The “a” in the product name of the EKS 215a stands for autonomous. As Jungheinrich states, its latest AGV product, the high-lift AGV EKS 215a, is the first autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) in its class that has been developed exclusively for automatic operation. However, the truck is not completely helpless if a malfunction should ever bring it to a halt: the truck can be switched to manual operation with an emergency control panel by means of a key switch. In this way, all functions are basically possible, only somewhat slower.

The test installation of the first “real” autonomous high-lift truck from Jungheinrich in the Dortmund exhibition hall is completed within a few hours. The EKS 215a autonomous high-lift truck, which is made to run without any problems, can store and retrieve pallets up to 6 metres with a residual load capacity of up to 700 kilograms. In the lower racking area, up to about 2 metres, the AGV can handle pallets or special load carriers weighing 1,500 kilogrammes. As a true autonomous truck, it is designed to be very small: At 3.5 metres, it can be turned and the racking can be served from both sides. This makes the self-supporting automatic order picker, which went on sale at the end of 2021, small, compact, fast and manoeuvrable.

If the vehicle, which is equipped with a mobile laser personal protection scanner from Sick, does not have a driving job and the lithium-ion battery is not full, it is temporarily charged in real operation – this is also possible by the minute, via a green contact plate overhead. This option is particularly interesting in work situations where you don’t know exactly when the truck will have to drive the next time. The 24-volt concept with automatic loading ensures efficient multi-shift operation. The user-friendly touch display ensures intuitive operation.

The AGV is controlled by a higher-level system: depending on the connection to the customer’s warehouse management system (WMS) or as a stand-alone system from Jungheinrich using sensor-monitored bays. Then the charger chases 300 amps into the battery. This way, the battery is charged from 25 to 50 per cent in about 10 minutes; pushing it up to 80 percent takes about 30 minutes. Without a connection to a customer WMS such as SAP, the customer is provided with a user interface with a drop-down menu from Jungheinrich. This interface with a web browser is also available for mobile phones or tablets. However, for product liability reasons, the customer cannot program around in it.

In contrast to the reach truck, the EKS 215a with its cantilever forks can also be used to approach and automate stations that are not accessible from below. The new truck masters the in-house transport of loading aids in mixed operation with manually controlled vehicles or persons with flying colours thanks to its small footprint. Depending on the application, a wide range of mast types is available. By the way: the high-lift AGV can also be easily connected to ERP systems via the Jungheinrich logistics interface.

IFOY Test Verdict

It is becoming increasingly important to automate manual logistics processes. With the new EKS 215a, processes in existing infrastructures can be automated, even in mixed operation with manual trucks or people. Thanks to its lithium-ion power supply and automatic charging, the device, which is first-class in Jungheinrich style, promises economical 24/7 operation – even in the smallest of spaces. The integrated scanner and the adaptive protective field concept do the rest to make the EKS 215a a recommendation from the tester.