As a result of rising personnel costs and intensified efforts to improve efficiency, customer interest in solutions for the automation of internal material flow has increased. Linde Material Handling (Linde MH) is soon to meet this demand by offering two different solutions in the form of automated industrial trucks. Fully automatic trucks are already in operation. These include, for example, rack stackers, man-down narrow aisle trucks, pallet stackers or tow tractors which are either laser-guided, inductively or mechanically controlled and have an integrated interface for automated operation. In cooperation with preferred manufacturers of driverless transport systems, Linde MH is developing complex automated warehouse solutions featuring personal protection systems, contour control, storage aids, truck coordination and traffic control. In addition, the range is to be extended with a simpler, flexible concept of vision-guided robotic industrial trucks in the future. The first forklift truck produced in collaboration with Seegrid Corporation will be presented by Linde MH at the CeMAT trade fair 2011. This will be the prototype of an automated tow tractor type P50 C. This innovative product solution as well as further truck types are to be made available as a series solution shortly. The tow tractor on exhibition moves freely around the facility and operates without a laser scanner or induction guides embedded in the floor.

Essential for economic fully automated solutions are generally indoor applications with at least two full shifts of operation. In addition, appropriate loading equipment along with secured goods are necessary. The ambient conditions as well as the floor conditions must also be suitable. If all these criteria are met, driverless systems can offer an economic alternative to rack stackers or purely manual truck operation. The main advantage of driverless forklift truck systems is the flexible use of the warehouse and the trucks. Not only do they operate driverless around the clock if desired, but they can also be deployed for manual operations that are with a driver. Automation allows the operation of the trucks to be somewhat smoother, therefore extending service life of the trucks and significantly reducing damage due to external forces. Maintenance and service are carried out from one source by Linde's local contractual partner.

As a further option, Linde Material Handling, in collaboration with Seegrid Corporation, will also offer vision-guided robotic industrial trucks in the future. The Seegrid system uses a three-dimensional model of the warehouse or the workshop to orientate itself. Programming is completed in a few simple steps: The operator drives the truck around the areas in which it is to be utilized. During this process, the cameras installed on top of the truck takes a series of pictures. The picture information is then converted into a three-dimensional model of the facility complete with paths for the robotic industrial truck. The truck’s controller is now equipped with the necessary coordinates and can reliably follow the paths through which it was previously driven. It works like a computer game. As soon as the programming is completed, gamers can move freely through virtual scenarios. The main advantages of vision-guided robotic trucks are shorter set-up times and the flexible adjustment options. The costs per hour and per order are significantly lower compared to those incurred using a large automated solution with induction loops or lasers and laser reflectors. Maintenance and service expenses are also considerably less. At the same time, many of the advantages of automated solutions also apply to vision-guided trucks: Processes are stabilized and subject to greater compliance requirements. Another advantage is the positive effect on occupational safety and not least the productivity in the warehouse. The technology has already been tested and can be integrated into existing IT infrastructures. Possible areas of application are supply and disposal in production and assembly as well as distribution tasks such as storage and removal of goods along warehouse routes, provision of supplies and shipments.