EK Robotics, a German manufacturer of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), has announced the launch of its Medi Move model series for the global healthcare industry.
Made of stainless steel and equipped as a transport platform with a lifting table for picking up and dropping off loads, the new robot has been designed for 24-hour logistics operation in hospitals.
Medi Move robots are reportedly capable of navigating underground route networks and across several floors to deliver to hospital wards, sterile departments and nursing areas.
A fleet of 51 Medi Move AGVs are currently being used at a hospital in Germany where they handle more than 2,000 fully automated transports, including precise deliveries of meals and medications, as well laundry and waste to disposal stations.
With a length of 1,900 x 600mm and a dead weight of 400kg, the AGV can change floors via most common freight elevators and achieve travel speeds of up to 1.7m/s, including while carrying a maximum total load of 500kg.
Chris Price, EK Robotics’ UK managing director, said: “We pride ourselves on providing the exact solution for a wide variety of industries and sectors, and, with the Medi Move transport platform, we won’t just provide the perfect load handling solution for the healthcare industry, we’ll also provide an efficient, cost effective, and high-performance solution for a range of healthcare operations.”
The Medi Move’s self-supporting stainless steel chassis lifts loading equipment by a maximum of 170mm with two electrically operated screw jack units.
Before driving, the load is lifted high enough to clear personal protection laser scanners and provide all-round visibility for safety in the field.
Synchronisation of both lift motors is handled by an integrated calibration unit, which enables accurate lifting and lowering to within tenths of a millimetre.
Due to its symmetrical six-wheel configuration, the Medi Move can rotate around its own centre point and requires little manoeuvring space.
