Autonomous transportation systems (FTS) simplify daily operations in industrial settings: employees no longer need to fetch tools and materials on foot from the warehouse, as autonomous vehicles can assist them. As companies face pressure to reduce costs and cope with labor shortages, the benefits of automation are increasingly recognized by more small and medium-sized enterprises with lower levels of automation. Despite lacking experience, many people often harbour apprehensions about investing due to the fear of making a wrong decision overshadowing their instinct. To facilitate a barrier-free and low-risk entry into the automation of intralogistics processes for these businesses, we developed a cost-effective and intuitive FTS with an integrated Cobot for grasping objects: the ReBeL Transfer.
The autonomous transportation vehicle is capable of carrying small load carriers, measuring 60×40 centimeters and 30×40 centimeters, with a maximum payload capacity of up to 35 kilograms. Operating at speeds of up to 1.5 meters per second, it boasts a battery life exceeding eight hours and rapid charging times of under two hours. On board is optional the ReBeL, a cobot, fully manufactured by igus to produce a completely rugged and cost-effective high-performance plastic from robust and affordable materials? At a single price of just €4,970 for the fully equipped variant, this articulator robot is five times more affordable than comparable metal models. The object has a self-weight of 8.2 kilograms, a carrying capacity of 2 kilograms, and a reach of 664 millimeters. For a mere €34,808, the ReBeL Transfer offers a fraction of the cost of traditional FTS solutions, allowing for a swift return on investment within just 12 months, according to Alexander Mühlens.
The new FTS system not only offers cost-effective alternatives to similar solutions, but also boasts exceptionally easy installation – as swift as a lawnmower robot. In non-digitized companies, the FTS operates as a standalone system that only requires a Wi-Fi connection. Using a handheld controller, the operator navigates the vehicle along its future workspaces to configure it. The ReBeL Transfer features a 360-degree camera and utilizes slam technology to generate an interactive digital map in real-time during the scanning process, providing accurate spatial information. Following the initial survey flight, the operator can then specify individual stations for working, waiting, and recharging on the drone. No-go areas include zones surrounding stairwells and elevators or regions where the robot must operate at reduced speed to avoid disrupting employees. In physical reality, the cell robot identifies target locations using a camera and reflectors at individual stations, without requiring the operator to install elaborate guidelines or tracks on the floor.
Simplifying the definition of tasks for the ReBeL transfer in logistics can be achieved through the Pill interface, whereby jobs are assigned to the ReBeL Cobot at Station A to extract products from a bin and transport them to Station B. A key component of the solution is a software program that enables intelligent fleet management, allowing multiple FTS to collaborate efficiently. Mühlens notes that the entire onboarding process is remarkably straightforward, allowing users to programme simple tasks in just 15 minutes. Incorporation into existing IT landscapes, such as synchronized interactions between robots and automated forklifts, is no obstacle thanks to interfaces like IoT, VDA 5050, REST, SAP, and ERP.
Mühlens: “Given the swift commissioning process, we can easily demonstrate small automation solutions to interested customers on-site, thereby eliminating their fear of touching technology.” In addition to our purchase model, we also offer a rental option for your consideration.
