Automation is a practical solution that businesses are adopting today to stay competitive. But the smartest approach isn’t about replacing; it’s about creating harmony between human expertise and automated efficiency. This is where mixed fleets come in.

A mixed fleet solution for optimal automation

When talking about a mixed fleet, we refer to a logistics setup where automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and manually operated vehicles (such as forklifts) work together in the same environment. This approach, which we call optimal automation, means automating only the tasks that benefit most, such as repetitive transport, while leaving complex, variable jobs to skilled operators. A strategy that balances efficiency with flexibility.

Think of automation as welcoming a new colleague into your team, one who takes on the heavy, repetitive work so you can focus on higher-value tasks. This mindset shift is crucial because automation isn’t just about technology; it’s about people, collaboration, and change. 

At the heart of this adaptability is our FleetController software, which uses advanced optimisation algorithms to boost efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Start small, scale smart

Rocla AGVs are designed to adapt to diverse operational needs, from pallet handling and reel transport to high-bay storage. With customisable units and load-handling attachments, they integrate effortlessly into different logistical environments and processes. 

However, one of the biggest misconceptions about automation is that it requires a complete overhaul of your operations. In reality, the most successful projects start with AGVs covering basic needs, and while floor-level transports deliver quick wins when automation is in place, Rocla AGVs are capable of more complex tasks, such as high-lift racking. 

By introducing automation step by step, the new system can be integrated without disruption, as teams can adapt and learn as they go. Because our solutions are highly scalable, businesses can begin with a single process and expand as their needs evolve, ensuring a smooth transition and a sustainable path to full optimisation.

Overcoming the challenges of shared environments

Integrating automation into a manual environment naturally raises questions about coordination, safety, and efficiency. 

Coordination is critical when AGVs and manually operated vehicles share the same space. Rocla’s FleetController software addresses this by intelligently managing workflows. Its Order Optimizer anticipates operational needs and prioritises tasks to minimise delays, while the Route Optimizer analyses real-time conditions to plan the most efficient paths for the fleet. This ensures AGVs and manual vehicles work together seamlessly.

Safety is also a major concern among those considering automation in shared environments. Rocla AGVs comply with the ISO 3691-4 safety standard, come equipped with multiple safety features, and include advanced options such as the Proximity Detection System. These measures ensure reliable operation in shared environments, protecting both people and equipment.

Finally, there’s the question of precision. In dynamic settings, some may doubt whether AGVs can maintain accuracy. Rocla AGVs are highly accurate, predictable, and traceable and count on advanced  features that make cooperation with humans more fluent and offer a trusted partner in any warehouse.

However, it’s important to recognise that in environments where people and automated systems work side by side, flexibility and awareness are key. Manual operations bring valuable adaptability and decision-making, while AGVs offer consistency and precision. Even with clear safety protocols, real-world conditions can vary. Rocla’s AGVs are built with this in mind, combining robust safety features, intelligent navigation, and predictable behaviour to ensure that automation complements human activity, creating a collaborative and efficient workspace where both can thrive.  

A complete solution for your automation journey

We deliver a complete ecosystem designed for success. Every project begins with thorough planning, supported by our in-house developed simulation tool, which helps assess your facility and determine the optimal number of AGVs and their navigation paths. Site visits and live demonstrations ensure the solution is tailored to your needs from day one.

Our FleetController software plays a central role in orchestrating operations. With the Automated Material Flow Control (AMFC) in place, it can allocate tasks intelligently across systems, improving material flow and reducing lead times. FleetController also supports manual operations through the FLO App, enabling full-fleet coordination. Managers benefit from an intuitive user interface (the FleetController Dashboard) that provides real-time visibility and control.

To ensure long-term success, we offer comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout the entire lifecycle of the solution. Moreover, as part of the Mitsubishi Logisnext Group, we can complement your automation strategy with manual handling equipment, racking solutions, and life cycle services.

The future of logistics is collaborative

Leading companies such as Saica Group, Eckes-Granini, and Dossin Entrepôts, among others, have reported significant improvements in safety, product traceability, and reduced damage to goods and infrastructure after implementing Rocla AGV Solutions. These are transformative changes that deliver measurable value.

Mixed fleet solutions, where AGVs and manual operations work in seamless collaboration, offer a versatile and efficient approach for a wide range of environments. At Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe, we have developed a solution tailored for a production environment, enabling AGVs and forklifts to operate under a unified work queue managed by FleetController. In this setup, AGVs handle repetitive and labour-intensive transport tasks from production to outbound areas, while forklifts provide additional support during peak seasons by taking on tasks typically assigned to AGVs. This dynamic collaboration results in improved inventory accuracy, reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), and enhanced operational flexibility.  

Automation should never feel like a barrier. That’s why our AGVs feature a user-friendly interface designed for clarity and simplicity. Operators can easily see where each AGV is, what task it performs, and how it fits into the overall workflow. This transparency fosters better communication and collaboration between automated and manual operations, making technology a natural part of the team rather than an outsider.

When automation is intuitive, scalable, and designed for real-world conditions, it becomes a strategic advantage. Our solutions don’t just move goods; they move businesses forward by creating safer, smarter, and more efficient operations.

Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe is a technology-driven designer and manufacturer of logistic solutions with a portfolio of forklift trucks, automation systems, and related solutions and services. Logisnext Solutions’ AGV operations are known as Rocla AGV Solutions and operate globally with highly skilled staff and 40+ years of experience.