Robotic tow tractor

Hyster Europe robotic trucks use geonavigation technology developed by Balyo, which does not require complex infrastructure changes to automate logistical processes. Instead, the trucks work utilising the structural features within the building.

Based on LIDAR technology, this system determines the position of the truck by orienting it at fixed points, such as walls, shelves or the building structure. Reflectors or other physical navigation aids are not necessary.

These robotics solutions are based on Hyster lift trucks from series production, and the trucks can still be operated manually. This dual advantage means robot technology can be switched off at any time, and the driver can control the machines in manual mode if necessary. The lift trucks can therefore also be used spontaneously for other tasks. This makes Hyster robotic truck solutions significantly different from automated guided vehicle systems.

Several Hyster tow tractors, which are used with tugger trains for feeding production lines, can be equipped with the robotics solutions.

The route can be stored in the tow tractor and after appropriate programming, the tugger trains then automatically drive to their destinations and stop independently at the individual stations. Prerequisite: The configuration of the tugger train remains unchanged and the weight of the loads to be transported is approximately the same. Otherwise the tugs will have to be freshly programmed. If required, the robot technology can also be switched off and the tractors controlled as usual by the driver.