FEATURE MATERIALS HANDLING
New Truck on the Block Hubtex has unveiled the world’s first fully-automated electric multidirectional sideloader for handling long, heavy and bulky goods – the ‘customer-specific’ PhoeniX AGV.
T
he basic model of the new PhoeniX electric
cantilever racks, walls or columns. The combined data from the scanners
multidirectional sideloader was designed by Hubtex for
creates an interactive, virtual map of the warehouse. This map is then
step-by-step automation utilising full electric steering,
used to determine the precise position of the Phoenix AGV within the hall
enabling longer operating times due to its lower
and pinpoint the position of the storage location.
energy consumption. Now the manufacturer has developed the fully Reliable detection of long loads
automated PhoeniX AGV based on this core product. “We are not simply launching yet another AGV solution,” explains
Another unique selling point is the patented long goods detection
Hans-Joachim Finger, managing director of sales and purchasing at
function. This enables long goods to be reliably detected and picked up,
Hubtex. “We are entering a niche market where there are currently very
with the travel range adjusted accordingly. Unevenly distributed loads
few automated solutions – the handling of long, heavy and bulky loads.
or profiles of different lengths can be seen in the detection area of the
The PhoeniX is a perfect example of how the concept can be transferred
certified sensors. The load contour facing the truck is scanned for this
to our entire range of Hubtex trucks with electric drive.” The Phoenix
purpose. The truck detects barcodes to carry out a plausibility check of
AGV has a unique ability to recognise various long goods that protrude
the transport order and detects vacant spaces which can be accessed
beyond the truck, which is crucial for multidirectional sideloaders. The
by the forks to pick up the load. Accurately determining the load length
truck also includes dynamic mapping, precise positioning, and block
is of great importance. If the load is significantly longer than the truck,
storage as standard.
protection zones and routes will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Object-based navigation
Overcoming future intralogistics challenges
Using object-based navigation, Hubtex combines the data from
As the requirements of intralogistics continue to grow, so does the
navigation sensors, personal protection sensors and machine protection
focus on the partial or full automation of warehouse processes and their
sensors. The personal protection sensors maintain a horizontal protective
flexibility. Hubtex therefore relies on an integrative concept whereby the
zone in the direction of travel. The driving speed is automatically reduced
solution is individually tailored to the customer. “With our broad range
until the truck comes to a stop if a person or an object appears in the
of automation technologies and extensive truck concepts for various
warning field. In addition, the personal protection scanners are used to
handling tasks, we adapt our designs to the requirements of our core
accurately steer the AGV into the storage aisle.
industries such as woodworking, steel or automotive,” says Hans-Joachim
As well as the personal protection scanners, the truck is fitted with
Finger. “Our consultants determine the suitable level of automation for
machine protection scanners that protect against collisions. Since the
each individual user and calculate the resulting costs. By asking intuitive
personal protection scanner only monitors a one-dimensional scanning
questions right from the outset, we are able to provide a coherent and
plane at a low height, objects protruding into the path of the truck,
extremely cost-effective AGV solution.”
for example, cannot be detected. A further navigation scanner acts as More at www.hubtex.com
an additional safeguard by identifying objects in the vicinity such as
Timber Trader UK Magazine
Spring 2021
28
www.timbermedia.co.uk
@Timber_Media
