One task in a manufacturing process is moving work in progress goods from one working cell to another. This is typically done by conveyor systems, manually driven tuggers with a train of carts or manual pallet jacks. All these solutions require labor or expensive transport systems.
Robotic lift trucks can provide multiple solutions to these applications. ELT Systems Group offers robotic tuggers or mobile platforms with attachments that can automate any manually operated tugger route or pallet jack. The software can also integrate with conveyor systems so that when a pallet is ready for transport a robot is called to perform a task.
This not only allows for manual operators to do other work inside the facility, it will allow for more convenient placement of manufacturing cells where conveyor systems tend to be expensive or difficult to implement.
Solutions: Intelligent Pallet Detection, Conveyor Systems
Trucks to Use: Hyster Robotic Lift Truck, OTTO Lifter, OTTO 1500, OTTO 100, 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.
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.
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
