Robotic tugger: AutoGuide, a mobile robot
manufacturer, has unveiled its Max-N10 tugger, an automated guided vehicle that uses the
company’s Surepath natural-feature guidance
system to navigate safely through a facility.
AutoGuide’s Surepath natural-feature system is easy and affordable to install or modify because it requires no physical guidepath
system, such as magnetic tape or RFID tags.
Users simply drive a vehicle through the facility to map the environment and teach it the
routes. The mapping information is automatically uploaded wirelessly to a Surepath PC,
where it can be modified and integrated for the
specific operation, including pick-drop points,
intersection control, and the preferred routing
logic. To modify routes, users simply draw a
different path on a central PC and send it to the
vehicles. To expand the system into other parts
of the facility, they just scan the new area with
one of the vehicles and add the desired path.
The Surepath system controls traffic and
monitors the status and exact location of each
vehicle in real time. It can also be connected
to line-side pushbuttons, sensors, and a WMS
system for automatic dispatching functions.
The Max-N10 vehicle travels at speeds of
up to 4 mph and performs precise reversing
maneuvers to accommodate automatic trailer
hitching and unhitching functions. Its modular
design allows for different vehicle and load
handling frame configurations to accommodate specific handling needs, such as the use of
straddle or counterbalance fork attachments.
Standard features include opportunity
charging to keep the vehicles running 24/7,
PLC/PC-based operating hardware, and a color
touchscreen monitor for quick and simple operator interface, the company says. (AutoGuide,
www.autoguideagvs.com)
Warning system: RiteHite has introduced
the Safe-T-Signal, a ceiling-mounted system
that detects and alerts workers when traffic is
approaching. The Safe-T-Signal uses unidirectional microwave sensors to identify approaching traffic from all directions, whether it’s a four-way, three-way, or two-way intersection. The
system then communicates to oncoming traffic
using LED lights in the shape of red stop signs
(octagons) and amber yield signs (triangles).
In addition to the high-visibility 40 lumen
(0.67 watt) LED stop/yield signals, the Safe-T-Signal projects a high-intensity 440 lumen
( 7. 3 watt) blue signal on the floor of the intersection when traffic is approaching from two
or more directions. This adds another layer of
communication and protection to dangerous
intersections. (RiteHite, www.RiteHite.com)
Forklift battery pack: Energy storage technology
specialist Romeo Power has introduced Thunder
Pack - C, the first lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack
designed to be adapted for any electric forklift
make or model. Like its predecessor, the Thunder
Pack - J 2.0, Thunder Pack - C is safer, longer
lasting, and more energy efficient than the lead
acid batteries that still dominate the global forklift
market, the company says.
Romeo Power Thunder Packs are warran-ty-backed to last 4,000 cycles (approximately 12 years); deliver quick recharge;
require no maintenance; and produce zero emissions. In comparison, the company says, traditional lead acid forklift battery packs have a much shorter cycle life,
require long recharge and cooldown periods, need constant maintenance, run out
of energy in as little as six hours, and emit toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.
All Romeo Power battery packs are engineered to exceed stringent government
safety requirements and include an advanced battery management system based
on control-oriented physico-chemical models, the company says. (Romeo Power,
www.romeopower.com)
Navigation software for robots: Warehouse robotics company Locus Robotics
has introduced an advancement in its autonomous robotics navigation software
to enable multi-robot warehouse fulfillment for retailers and third-party logistics
service providers (3PLs). The Locus Robotics Advanced Navigation (LRAN) software streamlines the process of having multiple robots operate in a coordinated
fashion in a warehouse environment, the company says. (Locus Robotics, www.
locusrobotics.com)
