Integrating automated goods lifts with AGV and AMR material handling systems
Enhance multi-storey transport processes with automated goods lifts and AGV systems
In increasingly dense urban areas, multi-storey warehouses are gaining traction with businesses around the world. However, efficient internal material transport across floors can be tricky.
With this in mind, Lödige offers automated goods lifts, paired with advanced robots, to help you navigate this challenge. These lifts maximise floor space by allowing you to build vertically, while automated guided vehicles (AGVs) systems and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) take care of seamless transport between levels.
Our AGV solutions integrate smoothly with your existing systems for a hassle-free transition. Plus, they are scalable, allowing you to adapt the system as your needs evolve.
Benefits of automated goods lifts and AGVs/AMRs for material handling
How automated goods lifts operate with AMRs/AGVs
Automated goods lifts enable a variety of AGVs and AMRs to independently access multiple levels within a warehouse. The warehouse management system seamlessly controls both the AGVs/AMRs and the lift, including the automated operation of lift doors.
The AGV/AMR module for our goods lifts enables automated and, in mixed operation, optionally manual operation. Control takes place via potential-free contacts for the SHERPA goods lift or parameterised interface connection in combination with the OLYMPUS freight lift.
Increase storage capacities with automated goods lifts
The integration of automated goods lifts with AGV/AMR fleets allows warehouse and manufacturing facility operators to efficiently connect all storage areas and automate operations without increasing floor space.
Even if AGV implementation isn't imminent, it's beneficial to have the goods lift prepared for this purpose to avoid higher adaptation costs down the line.
Improve material handling performance with uninterrupted smoothly interlocking AGV systems
Avoid downtime and improve overall operations by automating vertical AGV/AMR material handling systems in your warehouse or production facility.
By using freight lifts to automatically move your AGV or AMR fleet between floors, you can extend automation throughout your facility. This not only reduces walking distances for staff and streamlines transportation processes, but also eliminates the need for staff to manually escort or transfer goods between levels.
Maximise the benefits of AGV automation in an instant
By installing a freight lift to transport your AGVs or AMRs to multiple levels, you can extend the benefits of mobile automation systems in no time. AGVs/AMRs are a flexible and easily scalable automation tool, which can further maximise the level of automation in your facility and improve your ROI anytime.
Choose from our automated goods and freight lifts
The robust SHERPA goods lift, suitable for loads up to 4500kg, optionally has its own shaft and can be easily integrated into new or existing buildings and racking systems.
The OLYMPUS goods lift transports goods up to 20t in weight and 30m lifting height, making it ideal for industrial production facilities and warehouses.
Possible applications of automated goods lifts
Production
An automated goods lift, in combination with an AGV system, can automatically link different production steps, even across several levels. By using it, the entire production process can be optimised.
Warehouses
Warehouses can achieve full automation across all storage levels by implementing an automatic goods lift alongside an AGV. This straightforward integration boosts flexibility and allows for automated, mixed, or optionally manual operation as needed.
Technical details of our automated goods lifts
| SHERPA | OLYMPUS | |
| Doors/Gates | rolling doors | blade doors or lifting gates |
| Maximum load of the AGV/AMR | 1000kg* | 20t |
| Gap width | 20mm* | 5 model variants from 10 mm to 30 mm plus tolerances |
| Flooring | Base made of smooth sheet metal with 2K anti-slip coating | Various cabin floor options in plain sheet metal, steel, stainless steel |
| Operation | Mixed Operation | Mixed operation (Automatic/Manual) |
*Other options on request.
Ground clearance of the FTF/AGV system
When driving the FTF/AGV and AMR into the lift cabin, there might be a slight height variation between the car floor and the fixed floor of the designated level (SHERPA). Or, between the lift shaft door and the car door (OLYMPUS), caused by the combined weight of the vehicle and the transported load.
Please inform us of the max. floor clearance of the FTF/AGV and AMR in your enquiry so that we can take this into account when designing the lift.
Automated Goods Lift Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are a variety of options for the communication between automated goods lifts and fleet management systems. These range from hard-wired solutions to radio solutions.
The use of parameterised interfaces allows the implementation of any scenario. For example, opposite doors can be opened individually to allow the entry or exit of an AGV. In another scenario, both gates can be opened simultaneously to allow the passage of an AGV.
These functional interfaces between the lift and the AGV can for example establish and exchange the following information:
- Loading status of the AGV
- Identification of the loading equipment / transported goods (e.g. RFID or barcode)
- Contour control (control of the critical dimensions of the transport goods / loading equipment)
- Weight control
- Locking control (e.g. for roll containers or wire mesh boxes)
There are hundreds of different AGV and AMR models in all shapes and sizes. Rated load, roller or wheel arrangement and ground clearance are all critical factors in deciding whether a model is suitable for transport in an automated goods or freight lift.
Our goods lift experts will be happy to help you select the right lift. Get in touch now!
See more information and a selection of solutions that the SHERPA can transport here.
Depending on your needs, a SHERPA or OLYMPUS may be the right lift for you. The most important criteria include the weight of the load, as well as the lifting height. The size and heaviness of the load also affects the maximum car size, which also plays a role, along with the maximum rated load, minimum shaft pit dimensions and shaft head size.
You can find more information on this in our practical planning guide and in the white paper on the correct dimensioning of a goods or freight lift. In addition, our experts are always there to help you find the best solution.
Safety is paramount in our automated goods lifts. We have implemented various safety features to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operation.
These features include sensors to detect obstructions or unexpected obstacles in the lift shaft, emergency stop buttons, and secure locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorised access. Additionally, our lifts undergo rigorous testing and comply with industry safety standards to guarantee safe and reliable performance.
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