Lödige Industries has launched a new intelligent AGV (automated guided vehicle) that it claims will boost operational efficiencies for baggage and cargo transport within terminals.
The company’s computer-controlled wheel-based carrier, featuring a five ft and 10 ft model for different sizes of ULDs, was unveiled at Inter Airport Europe 2019 in Munich.
At a speed of three metres per second, the 10 ft model can handle various ULD contours and runs one shift on a single battery charge. Its maximum load capacity of 6,800 kg covers all possible 10 ft ULDs, says Lödige.
The system will take advantage of data-based functions to assign routing precisely via warehouse management systems, allowing the load carrier to connect the various terminal areas in a flexible and scalable way, says Lödige. For example, establishing an effective link between landside-based truck docks and airside-based ULD storage, or other repetitive intra-terminal transfers.
It says that the driverless AGV will enable operators to free up staff for higher value assignments. “Furthermore, it is an effective tool for use when space is scarce and flexibility is critical. The AGV has the potential to lower fixed costs by making floor-mounted roller conveyors redundant which have traditionally been seen as the most economical way of conveying airfreight.”
Björn Ussat, director airport logistics solutions at Lödige, says: “We are pleased that we can offer our customers a product that will foster sustainable operations and significantly improve terminal efficiency. The ULD AGV is the natural extension of our product range, as we can offer even more flexible terminal configurations to our customers.”
Lödige’s conveying technology has been installed at more than 40 cargo terminals around the world and manages just over a quarter of the 56m ton global airfreight volume. Besides yielding benefits on costs and flexibility, the AGV also helps improve safety as it is equipped with laser scanners and other sensors that detect obstacles preventing impact.
The 5 ft model carries loads up to 1,588 kg for 12 hours. Customers are able to order the 5 ft model immediately, the 10ft device will be available from the summer of 2020.
