Cart pulling AMR as ideal flexible shell

Flower industry has already embraced this solution

The use of AMRs is increasing rapidly; the robots keep many logistics processes running. The possibilities are also growing daily. Gobotty serves entrepreneurs in logistics and manufacturing with the new Induros AMR from Innok. Director Arie Verhoeven: “The Innok is ideal for the supply and removal of goods with cart. The ROI is about one year.”

There is no lack of interest in the Induros AMR, says Verhoeven. “The flower sector, among others, has already embraced this solution. Anyway, this vehicle is very suitable for all kinds of logistics applications.” That there is a lot of interest in the self-driving robot does not surprise Verhoeven. “Customers even indicate that this AMR brings peace to the operation. ”Gobotty has a broad portfolio of robotic solutions. Sometimes it develops them completely in-house, sometimes it is the exclusive importer of a system. In either case, the Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht-based company is capable of providing additional customization, such as a specific superstructure for moving crates or pallets, as well as (software-based) integration with other systems.

Logistics and industry

For the Induros, Gobotty sees opportunities in a variety of sectors, such as industry and ornamental horticulture. “As long as logistics plays a key role,” he says. Examples, according to Verhoeven, include delivering goods to workers who are assembling something at a workbench. “Lean processes lend themselves well to this. Vehicles deliver items to someone automatically.”

AMR (dis)connects a cart itself

In the floriculture sector, several of Gobotty's customers are working with the Induros. The AMR can pull a flower cart. The vehicle detects a cart from three meters away, looks for the scan plate, determines the best driving direction and hooks the load carrier itself. After scanning whether the cart is properly attached, the AMR drives toward the specified target. Upon arrival, the Induros puts the cart away at the designated spot. “It does not matter whether the route is indoors or over an outdoor area. Thanks to its decent ground clearance, the vehicle can drive over thresholds, tree roots and gravel paths.” Driving in reverse is also a possibility, which makes the AMR suitable for delivering goods into a garage box, for example. “The Induros can open overhead doors by itself, drive backwards into the space, unhitch the cart and have the door closed again.”

‘Always more beneficial than a human’

While AMR is primarily a godsend within logistics processes with labor shortages, ROI also plays an important role in an investment decision. Verhoeven: “It's very simple: this solution is always more advantageous than using people. You can move goods without manpower. The AMR replaces a forklift truck with driver or an electric tractor. You make an operation less dependent on temporary workers. An ROI of one year is achievable in many cases. Additionally, we rent out the AMR, which makes the investment almost zero.”

Flexible shell within a day

Gobotty needs about a day to fit the AMR within a logistics environment. In very large or more complex situations, a maximum of two to three days. The short implementation time makes the AMR ideal as a flexible shell for busy periods. “Like the period before Valentine's Day.” According to Verhoeven, a scan of the logistics environment forms the basis, after which a company can quickly get started. “Something or someone has to give the robot an order. This can be done through a screen on the wall, but also with a push button on a workbench.”

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