FEATURE
Versatile – Ethan Foxall-Bell of Applied Integration with the A-MATE .
So how does it work ? A-MATE ’ s benefits include : > Omnidirectional drive > Free navigation > 360-degree safety > Slim design , enabling agile movement in tight spaces > Long-lasting Li-ion battery > 1000kg electric free-lift up to 1000mm .
Its unique design means a reduced dependence on labour and improvements in both the safety and efficiency of operations .
For example , its omnidirectional drive , paired with its slim design , enables efficient , agile movements in the tightest of spaces .
Its 360-degree scanners at different heights , plus emergency stop buttons , mean it can work safely alongside people .
It ’ s flexible too , with an ability to transport traditional load carrier solutions such as roll containers , lean adaptor pallets and dollies or foldable cages already in use in warehouses or plants . It can also pick loads to and from conveyor belts and transport them safely alongside other traffic to off-loading positions .
And last but not least , thanks to their fleet management systems , A-MATES can communicate with each other , thereby optimising the flow of goods and reducing the risks for accidents .
Peter said : “ As a company , we are involved in helping logistics , automotive and general manufacture companies optimise their processes by implementing automation . This particular vehicle is very agile , so it maximises the use of space when it moves things .
“ If you have limited space , narrow aisles
and small turning spaces , this vehicle does things more efficiently because it can move in any direction – sideways , forwards , backwards , crab diagonally . Plus , if a pallet is dropped on the floor at a jaunty angle , it can reorientate itself against that pallet and pick it up , even though it ’ s not been put down correctly . It ’ s a very smart vehicle .
“ We have other vehicles in our armoury too , but if we identify an application where a client needs the agility of an omnidirectional vehicle , we suggest A-MATE and integrate it into their process for them .”
And if a customer wants to see what the A-MATE – or other robots – can do , Applied Integration has its own demo centre . Peter explained : “ We have an A-MATE here so people can come and see it in action .
“ We can give them a real-time 3D simulation , which will show how the vehicle would work in their environment , or they can come up to Stokesley and see the vehicle doing a real process , like picking a pallet or stillage .“
But what about the Finnish side of the partnership ?
Ville Hintsala , business development and operations manager for K . Hartwall , told Tees Business : “ Applied Integration is a key partner for us in the UK market . They are our trusted supplier of integration and after-sales services for our A-MATE . It ’ s crucial to have a strong partner with extensive industry knowledge and we are happy about the cooperation .
“ A-MATE has been around since the end of 2020 and has created a lot of interest , especially because of its omnidirectional movement . Also , it ’ s one of the most compact AGVs on the market – very slim design , very agile , so it can move around in the tightest spaces . In environments where space is at a premium , there ’ s not too many solutions , so it has created a lot of interest in those types of applications .
“ In terms of AGVs ( Automated Guided Vehicles ), it ’ s our focus product at the moment , although we ’ re developing new offerings as we speak . But it is our flagship product in what is a very big year for us , celebrating 90 years .”
Logistics is currently entering a transformative phase in which the speed of innovation will increase and handling volumes will grow rapidly .
Key industry trends such as robotics and automation , prediction enabled through Internet of Things ( IoT ) and data analytics , and increased demand for sustainable solutions , will shape the way forward for logistics in all industries .
The partnership between Applied Integration and K . Hartwall is part of AI ’ s strategy of combining proven rigorous systems engineering expertise with carefully selected best-in-class automation technologies .
Founded in 2005 , and now with a 50-plus-strong engineering team , Applied Integration is a leading systems integrator , specialising in delivering the latest industry technologies with a focus on Industry 4.0 , digitalisation , IoT , analytics , big data / cloud technologies , safety critical systems ( SIL1 , SIL2 , SIL3 ) and robotics and collaborative robots ( cobots ).
For more information , visit appliedintegration . co . uk
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