Description

easyPILOT Follow is an additional, easy-to-retrofit remote operation option for the ECE, which is specifically designed for order picking goods on up to three roller containers or pallets in distribution centres, wholesale warehouses or in retail.

Thanks to semi-automatically controlling the ECE using easyPILOT Follow, our customers take another step towards automation: in manual operation, the operator is required to frequently step on and off the vehicle and make many trips from the picking place to the vehicle and back. In contrast, easyPILOT Follow enables the operator to move the ECE to the next picking place without boarding the vehicle.
Fitted with state-of-the-art laser scanners, the ECE scans the area in front of the vehicle, which ensures its safe navigation and positioning in the aisle. Operator and truck can move independently of one another. An external remote control is not necessary. Instead, the vehicle just follows its operator at a certain distance and halts, so that the operator can place the picked goods in the same position on the forks. Thus, the ECE is at the right place at the right time and the operator can completely focus on the order-picking process. This way, the employee’s day-to-day workload is reduced, while productivity noticeably increases.

Innovations

The most significant innovation featured in easyPILOT Follow is its revolutionary technology for operator tracking. Whilst other manufacturers employ optical systems, Jungheinrich uses radio technology. Per NFC pairing, the vehicle connects to only one control unit in the form of a control bar, which the operator can carry in his pocket or attach to his belt. Malfunctions due to optical obstacles or other disturbances cannot occur, as the connection between operator and vehicle is 100 percent reliable at all times. Once the operator starts moving, a travel command is activated and the ECE follows its operator automatically. If the operator stops, the truck comes to a halt, so that the forks are in the same position as before. Thus, he can continue to pick the current order without any disruptions.

easyPILOT Follow enables effortless and fully automated switching between various operating modes, even without pushing a button. As soon as the operator leaves the platform, the vehicle starts following him. As an optional feature, an operator-specific side-orientation is available: Depending on which side the operator steps off the truck, the ECE automatically follows along the right or left racking.

ECE order pickers with easyPILOT Follow can easily be implemented in existing warehouses.

Market relevance

Especially when order picking, the interface between man and machine must function effectively. Therefore, easyPILOT Follow was developed to enhance the efficiency of these often fragmented and physically demanding order-picking processes and free the operator of unnecessary trips – by using this intuitive and easy-to-retrofit tool.

With easyPILOT Follow for the ECE order picker, Jungheinrich now launches a new solution in the market, which operates without any errors and can easily be retrofitted. For more dynamic and worry-free order picking operations.

Customer benefits

• Thanks to optimised processed during order picking, easyPILOT Follow enables its user to achieve considerably more picks per hour: the operator has both hands free and can fully focus on picking the right goods from the right racking.
• Unnecessary trips or stepping on and off to operate the vehicle are eliminated, so that the user’s physical strain is reduced. This means that costly sick leave by employees due to health problems can be prevented thanks to the more ergonomic workplace.
• The picking process also becomes safer, as accidents involving people as well as damages to the vehicle or other warehouse equipment can be avoided. Once the scanners recognise an obstacle, the truck safely comes to a halt.
• The ECE executes any travel movements entirely autonomously and following the operator. This way, he only has to turn around to place the goods on the forks.
• The ECE with easyPILOT Follow enhances the customers flexibility and individuality: Not only is it possible to pick and place orders on different pallets, individual stops can also be specified at any time using the control bar.
• NFC pairing ensures a simple and stable connection between ECE truck and operator, even when handling heavy loads.
• Switching between the operating modes jetPILOT for ride-on travel and easyPILOT Follow happens intuitively and seamlessly without having to push any buttons. Once the operator steps off the platform, the truck starts to follow.