Combilift is now joining the industry's efforts to automate repetitive work processes with forklifts, unveiling the AGT autonomous sideloader for the first time in Chicago. The truck offers the dual option of manual mode, which is still available. 

In mid-September, the Combi-AGT attracted considerable attention at the Fabtech industrial trade fair in Lake Michigan, as the vehicle is the first of its kind in the sideloader sector. It's an electric, four-wheeled, stationary model and the world's first autonomous sideloader with dual operation for transporting long goods.

The Combi-AGT is equipped with the latest smart technology to meet the requirements of a driverless sideloader. Safety considerations were key to eliminating the need for personnel in the aisles, ensuring consistent handling procedures, and maximizing order processing, while also providing a manual backup mode in case of power outages or internet disruptions.

Combilift's automation team worked with steel suppliers for over three years to determine the best specifications for the Combi-AGT. The new model, with a lifting capacity of 5,000 kg/11,000 lbs and various lift heights, is tailored to the needs of steel service centers and the metals industry, which typically handle long loads. Combilift also collaborated with the government-funded technology transfer agency IMR (Irish Manufacturing Research) during the development process to enable seamless integration into various customers' warehouse management systems.

The design is based on the electric, manually operated Combi-GTE model, which has long been a very popular choice for service centers due to its ability to operate efficiently in narrow, rail-guided aisles. The first Combi-AGT unit was delivered to Steel and Pipe Supply in Kansas 18 months ago. Since then, Combilift has collaborated with several leading metal service centers across North America during the development process.

The laser-based sensors, mounted at various locations on the chassis, form an anti-collision safety system, as required by the American National Standards Institute. If the machine detects an obstacle or pedestrian entering its work area, it automatically slows down and, in an emergency, stops. It then automatically resumes driving once the obstacle has left the range of the safety sensor. The advanced adaptive safety system allows the size of the obstacle detection fields to be increased or decreased depending on the steering angle and speed of the forklift.

The "Natural Feature" navigation system is said to be superior to traditional forklift navigation methods based on wire guidance or artificial landmarks such as reflectors. Instead, it utilizes a warehouse's existing structures, such as walls, shelves, and columns, thus avoiding the need to expand or modify the warehouse infrastructure.

Photos: Combilift

The patent-pending load dimension detection system uses a laser scan of the load to check whether its length matches the task assigned to the machine. It also checks during unloading whether the front shelf has enough space to accommodate the load.

Martin McVicar, CEO and co-founder of Combilift, said: "We deliberately did not rush the addition of autonomous products to our portfolio. As with any new launch, we conducted extensive field testing to ensure the product was fit for purpose, working with several leading customers in the metals industry during the product development phase. We are fortunate to have highly motivated people in our autonomous team of software, mechatronics, and mechanical engineers who are committed to scaling this business area." A further expansion of our autonomous product range is in the works.

In 1998, Combilift made history with its world's first multidirectional forklift truck, the C4000, with 3-wheel all-wheel drive. Twenty-five years later, the company continues to challenge the market, and the Combi-AGT is no exception.

www.combilift.com