HK automates the conventional warehouse

Companies that wanted to automate putaway and picking operations used to have one option.

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 4/21/2008 12:36:00 PM

Companies that wanted to automate putaway and picking operations used to have one option: An automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) that typically requires specialized racking and high volumes to justify the cost.

Now, they may have a choice. HK Systems and AGV Products (Booth 1518) introduced the next generation of automatic guided vehicles (AGV), including a line of innovative fork AGVs designed for the automated warehouse.

“These vehicles are the bridge between a conventional warehouse using man-operated lift trucks and racking and a fully automated facility with an automated storage and retrieval system,” said Mike Kotecki, senior vice president of HK Systems.

The new line includes two models. A standard fork AGV has the capacity to store and retrieve a 5,000-pound pallet load or to stack a 3,500-pound load up to 21 feet high.

A turret truck model can operate in very narrow aisles and put away a 2,200-pound load up to 35 feet high.

Both models operate under the direction of HK’s AGV Control Software, which can handle all traffic control and order processing. As a replacement for man-operated lift trucks, the AGVs can operate in a 24/7 environment in existing facilities without altering typical fork truck aisles and without installing custom pallet or flow racking. The vehicles are also tolerant of variations in the floor.

“By replacing one man-operated fork truck with two AGVs, we can deliver a return on investment in 18 to 24 months and product damage goes away,” Kotecki said.