Automating for competitiveness

Modular and scalable concepts

In order to speed up the planning and implementation of automation solutions and make them more cost-effective, Linde MH has redesigned key parts of its product portfolio over the past two years, including (counterbalance) high lift trucks, reach trucks and narrow aisle trucks. Together with AMRs, shuttle solutions, stationary automation and racking systems, a modular system is now available. At the same time, it is also possible to realize custom-made products for special customer requirements.

New vehicle developments are already in the pipeline. The Linde RoCaP was also a topic at the Linde Automation Summit. Managers from Linde MH and the Rossmann drugstore chain presented the truck together. It is based on the Linde L-Matic HD k automated pallet truck and also has an intelligent robot arm that is permanently connected to the fork carriage. It lifts the parcels from the shelf and places them on the goods carrier. A load handling section for roll containers was specially designed for use at Rossmann. As the Linde RoCaP can work side by side with manually operated industrial trucks, it is particularly suitable for stock warehouses. At Rossmann, it relieves the warehouse staff, especially when picking heavy containers.

New stacker for outdoor use

There was also a preview of the first automated counterbalance truck: the Linde E-Matic, designed for outdoor use, is due to be launched in 2027. Equipped with a load capacity of 2.3 tons, sideshift, lithium-ion battery and navigation and safety technology, the truck will take over horizontal transports between storage points on the ground or stationary conveyor technology in the first stage of development. Pre-series projects with selected customers will start as early as 2026 and their experience will be directly incorporated into further development and series production.

Digital twin for simulation and optimization

The next concrete steps in the implementation of physical AI and digital twins based on MEGA, the Nvidia Omniverse for industrial applications, were also demonstrated. This included the real-time integration of a digital twin in the Nvidia Omniverse, which connects the company's own AGV fleet managers and a physical AGV. Participants were able to see on screen how every action of the AGV - navigation, load handling, etc. - is simultaneously mirrored in the Omniverse environment, enabling real-time monitoring, simulation and optimization of logistics processes. In addition, it is now possible to generate high-resolution 360° images using 3D laser scans and thus create a digital, three-dimensional map of the surroundings of factories or warehouses. Similar to Google Street View, a person walks through the building. They carry a frame on their shoulders that is equipped with high-speed LiDAR scanners with SLAM technology. These precisely capture the surroundings and create a three-dimensional image of reality. The process takes no longer than 40 to 60 minutes. A digital twin of the location is created in the Nvidia Omniverse using the 3D scan. The 3D visualization shows exact distances between shelves, distances between two points or the floor slope on the routes. This provides a reliable basis for planning and eliminates the need for further site visits.