Automation of logistics processes

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are a part of automation in the logistics process. They are floor-bound conveyor systems with automatically controlled vehicles for transporting materials and goods. AGVs are subject to constant location determination and data transmission, among other things for orientation in space and for monitoring. The standard vehicles from Linde Material Handling are used and optimized for the new requirements. With the automated vehicles from GRUMA , you are always flexible and can react quickly to situations that change at short notice. The investment in autonomous transport systems will pay for itself within a very short time.

To ensure that our driverless industrial trucks can move quickly and safely through the warehouse, we rely on GEO navigation (also known as contour navigation) for our Linde MATIC vehicles.

In the first step, the surrounding infrastructure is recorded with the help of a digital mapping. The map is then cleansed of disruptive factors and individual routes and transport paths can be defined and adapted.

The driverless transport vehicles are then controlled by a laser-based navigation system that scans its surroundings in all directions using laser sensors. They compare the corresponding parameters on their transport journeys with the previously recorded "digital" map in order to navigate the existing infrastructure without any other aids.

Intelligent control software coordinates the routes and speed of the geonavigated AGVs among themselves. The advantage of the technology clearly lies in its flexibility, as it can be easily adapted to new routes and environments.

With our driverless transport systems, there is the option of operating them autonomously or manually if required. This switch is possible because the autonomous forklifts, tow tractors and lift trucks are based on manual equipment that has been subsequently automated. To enable hazard-free mixed operation, the driverless transport vehicles of the MATIC series feature intelligent navigation and safety technology.

Any company that performs consistent and uniform logistics processes with material handling equipment on a daily basis should consider automated processes in their operations. Especially for long distances, repetitive processes, multi-shift operations and processes with low added value. If you are looking to optimize your flow of goods in terms of cost, safety and error reduction, it definitely makes sense to consider automating your warehouse.

Our Linde MATIC range includes many different vehicle types. These include automated tow tractors, high-lift trucks, reach trucks, platform trucks and narrow-aisle trucks. The choice of the right AGV depends on the task or process to be automated. We will be happy to assist you with your selection.

No system, machine or person can work 100% fail-safe. However, all our AGVs are optimized in the best possible way and can also be operated manually (dual) if necessary, which is a great advantage for the development of an "emergency concept". We would be happy to develop a joint concept with you to ensure the greatest possible planning security for you. If there is a problem with the device, GRUMA Service will of course be on site quickly. However, regular maintenance and safety measures in the system mean that breakdowns are not a frequent problem.