Automated guided vehicles are of growing importance in intralogistics. The autonomous systems are the core of automated logistics processes and are subject to constant further development to make Logistics 4.0 more efficient, safer and easier.

A decisive criteria for a defined and safe load detection and loading process itself is the integration of smart sensors in the forks of the AGV systems.

Europe's leading fork manufacturer VETTER is the innovative pacemaker in this market sector for many years: VETTER SmartFork^® provides well engineered and established solutions to equip AGVs with intelligent sensor technology and to adapt them individually to a wide variety of requirements.

For example, integrated light sensors in the fork tip recognize the end of the pallet, so that the load is picked up safely without damaging the goods behind it. Sensors in the middle of the fork blade enable an easy detection of crosswise or lengthways stored euro pallets. The integrated sensor technology also indicates when the permissible entry depth is reached.

The integrated installation of camera systems both in the fork tip (SmartFork^® FrontCam) and on the side of the fork (SmartFork^® SideCam) offers a wide range of additional options for use in automated guided vehicles.

Another highlight is the SmartFork^® Scale, a weighing fork with which the weight of the load can be determined. Additional unique functions such as indication of the load center and the load distribution on the forks prevent incorrect or overloaded vehicles.

The weight data and sensor information determined through the weighing fork are transmitted via open interfaces, e.g. CAN-OPEN or MQTT, processed directly into the AGV control and optionally transferred to the ERP system.

VETTER's unmatched know-how in manufacturing and processing of forks enables a perfect and protected integration of sensors. This includes cabling without influencing the load capacity, fatigue strength and bending of the forks. Particular attention is paid to the industrial strength of the entire system, because forks are subject to highest stresses.

VETTER SmartFork^® features are not only used in forks, fork carriers or masts can also be equipped with the intelligent and proven sensors.

The integration of all required functions and SmartFork^® sensors as well as the implementation takes place in close coordination with the AGV OEMs.

VETTER offers the complete design- and development process to provide an entire system ready for installation.

Getting the final High-Tech AGV with VETTER SmartFork^® - efficient and safe!


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VETTER Industrie GmbH
Solutions Department
Carl-Benz-Strasse 45
57299 Burbach
Germany
+49 (0) 2736 49 61 0
Send an email
www.smartfork.com