Automation of frequently recurring transport jobs was the key idea behind the development of Jungheinrich’s Auto Pallet Mover (APM) concept, which uses standard series forklifts in combination with state-of-the-art automation technology. The IFOY test put the ERC215 through its paces. This machine has a cantilever fork and can lift loads of up to 1.5 tons to a maximum height of 3 metres.

This APM is used either in combination with manned transport machines or in a zone together with other automatic transport devices. The APM concept is suitable for wide-ranging automated use in multi-shift operations and can transport the required loads around the clock. As the Jungheinrich strategy is geared towards series production trucks, the APM models can also be used manually, thereby ensuring maximum flexibility. No floor adjustments are necessary to permit autonomous use of the APM trucks. The vehicle travels along its route using laser navigation and reflecting panels attached to racks, walls or pillars. The reflectors allow positioning of the APM at the preset loading and unloading points with millimetric precision.

The IFOY test truck was equipped with barcode scanners on the forks. They scan the load and transmit all relevant information (such as the pallet loading height) to the system, allowing pallets to be stacked on one another without any problem. The laser scanners detect whether it is actually possible to drive into the load to be taken on board.

During the entire process, several sensors monitor the safety of the personnel, the goods and the building. A Sick S3000 sensor continuously monitors the driving route. If it recognises an obstacle, the speed is first reduced from 1.5 m/s to 0.3 m/s, and in the second step the truck is safely brought to a halt if it has not already driven further. As soon as the obstacle has been removed, the truck automatically continues on its way. Sensors on the left and right sides monitor the area below the scanning field of the S3000 as well as the sides of the truck. The workplace is also equipped with sensors. An operator entering the truck is immediately detected, and the automatic mode is switched off. The APM can then be operated manually right away. The full-option version in the IFOY test was additionally fitted with sensors on both sides and on the front of the truck.

Like the other APM models (the ERE 225a electric lift truck and the EKS210a order picker), the ERC215 in the APM version can easily be integrated in existing IT infrastructures. Jungheinrich’s own logistics interface handles communication between the various system components – in the event that there is a warehouse door on the transport route that should be opened, for example.

Route changes can be implemented relatively quickly, easily and with millimetric precision via laptop using the “Layout-Designer” standard layout program. This requires some knowledge of the layout program, however. Entered changes are automatically optimised by the program and can be transmitted directly to the truck via WLAN. In addition, the program can also be used for non-complex simulations.

Summary

With its Auto Pallet Mover, Jungheinrich supplies a concept that permits the automated use of standard series trucks. Process execution is extremely precise and reliable, even in continuous operating scenarios. Route changes require familiarity with “Layout-Designer”, a standard layout design program.