Easy access to automation

Software solution from Linde makes it easier to automate intralogistics operations

The 'MATIC:move' software solution from Linde Material Handling (MH) significantly simplifies the implementation and control of AGVs. This enables companies to automate their intralogistics operations faster and more cost-effectively. The software is now also being used in the "Linde L-MATIC core," a fully automated stacker truck that will be launched in February 2025. The truck has an integrated lithium-ion battery and its compact design makes it very suitable for use in small spaces within warehouses and production environments.

"There is a lot of interest in automation solutions. Many decision-makers in companies are facing a number of challenges, such as shorter delivery times in e-commerce, increasing price pressure due to high energy costs, increasingly strict sustainability and safety standards and, last but not least, a shortage of skilled personnel. At the same time, there are processes almost everywhere in material handling that are very suitable for automation," says Pascal Kuster, Sales Trainer Automated Guided Vehicles at Linde MH. "On the other hand, high costs and manpower cause hesitation and reluctance," he explains. "Linde MH addresses this dilemma with the 'MATIC:move' software, which enables small and medium-sized companies to improve efficiency in material handling with automated warehouse trucks."

Easy implementation and planning

The main advantage of the "MATIC:move" software is that it enables easy planning and accelerated implementation of automated material handling. "This goes so far that a simple route transport between two points can be set up in one day," says Pascal Kuster. Maintenance or service work can be performed by trained service technicians, eliminating the need for dedicated robot specialists. The truck navigates the area using reflectors placed at key points in the infrastructure, such as corners, pick-up points and storage locations, as well as charging and service points. To populate the software with data, the automated warehouse truck travels the route and generates a digital map of the warehouse environment. Then the truck pick-up and drop-off points and routes can be planned on the computer screen with drag and drop ("Drag and Drop").

The software is designed for smaller fleets of up to five AGVs of the same type using standardized load carriers such as europallets or pallet cages. Special attention has been paid to horizontal transport in warehouses, production, receiving and shipping areas. In addition, it can also be used for mixed traffic with manually operated internal transport and pedestrians. The solution offers a significantly lower initial investment compared to other systems. "In many cases, the payback period is about two years," says Jan-Niklas Freund, Manager Automation Sales Steering at Linde MH.

New fully automatic stacker

The "MATIC:move" software is already used in the Linde L-MATIC HD automatic stacker. The automated and manually operated truck has a lifting capacity of 1.6 tons and a lifting height of 3.8 meters and is suitable for use in warehouses with wide aisles or for supplying narrow aisle applications. The next truck to be equipped with the new software solution - the fully automated 'Linde L-MATIC core' - will soon be launched on the market. This compact, pioneering model with a lifting capacity of 1.2 tons and a lifting height of 1.78 meters features an integrated lithium-ion battery and has no drawbar. The truck can navigate aisles less than 2.5 meters wide.

To ensure operator safety, the Linde L-MATIC core is equipped as standard with a 360° safety zone and an emergency switch that allows the truck to be stopped from multiple sides at the touch of a button. Optional safety features, such as the Linde BlueSpot or the Linde Red Warning Lines, can be added to the truck as desired. The battery can be charged manually or automatically.

Gradual expansion

If the project becomes more complex or there are plans to expand automation, customers can seamlessly connect to MATIC:move. The extensive range of warehouse trucks and the 'MATIC:move+' software, which can automate truck fleets of up to 150 trucks, are available to meet such needs. The advanced software is compatible via established interfaces with a range of business systems, including warehouse management, warehouse control and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Capabilities range from visualizing the current status of the trucks, including their availability and utilization, to battery management.

"The scalability of the software allows us to provide each customer with the optimal solution, whether implementing a brownfield application in an existing facility that has grown over time or a new greenfield development," adds Pascal Kuster. Moreover, companies can start with minimal investment and gradually expand their automation capabilities.

Motrac

Motrac has been the exclusive importer of Linde lift and warehouse trucks since 1954 and we have grown into a leading total provider of internal logistics. Motrac takes all the worries out of your hands and offers a 24/7 maintenance service plus expertise and engineering for the complete setup of your warehouse.

Learn more: www.motrac.nl