Yale's automated product range. © Yale

In the past, anyone wishing to purchase and introduce automated industrial trucks had to rely on customized, complex and therefore inevitably expensive solutions. These ultimately proved to be inflexible as they could not be adapted to new or changing operating environments. Yale Europe Materials Handling has now developed a new solution: a range of automated stackers. The trucks do not require any infrastructure and also benefit from the company's service network.

After more than ten years of research and development in the field of automated solutions, Yale is pleased to announce the launch of its new robotic products. The portfolio includes the MO25 low lift order picker, the MO50-70T tow tractor and the MC10-15 counterbalance truck with Balyo technology.

The trucks not only offer the quality and reliability that customers have come to expect from Yale, but also help to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency. This makes them ideal for customers looking for an affordable automation solution.

Strikingly different

"For operations where there are many different tasks and requirements, which can also be constantly changing, comprehensive automation is not an option," says Ron Farr, Warehouse Solutions Manager at Yale. "However, there are smaller routine tasks that can be automated, freeing up manpower for more demanding activities. We have developed our robotic products with the aim of providing our customers with flexible and affordable automation."

At the heart of the solution is Balyo's industry-leading geo-navigation technology, which clearly sets Yale's robotic forklifts apart from traditional automated guided vehicles on the market. Because the trucks do not require any special infrastructure, they can be operated autonomously without additional cables, magnets or headlights.

"We have been in contact with our customers about this and found that the installation of special infrastructure is a huge hurdle when it comes to introducing robotics in warehouses and on production lines. Together with Balyo, we have designed a series of forklifts that create an internal map based on the existing environmental structure, which enables them to determine their position independently and in real time, and to navigate accordingly. There is no need to lay cables or mount reflectors on the walls. This reduces implementation costs and virtually eliminates the need for ongoing maintenance of the structure. The solution is fully networked with the customer's environment and can be quickly and easily integrated into existing processes," explains Farr.

Robot technology for every application

Based on the manually operated MO25, MO50-70T and MC10-15 models, the automated stackers from Yale are suitable for a wide range of applications. The stackers can be used to automate numerous routine tasks, such as feeding production lines, transporting goods between individual stations, milk runs or transporting empty pallets to the palletizing system.

Thanks to the integrated advanced obstacle detection, the stackers anticipate their immediate working environment and react by adjusting their speed. This ensures smooth and efficient operation. Equipped with a manual and automatic mode, the stackers can be used efficiently alongside employees and purely manual stackers.

"Dual mode operation allows automated Yale trucks to continue to operate in manual mode to perform tasks that are not automated. The driver can take control at the touch of a button. This eliminates the need for additional equipment and gives customers the flexibility to respond to unexpected requirements," says Farr.

"We have looked in detail at how we can make the use of robotics as cost-effective and productive as possible for our customers. Yale's automated solutions are fully scalable from a single truck to a complete fleet, so they are always tailored to the application at hand. As Industry 4.0 becomes more prevalent, our products can open the door to the world of automation for those who previously thought it was too big a step," explains Farr.