E&K Automation develops Automated Guided Vehicles optimised for outdoor applications

Outdoor transport robot navigated with inductive guidance
Photo by E&K AUTOMATION GMBH

Transport robots for material flow solutions reduce costs and increase productivity. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for industrial outdoor applications expand the transport robotics industry enormously and they also ensure smooth integration of in-house production and storage facilities. The advantages are apparent.

The German company E&K Automation GmbH, located in Rosengarten and Reutlingen is specialized in automatization of material flow and storage solutions by manufacturing innovative and flexible AGVs, so called transport robots. The company configures intelligent and efficient solutions for highly diverse transport tasks, and that even for outdoor applications. The clients of EK benefit enormously from the constant production chain by operating with outdoor AGVs in order to connect two production buildings and, at least, they benefit from the permanent track-n-tracing of their material flow.

Maximum process reliability for outdoor applications

While industrial AGVs normally drive indoor on clean concrete, even ground floors – that mostly are the best floor conditions for AGVS – applications in outdoor areas always present new challenges such as crossing rail tracks or the integration into in-house traffic regulations.

In addition, the vehicle technology and the transport goods must be protected against rain, snow, cold or heat. For a constant outdoor operation and to protect the goods from bad weather days, the vehicles are completely covered and equipped with roller doors.

Reliable automated solutions – fit for the future

The transport robotic concepts by EK AUTOMATION for outdoor applications can also be realised with fully automated serial fork lift trucks. For this purpose, the automated EK SERIES SMART MOVE will be equipped with weather proofed and safety devices. Thanks to their robust design, the use of proven navigation systems, the long-lasting drives and state-of-the-art personal safety devices, EK transport robots are very reliable automated solutions and designed for a continuous 24/7 operation. All outdoor AGV systems from EK are tailored to meet the customer’s need.

For more information, please visit http://ek-automation.com.

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