Internal logistics automation is now a well-established reality across a wide range of industries. From manufacturing and distribution to high-volume material handling sectors such as the paper industry, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are transforming the way companies manage material flows, improving efficiency, safety, and operational continuity.

However, the performance of an AGV system depends also on the attachment, as it directly affects handling precision and load security.

"The attachment is the direct interface between the AGV and the load. That's why it must ensure precise and repeatable movements, as well as seamless integration with the vehicle's control system," explains Luigi Rebecchi, AGV Solutions Specialist at Bolzoni Group.

Drawing on decades of experience in the design and manufacture of industrial material handling attachments, Bolzoni Group partners with AGV manufacturers and end users to develop tailored solutions engineered to deliver maximum reliability in increasingly automated operating environments.

From initial analysis to a complete solution

Bolzoni Group approaches each project from the definition of technical specifications to attachment design, manufacturing, and integration with the AGV system.

"Every attachment is developed with careful consideration of the operating environment, the specific handling requirements, and the customer's future needs in terms of scalability and productivity," emphasizes Rebecchi. 

Bolzoni Group’s AGV attachments can be supplied with sensors and cabling pre-set or as turn-key solutions configured for seamless integration with the customer's or AGV manufacturer's electronic architecture. The result is a solution capable of continuously communicating with both the autonomous vehicle and warehouse management systems, providing real-time information on attachment status and handling operations.

The product range includes fork positioners, electric turret heads for narrow-aisle applications, specialized clamps, and fully customized solutions developed in collaboration with leading AGV manufacturers worldwide.

Bolzoni electric-driven trilateral head for AGVs

One of the standout products in Bolzoni's range is the electric-driven trilateral head, which offers a complete 180-degree rotation. This feature is particularly beneficial in Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) environments, where space is limited, and efficient load handling is crucial. The electric-driven trilateral head allows AGVs to operate efficiently in tight spaces and handle loads from either side of the vehicle without steering, maximizing productivity and uptime. By eliminating hydraulic components, maintenance requirements are significantly reduced while minimizing the risk of oil leaks and related environmental impacts. This contributes to a lower total cost of ownership and supports customers' long-term sustainability objectives. "These attachment solutions are designed to support long-term projects aimed at reducing environmental impact," says Luigi Rebecchi.

Intelligent integration and maximum reliability

Bolzoni Group attachments for AGVs are equipped with an all-electric actuator system featuring an integrated encoder. This advanced technology ensures highly repeatable movements and exceptional positioning accuracy, both essential requirements in automated handling applications. The precise control provided by the actuator system is particularly valuable when handling delicate or high-value loads, helping minimize product damage and improve process consistency. In addition, the absence of hydraulic circuits eliminates risks associated with oil leaks and pressure failures, increasing system reliability and reducing maintenance interventions over the lifetime of the equipment.

Automating paper roll handling with dedicated Bolzoni AGV attachments

Building on AURAMO’s long-standing expertise in the paper industry and the continuous development of AGV technologies, Bolzoni Group supports paper mills and converters in their transition to more automated, sustainable, and efficient internal logistics. Paper and tissue rolls require careful handling, as impacts, incorrect clamping pressure, or imprecise movements can result in product damage, waste, and additional costs.

To meet these requirements, Bolzoni Group has developed dedicated attachments for AGV systems, specifically engineered for the automated handling of paper rolls.

These fully electric clamps enable both vertical and horizontal roll handling and can be configured with different capacities, opening ranges, and operating functions, including up to 360° rotation, independent arm control, and adjustable clamping pressure.

"The integration of sensors and monitoring systems also enables precise control of every stage of the handling process, helping to reduce product damage and improve operational traceability," says Rebecchi.

Visit the dedicated AGV Solutions section on our web site and contact us, or contact the nearest BOLZONI, AURAMO and MEYER representative.

Bolzoni, Auramo and Meyer are Bolzoni Group brands.

The Bolzoni Group is a market leader in the production of forklift truck attachments, forks and lift tables. The company has manufacturing plants in Italy, Germany, Finland, America and China and through its network of direct branches and independent dealers covering all continents it is able to satisfy all market requirements.