Warehouse automation solution provider Wise Robotics has announced an extension of its autonomous robot range with the launch of VisionNav’s vision-guided, counterbalanced VNP15 automated forklift into its portfolio.
The VNP15 uses vision-based intelligence to automate material handling, storage and retrieval. Its technology enables it to learn and navigate existing infrastructure, making it more adaptable to deploy with minimal site modifications.
The news comes after an announcement in January of a partnership between Wise Robotics and VisionNav, designed to help UK operators boost order fulfilment and reduce ongoing costs associated with running warehouse facilities.
Joe Daft, head of robotics at Wise Robotics, said: “The VisionNav VNP15 is an extremely sophisticated autonomous forklift.
“Make no mistake, this isn’t a forklift that’s retrospectively been automated. It’s vision-based, which makes it especially adaptable to current warehouse layouts – and one of the key reasons we are supplying it is because it’s compatible with all pallets, cages and racks, something we’re seeing as a regular and important requirement of potential projects.”
According to Daft, an entire fleet of VNP15s can be configured and overseen remotely by a single operative. They are fully automated and require minimal infrastructure changes. Vision-based codes are installed on the walls and ceiling of a warehouse to enable the robots to navigate.
With its machine-vision navigation and sensor technology, the model can lift large and irregular loads of up to 1.5 tonnes to 3m height at a speed of 1.5m/sec – working in sync with goods-to-person, materials movement and production line operations.
VisionNav’s director of sales, Europe, Jason Zhang, said: “VisionNav’s driverless forklifts undertake every type of task that would be expected of a traditional manually-operated forklift – including vehicle loading and unloading, pallet put-away and retrieval in both standard and very narrow aisle racking configurations, as well as pallet and stillage movements throughout the warehouse.
“Visual navigation technology is not only highly efficient; it is quick and easy to install and brings a rapid return on investment. The highly flexible technology allows driverless industrial trucks to be adopted with minimal disruption to a site’s existing intralogistics process and, typically, ROI is achieved after a period of 18-24 months.”
You can see Wise Robotics at both IntraLogisteX 2022 (Stand 324), on 29-30 March, and Robotics and Automation 2022 (Stand 410), on 01-02 November, at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Go to www.intralogistex.co.uk and www.roboticsandautomation.co.uk for more information on both events.
