For more efficient in-house material flow solutions, Linde Material Handling, in cooperation with robotics specialist Balyo, has developed a range of unmanned, robotic industrial trucks. The control devices are easy to install and navigate relying on the warehouse structural elements. With the Linde L-MATIC L HP robotic stacker and the Linde P-MATIC robotic tractor, the first models are now available in the market.
Together with Balyo, an innovation leader in the area of automation, Linde Material Handling aims to become a full-range provider of robotic industrial trucks. The vehicles "driven by Balyo" are recommended for a variety of applications in the warehouse and transport sectors and can be linked to existing warehouse management and ERP systems. This means the trucks are already well on their way towards Industry 4.0, a concept envisaging that in the future machines should largely organise themselves and communicate with each other.
Who can benefit from robotic trucks?
The implementation of robotic warehouse solutions is worth considering especially for operators whose load handling duties provide only low added value, are repetitive or involve longer travel distances. If, on top of that, the trucks will be used in a two or three shift operation, then all essential conditions are met to benefit from the advantages of robotic logistics. These include, for example, a higher level of process transparency and associated productivity gains. Another cost saving potential lies in the optimisation of the use of operational resources such as people and mobile MH equipment.
Intelligent standard equipment
The Linde L-MATIC L HP robotic stacker has a load capacity of 1.2 tonnes and accelerates to 1.6 m/s maximum, both with and without load. The Linde P-MATIC robotic tractor has a towing capacity of 5 tonnes and a maximum speed of 2 m/s.
Both robotic models are based on the corresponding Linde standard truck with powerful maintenance-free 3 kW AC drive motor, automatic braking on slopes, lateral battery change and easy service access as well as numerous additional options such as the Linde Blue Spot. In addition, the Linde-MATIC versions feature a navigation laser, safety scanners at front and rear, a 3D camera or a curtain laser, an integrated computer with seven-inch LCD screen, as well as visual and acoustic warning indicators, plus an emergency stop button on each side. These innovative features allow the robotic trucks to work in the same environment as people and other trucks. Obstacles are detected in real time and the robot behaviour is dynamically adjusted.
Compared to traditional automated guided vehicle systems (AGVs) or automated industrial trucks with laser reflectors, the robotic Linde trucks "driven by Balyo" do not require a specific infrastructure for navigation. They rely on existing structural features such as walls, racks, or columns. This solution is more economical, easier to install, and can easily accommodate changes in the environment. Moreover, the vehicles can be easily integrated into existing fleets or warehouse layouts and allow for gradual expansion.
More robotic "driven by Balyo" models will be launched under the umbrella of "Linde Robotics" this year and next. Before long, pallet trucks, heavy stackers, counterbalanced stackers, reach trucks and narrow aisle trucks (VNA) are to be added to the stacker Linde L-MATIC L HP and tractor Linde P-MATIC. Robotic devices of the Linde-MATIC series are already successfully proving their worth in initial customer applications in the chemical and automotive industries.
Linde Material Handling GmbH, a company of the KION GROUP AG, ranks among the world's foremost makers of forklift and warehouse trucks and is the market leader in Europe. In addition, the company today offers its know-how, gained during decades of developing and manufacturing electric drive systems, to external customers for a wide variety of applications. As an international company, Linde Material Handling operates production and assembly plants in all important regions worldwide, and has a global sales and service network with offices in over 100 countries. In the fiscal year 2014, Linde Material Handling employed approximately 13,900 people worldwide and generated annual sales of EUR 3.077 billion.
BALYO designs, manufactures and markets robotic handling solutions for the manufacturing and logistics sectors. The company's innovative solution is revolutionizing the materials handling world. The technology can be found throughout Europe and is now available in North America, through BALYO Inc.
BALYO's expert teams help customers, leverage the technology, integrate the solution, reduce costs, and achieve superior returns. From the identification of potential productivity gains to the design of optimum processes, and their implementation, BALYO partners with its customers for maximum benefit.
Since its creation, BALYO's growth rate has exceeded hundred percent per year. With the financial backing from prestigious venture capital firms, and armed with a truly disruptive technology, the company is re-writing the materials handling book.
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