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Upgrade Your Warehouse Logistics in 2023—With Automated Guided Vehicles

Mar. 22 2023 News By FMH Team

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2023 looks like it'll be the "Year of AI." With the arrival of creative tools like ChatGPT, several industries face big changes as they race to adopt new AI technology.

Luckily, the material handling industry is ahead of the game! 

One of the best examples is the Jungheinrich line of automated vehicles.  With their reputation for innovation and fine German engineering and design, Jungheinrich is at the forefront of technology and sustainable manufacturing.

Jungheinrich offers a full line of AGVs – Automated Guided Vehicles.

What do they do? They improve logistics inside a warehouse. They ease worker burdens. They expand product flow. All great things for team productivity.

In the next three FMH newsletters, we're doing a deep dive on three AGV types, starting with the most popular option – the APT, or the Automated Pallet Truck.


Automated Pallet Trucks Deliver Product on Their Own

WHAT AN APT DOES: An Automated Pallet Truck picks up pallets and delivers them where you tell it to.

WHERE APTs HELP: Having just one Automated Pallet Truck adds productive time to the existing team. Product moves on its own, over and over, without the need for someone operating it.

Here's a perfect example of an Automated Pallet Truck: the Jungheinrich ERE 225A.

 

Its specifications: 

  • 5,500 lb. Capacity
  • 4.47mph speed (unloaded or loaded)
  • 24V Electric
  • 47.9 in. to Fork Face
  • 38 in. Chassis Width
  • 89.8 in. Chassis Height
  • 2,734 lb. Gross Weight


HOW AN APT WORKS: Let's go through a typical shift with the ERE as our example.

  1. An operator programs the ERE to pick up one or more pallets.
    1. Extra-long forks can hold higher-stacked pallets!
    2. The identified pallet is too tall for a team member to safely transport it with a non-automated pallet truck, but the ERE can easily transport it.
  2. The ERE sets out across the warehouse toward its load.
  3. Navigating the warehouse is a breeze, thanks to laser-guided navigation routes.
    1. It's also equipped with safety sensors and cameras, so it detects whenever someone walks by and keeps its distance.
  4. Arriving at the designated drop-off spot, the ERE sets its load down, backs out, and heads to the next destination. 
  5. If it needs to recharge, it drives itself to the charging station. 
    1. The ERE charges through contact plates – no bulky cables.


Jungheinrich: Reliability in All Equipment, Including AGVs

Why are we showcasing a Jungheinrich APT?

Jungheinrich has a longstanding reputation for reliable equipment. These AGVs come from the same factories as their forklifts, and feature the same build quality.

In addition, Jungheinrich makes all of their AGVs pretty "smart." They simplify adoption with these two features:

  1. Smart Operation – None of their AGVs need a dedicated track. They use built-in lasers and guidance cameras to navigate.
  2. Integration Options – Choose how you integrate each AGV into your team's workflow. Either use one as a standalone unit (controlled by an operator, as we saw before), or integrate the AGV with your Warehouse Management System (WMS).


Will the APT Take Away Jobs?

People worry about AI taking their jobs. It's reasonable to ask the same question of AGVs like the Jungheinrich ERE. If a pallet truck can run itself up and down the warehouse without someone hauling it…will they put operators out of work?

No. While efficient, it's best to think of these vehicles as aiding product flow. They free up worker time for other tasks.

The supply chain continues at its own pace. Instead of overworking the team, an APT takes on some of their load.

You can even add more automated vehicles later, from Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) to whole warehouse automations.


APTs Deliver Greater Productivity – Now's the Time to Add It

Is now the time to add Automated Pallet Trucks? Yes!

FMH has the Jungheinrich ERE 225A available now. They don't need expensive setup within the warehouse space, so they can start work right away. It's a great way to upgrade your warehouse logistics in 2023.

Call your local FMH office, or visit us, to explore adding automation. 

  • Denver - 800-451-6749
  • Albuquerque - 800-325-7669
  • El Paso - 800-592-1035