Samsonite reports success with driverless forklifts20 October 2010

Automated guided vehicle (AGV) specialist E&K Automation has converted three Linde K-Range VNA (very narrow aisle) high bay stacker trucks to driverless operation for luggage manufacturer Samsonite's new warehouse in Oudenaarde, Belgium.

Germain Ghys, Samsonite's logistics manager at Oudenaarde, explains that the AGVs work alongside operator-controlled lift trucks, and have transformed the efficiency of its European storage and distribution centre.

In brief detail, the AGVs follow inductive guide wires set into the floor, with directional assistance from an E&K laser-based navigation system for other areas of the warehouse.

In this case, the trucks guide themselves by triangulation, using reflectors mounted on the warehouse walls. Additionally, the trucks are equipped with telescopic forks and pallet profile control, which check that the dimensions of pallets from production are correct and that they can be stored in the automated warehouse.

"To cope with [our] multitude of products, we rented additional storage space in the immediate vicinity some years ago. However, this solution was not cost-effective, was too slow and inflexible, and in any case had reached its capacity," comments Ghys.

Hence the move to an alternative approach, which, says Ghys, has optimised product movements. He also explains that the automated stacker trucks provide back-up in the event of electronic failure, as they are equipped with an operator seat and can be manually driven. All of the other standard functions of the Linde lift trucks also remain.

"Our operation is extremely efficient, providing a significant competitive advantage," he comments.

Brian Wall

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