One of Toyota's new automated range

Toyota Material Handling is introducing a new and expanded automated warehouse range to the European market. This automated range supports Toyota's lean approach and is designed to automate repetitive pallet handling.

The new Autopilot range includes powered pallet trucks (LAE250), stackers (SAE160), reach trucks (RAE160-250), counterbalance stackers (OAE120CB) and heavy-duty towing tractors (TAE500), covering all the common applications of pallet transport, block stacking, high-level storage and towing.

Automation optimises the flow of goods while minimising damage, time and cost. Workers become available to handle more complex tasks instead of repetitive processes. Automated pallet handling also requires less maintenance and energy, and contributes to productivity and safety, achieving a return on investment within typically two years, the company claims.

Autopilot trucks from Toyota support two highly accurate and adaptive navigation technologies: reflector or natural navigation, or combined as dual navigation. The latter allows the trucks to switch between using reflectors for one area and using the warehouse environment as reference for another area of the layout.

All Autopilot trucks are controlled by the Order Manager designed in-house by Toyota. This software works as a standalone or as a communication layer with warehouse management and production systems. The Order Manager keeps track of goods storage, orders, traffic and flow, thanks to its intelligent fleet control and the integration with ERP/WMS.

The Autopilots can be equipped with Lithium-ion batteries that are up to 30% more energy-efficient whilst reducing CO2 emissions. With the ability of auto charging, the trucks can charge quickly in between tasks without the need for personnel or charging rooms, making them fully automated.

The Autopilot range is based on the current Toyota warehouse truck range and is fully supported by the Toyota Material Handling Europe service network.