A manual forklift truck and its autonomous version

Converting forklift trucks initially designed for manual use, into autonomous vehicles, is extremely popular especially when social distancing considerations must be part of the strategy moving forward. The robustness of the basic forklift trucks, which are mass produced, allows for standardized maintenance operations and use in automatic or manual mode.

Players like Balyo are pioneers in terms of innovation, using infrastructure-free navigation technology and combine all the advantages of the sector: standard and robust basic forklift trucks, global sales networks, and flexible cutting-edge technology.

Manual and autonomous forklift truck manufacturers (OEM):

leaders in material handling

autonomous and standardized forklifts based on their manual product line

worldwide distribution and maintenance network

Navigation technologies

The ability of robots to navigate around a complex and unreferenced space has been one of the major challenges in this sector. The demand for ever more flexibility, safety, accuracy, and simplicity has only increase during the pandemic.

Clients want to install and redeploy robots at will, without calling on the services of the manufacturer. The maturity level of different available technology is starting to reach that objective as some infrastructure-free solutions are achieving the goal.

Navigation technologies using infrastructure

Laser guidance using reflectors is based on the combined use of a laser sensor (LIDAR) on the robot and reflectors installed on the site (wall, rack, or columns). The vehicle uses the reflectors as reference points to navigate where it is and how to move. It is the technology utilized by AGV and autonomous vehicle manufacturers.

Magnet and inductive wire guidance

Some AGVs follow magnetic markers located in the ground to move around. This is sometimes referred to as magnetic band guidance. There is also inductive wire guidance.

Infrastructure-free navigation technologies

Natural navigation is based on the laser recognition of a library of objects recorded in a database, known as “feature recognition”.

Similarly, geo-guidance navigation is based on laser recognition (LIDAR) of all the elements of a client site (racks, machines, walls, columns, doors, and so on). Finally, there is camera navigation based on the recognition of recorded images of the client’s site.

Navigation systems that use infrastructure lack flexibility; any changes to the AGV or autonomous truck circuit will need full infrastructure redeployment. Inductive wires or magnetic bands are not particularly adapted to the repeated passage of manual or automatic forklifts and can deteriorate quickly.

Customer expectations, especially in a pandemic safety focus include infrastructure-free navigation technology which allows quick redeployment if circuits are changed. Robot accuracy is the differentiating element in these different solutions. LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) are currently still the most accurate sensors to move around inside a building: +/- 2cm compared to +/- 5cm for camera navigation.

Some client site structural elements also make it possible to arbitrate between laser and camera technology, in particular the presence of natural daylight. This can generate significant noise (deterioration of captured data quality) and thus reduce the reliability of the navigation cameras.

The speed at which data are acquired and analyzed, and resistance to outside interference make it possible for vehicles fitted with a laser to reach higher speeds than those fitted with cameras.

Horizontal or vertical usage

Horizontal or vertical usage is a vital consideration. The product type and its application make it possible to apply a first filter level, discover if the suppliers’ product lines meet current and future deployments.

Navigation, with or without infrastructure is another top line evaluation element. Choosing the type of navigation most adapted to the frequency at sites cannot be ignored. More flexible, infrastructure-free navigation has a distinct advantage if infrastructure is repeatedly changing.

Service, local or global, must also be taken into the evaluation process. Selecting suppliers who offer services adapted to each business profile is critical. Global businesses requiring worldwide support often turn towards manual forklift suppliers who propose a standardized robotized solution.