The new A-MATE

K.Hartwall has launched a new autonomous mobile robot (AMR), A-MATE, which it claims is the first fully electric free-lift pallet AGV with omnidirectional drive on the market. A-MATE promises to bring "a new level of automation to intra-logistics, and to the movements of different load carriers, from pallets to roll containers and foldable cages or 'gitter' boxes". A-MATE combines SLAM navigation with innovative fleet management for a full overview of and control over logistics operations. "Furthermore, safety has been a central point of focus in the development of A-MATE as AMRs become an integrated part of the overall logistics process. The result is that A-MATE is the only 360° safety pallet AGV on the market - not only when fetching load carriers but also when transporting them," the company claims. A-MATE has a load capacity of 1,000 kg and a lift height of 1 m, ideal for loading or unloading conveyors and pallet racking. Furthermore, thanks to its slim design, A-MATE can move freely in both narrow aisles and within pallet stacks. "A-MATE is proof of how to combine autonomous mobile robots with traditional load carriers to help our customers achieve both greater efficiency and increased safety," says Jerker Hartwall, CEO of K.Hartwall. Family-owned K. Hartwall was founded 90 years ago in Söderkulla, and currently employs 210 staff.