AWARD´s Automated Forklift Use Case Testing
AWARD’s Automated Forklift Use Case Launched: A September is a Month to Remember in Logistics Automation! Indeed the month is abuzz with excitement as the AWARD consortium takes a giant leap in logistics automation. The testing commences 30km south of Vienna in the town of Seibersdorf, Austria at the AIT facilities, where our team is diligently working to recreate real-world scenarios, including open-world loading environments like construction sites, farms, and even small warehouses, all within the controlled setting of our research proving grounds. This initiative introduces an autonomous outdoor forklift system, powered by the Crayler vehicle, primarily operating within warehousing environments.
Work on this use case represents a collective effort led by AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, specifically the Center for Technology Experience and the Center for Vision, Automation & Control, along with a team of esteemed consortium partners, all working collaboratively to bring this innovation to life. Digitrans ensures safety testing, while EasyMile, Adasky, Continental and Foresight manage the sensor recording setup. Applied Autonomy takes charge of the remote interface, ensuring seamless integration and operational efficiency.
*To find out more, make sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming press release: free download will be available from here.
*Be sure to stay connected with us to keep up with the latest developments. We’re committed to bringing you the most current information as we progress through this testing phase. As the testing concludes, we’ll update this blog with the final results and an array of captivating photos, giving you an immersive glimpse into our journey. Your curiosity is our motivation – so watch this space for the exciting revelations that await at the culmination of our testing endeavour!
Substantial evolution in logistics:
Unmatched Versatility: What truly sets this innovation apart is its unparalleled adaptability. It not only handles standard EU pallets but can seamlessly accommodate nearly any arbitrary load carriers. This remarkable flexibility ensures it thrives in any situation, from unfamiliar environments to diverse load carriers and complex scenarios like loading, part-loading, and distributed unloading across multiple locations.
Navigating Diverse Environments – From Supply Stations to Delivery Points: This system excels in navigating diverse environments, including challenging sites like construction zones and various loading points and supply stations in the supply chain. It effortlessly traverses surfaces ranging from asphalt to gravel to grass, thanks to its advanced environmental interpretation capabilities
Precision Control and Real-Time Adjustments: Control extends beyond planning for loading and unloading; it also enables real-time adjustments to address unforeseen situations. This groundbreaking approach promises to revolutionize logistics and supply chain management, offering unmatched adaptability and control. End-users across diverse settings stand to benefit significantly from this innovation.
Testing Phases:
This warehouse use case unfolds in three crucial phases, commencing in Mid-September 2023 and concluding in mid-March 2024:
Phase #1: Safe movement in open environments.
Phase #2: Autonomous loading of a single hand-picked pallet to a defined location.
Phase #3: Complete automated loading and unloading of a full truck.
During these phases, meticulous mechanical and electrical integration of the Automated Driving System (ADS) into the Crayler forklift vehicle is ongoing. AWARD’s advanced sensors are seamlessly integrated, and the team is proactively addressing potential weather-related challenges, particularly in snowy conditions. To ensure fully automated and secure movement, a cutting-edge fleet management system (FMS) developed by Applied Autonomy enhances efficiency and safety.
* photo: the Crayler vehicle forklift at the AIT premises.
This is just one facet of the meticulously planned AWARD H2020 project. Other scenarios include Hub to Hub, Airport, and Port, each strategically designed to showcase the potential of autonomous technology in diverse operational settings.
Stay Tuned!
Be sure to stay connected with us to keep up with the latest developments. We’re committed to bringing you the most current information as we progress through this testing phase. As the testing concludes, we’ll be updating this blog with the final results and an array of captivating photos, giving you an immersive glimpse into the journey we’ve undertaken. Your curiosity is our motivation – so watch this space for the exciting revelations that await at the culmination of our testing endeavour!