Automatic solution for BLG Logistics Group

Bremen/Hamburg: BlG Logistics Group is investing in a driverless transport system (FTS) from Jungheinrich at its Bremen site. In the future, two automated ERC 213a vehicles will take over the supply and disposal of a coating line on the material side in the Bremen logistics centre, where BLG provides comprehensive services for the automotive sector. The order is the first automation project of its kind for BLG. Christian Reining, Senior Project Manager Innovations & Digitization Projects at BLG Logistics Group, explains: "We are delighted to have found a partner with Jungheinrich with whom we can realize our first FTS project.

This project serves as a beacon and will hopefully show some more use cases within the BLG."

With the help of the driverless transport vehicles (FTF) at BLG, parts of the internal plate transport in the logistics center Bremen are to be automated. Thanks to its laser scanner, the ERC 213a can navigate through the warehouse on its own. At the same time, they are able to detect different load carriers, even if they have excesses, and stack empty pallets.

The FTF is 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 them. Vehicles and bearings thus combine to create an intelligent overall system.

"Driverless transport systems are at the heart of automated intralogistics. Based on field-proven Jungheinrich production vehicles, which are supplemented by automation components and controlled by intelligent software, we have designed a system for BLG that handles recurring transport tasks with high handling volumes particularly safely and very efficiently," says Gregor Ringwelsky, Key Account Manager at Jungheinrich.

The ERC 213a is the latest model in Jungheinrich's portfolio of driverless transport vehicles. Thanks to its compact design, the automated high-lift truck is specially designed for transport processes in a tight environment. Equipped with state-of-the-art lithium-ion technology, the vehicles can drive at full capacity for up to eight hours. The battery is charged in predefined periods of time or automatically in charging stations if required. This increases the availability of the system and allows the vehicles to be used around the clock. The ERC 213a stores loads up to 1.3 t. The vehicle achieves top speeds of up to 2.5 m/s. A 2.8 kW rotary current motor ensures constant power, while the electrically controlled lifting motor ensures safe lifting in lifting heights of up to 4,400 mm. Thanks to the steel frame and closed frame structure, the ERC 213a has a particularly robust design. Safety systems such as the standard personal protection scanners check the travel path for obstacles in use. The arrangement of the personal protection scanners around the vehicle ensures non-contact safety in the direction of drive, load direction and cornering. Navigation is carried out by means of a laser. Reflectors on the track or a combination of reflectors and environmental features can be used for this purpose.