There are many applications in any operation that require the movement of small goods or small containers of products, supplies or ready-to-ship boxes that aren’t palletized. ELT Systems Group’s robotic solutions can automate these workflows with a cart-based system.
With the OTTO 100 you can stage carts with different shelving configurations throughout your facility with the press of a button. You can set up a facility wide system to transport small goods under 330 lbs. from picking areas to pack areas.
If a cart-based system is not a solution, the an OTTO 100 with a conveyor attachment can connect systems throughout your facility without having to install an extra 100 feet of conveyor.
Solutions: Conveyor Systems, WMS Integration, Machine Integration
Trucks to Use: OTTO 100
Conveyor Systems
The robot software can interface with any conveyor system via a custom software. This will take a discrete signal from the conveyor system or a simple photo sensor when a pallet or case has reached a certain point. That signal will trigger a pick up mission which will call for the next available robot to come pick up the pallet and bring it to the designated area.
With this solution, you won’t need extraneous conveyor installations and free up space in your facility. Conveyors can be integrated with lift trucks, or large and small platform-based solutions.
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.
Machine Integration
The robotic solution allows customers to integrate the robot software with any piece of equipment. The software allows for any system to send a discreet signal to the robot software to initiate a mission. These missions include things like picking up off conveyor systems, loading trash bins, loading or unloading palletizers, pallet wrappers scales, or loading and unloading staging lanes. Conversely, the software can be used to communicate to a piece of equipment that a pallet has been placed in a designated area and to begin its process.
Why automation provides an advantage.
The availability of a steady labor force in logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing facilities continues to shrink. 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 anywhere 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 ELT Systems Group, or Jason Dodge, directly, to get started on an automation project.
Jason Dodge
Automation Manager | Systems Division
Eastern Lift Truck Co., Inc.
Cell: (609) 605-1043
Email: jdodge@easternlifttruck.com
