse solutions using Hesai’s “groundbreaking safety-rated” 3D lidar, the QT128.

Cratus has selected the QT128 as the lead sensor in its all-new lidar perception package for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

AGVs and AMRs have been used for many years in warehouses and manufacturing plants to accomplish a variety of material handling tasks. [Read more…] about Hesai Technology to provide lidar for planned Cratus warehouse robots

BlueBotics and ProLog Automation partner to drive German AGV adoption

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BlueBotics and ProLog Automation have signed a strategic partnership to help drive the adoption of automated guided vehicles (AGV/FTS) across the German manufacturing and logistics sectors.

This agreement positions ProLog Automation as a key BlueBotics solutions partner for the German market.

Under the terms of the agreement, ProLog’s AGV consulting and integration teams will undergo extensive training by BlueBotics’ engineers on the company’s Autonomous Navigation Technology (ANT), a predominantly software-based platform on which companies can build robust, scalable, and even interoperable fleets of diverse ‘ANT driven’ vehicles. [Read more…] about BlueBotics and ProLog Automation partner to drive German AGV adoption

Material handling specialist Ceteas selects Kollmorgen AGVs

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Ceteas has selected Kollmorgen as a technology and service partner for their AGV applications made in Abruzzo. The strategic partnership is aimed at growing end-user operations by simplifying and streamlining their processes.

With over 40 years of experience, Ceteas has become a trusted specialized material handling consultancy for the Italian industry. Their wide range of full-service solutions cover intralogistics in both manufacturing and warehousing.

Matteo Di Cosimo, automation manager of Ceteas, says: “Running multiple plants with multiple types of solutions is very demanding for our customers. [Read more…] about Material handling specialist Ceteas selects Kollmorgen AGVs