Robotic lift trucks have the best return on investment when they are continuously working. A robot can be used in many ways, but instead of sitting idle it should have other low priority tasks to complete. One of these tasks can be bringing trash from multiple locations in a facility to a compactor or drop off area.
This can be done by manually loading a tugger cart or modifying trash bins so a forklift can lift them. If applicable, the software can integrate with compactors and automate that piece of equipment as well.
Other applications that are similar are bringing scrap metal, scrap corrugate, or any other biproduct of your operation to where it needs to go. This can be done using the OTTO 100 filling up small lightweight bins of product or using the OTTO Lifter for large pallet size loads.
Solutions: Intelligent Pallet Detection, WMS Integration, Push Button Configuration
Trucks to Use: Hyster Robotic Lift Truck, OTTO Lifter, OTTO 1500, Tugger
Intelligent Pallet Detection
One of the unique features is intelligent pallet detection. This feature allows a robot to scan staging lanes regardless if the truck is engaged in a mission at the time or not. This allows the robot software to trigger pick missions and order other robots in the fleet to do work that is waiting for them.
This creates a fully autonomous solution that removes another the need for a manual operator to trigger picks and drops. This also requires no WMS/ERP integration allowing for a less complex installations.
WMS Integration
The robotic system can be fully integrated into a WMS system. The integration process is nearly as involved as installing the physical trucks. ELT and their partners will work with the customer’s IT team to come up with a fully customizable solution to allow the tracking of multiple variables. Some of these variables include dynamic drop locations and the ability to track inventory by the robot software signaling the WMS when a pick and drop have been made from and to specific locations.
After integration, the WMS will be able to assign missions to the robot software and create a fully automated process for any material handling application. The software integration is considered a custom software package.
Push Button Configuration
In any installation, missions need to be triggered by some sort of event. Without WMS integration, sometimes those triggers include manual interface with the robot’s HMI or intelligent pallet detection. If those are not options, then ELT Systems Group can offer a manual button option where each button can be assigned a mission trigger. These triggers can be anything from signaling a robot to pick from a single position and drop at another or empty out staging areas or specific lanes.
Why Automation Provides An Advantage.
Like many industrial settings, whether it’s Logistics, Warehousing or Manufacturing, the labor pool is always shrinking. With finding labor becoming an issue, robotic lift trucks offer a solution for any operation that requires simple repetitive movement that allow management to move existing labor to more skilled positions.
With the proper applications, a robotic material handling equipment can provide a fast Return on Investment by reducing an operations labor costs. There are other potential realizations of cost savings include: increased productivity from increased cycle efficiency and solving poor attendance as well as the damage reduction of products and equipment.
Why ELT Systems Group
Support Across North America
ELT Systems Group is part of Eastern Lift Truck Company that is staffed with hundreds of qualified service people. The Systems division is equipped with engineers along with their OEM partners to bring you 24/7 support and the ability to travel any where across North America to support your operation.
No Infrastructure
ELT Systems Group’s robotic solutions require no additional infrastructure to navigate in your facility. This means no reflectors, no magnets or wires in the ground. This technology allows the robots to navigate and drive within an existing facility without any other considerations outside of safety.
Dual Mode
The robotic Tugger and Lifter solution is a standard truck that has been built to be autonomous. This means that it can be used in manual mode as well as autonomous mode. Any operator (if the client allows for it) can take control of the robotic lift truck for any purpose.
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If you are interested in automating your material handling application, make sure you reach out to ELT Systems Group and see how we can help.
Contact the systems group or Jason Dodge directly for further information and to get started on your project today.
Jason Dodge
Automation Manager | Systems Division
Eastern Lift Truck Co., Inc.
Cell: (609) 605-1043
Email: jdodge@easternlifttruck.com
