One of BLG's AGVs

The BLG Logistics Group is investing in an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) system from Jungheinrich at its Bremen site. Two ERC 213a automated trucks will take over the supply and disposal of materials for a coating line in the centre, from which BLG provides comprehensive services for the automotive sector. The order represents the first automation project of this kind for BLG.

Christian Reining, senior project manager for innovations and digitisation projects at the BLG Logistics Group explains: "This project serves as a beacon and will hopefully demonstrate further opportunities for use within BLG."

The aim of using AGVs at BLG is to automate parts of the internal pallet transport system in the Bremen logistics centre. Thanks to its laser scanner, the ERC 213a can navigate independently through the warehouse. At the same time, the AGVs are able to recognise different load carriers, even if they are oversized, and stack empty pallets.

The AGVs are connected to the BLG Warehouse Management System via the Jungheinrich logistics interface. Thanks to this interface, the transport orders generated by the Warehouse Management System are transmitted directly to the ERC 213a and processed by the AGVs. Vehicles and warehouses thus form one comprehensive intelligent system.

The ERC 213a is the latest model in Jungheinrich's AGV portfolio. Equipped with the latest lithium-ion technology, the AGVs can drive at full capacity for up to eight hours.

The ERC 213a can store loads of up to 1.3 T and can reach top speeds of up to 2.5 m/s. A 2.8 kW three-phase AC motor provides constant power and an electric lift motor ensures safe lifting at lift heights of up to 4,400 mm.