The term "entry-level model" is generally understood by prospective buyers to mean a material handling vehicle for "home use," such as a low-lift pallet truck or an inexpensive front-loading forklift, which is then priced accordingly. Still has redefined the term with the EXV iGo, emphasizing automation.
At the test camp, which precedes the nominations for the IFOY Award in Hall 4 of the Dortmund trade fair, automation specialist Andreas Kwiatkowski takes the opportunity to explain to jury members and test camp participants the new approach with which forklift manufacturer Still is trying to make the introduction of robotic material handling applications easier for skeptics. The cute-looking EXV iGo, which certainly doesn't look like a "beginner's model," autonomously drives towards a waiting shelf and picks up a pallet.
One of the most important safety precautions is that the high-lift pallet truck immediately stops the automated process as soon as an employee is visibly handling the tiller, in order to hand over control to the human operator. The EXV iGo, however, which for some inexplicable reason reminds us of a bumper car, has further advantages that are not immediately apparent, but which will facilitate the introduction of high-quality technology in the future and make it more attractive in terms of price.
The developers designed the device so that it will be available from the dealer to the prospective buyer within a delivery time of only 15 weeks. This will be achieved with the highest possible proportion of standard components, the use of which was carefully considered during the design of the EXV to simplify not only the construction but also the servicing.
Even a regular service technician can easily navigate the EXV iGo, say the engineers. This is especially true since the device is also represented as a digital twin as standard, which the Still technician can access on-site to determine in advance which spare parts he will most likely need to repair the device. The user benefits from the same ease of use during the initial commissioning of the EXV iGo, which might initially seem daunting to those unfamiliar with the system. "We made sure that everything is provided within a familiar system architecture," says Kwiatkowski. This means that service technicians don't need extensive special courses or training to become proficient with the automation equipment. The same applies to the availability of all components and spare parts. Even better for the manufacturer: Still states that it is capable of supplying well over a thousand units of this entry-level model per year.
If initial experiences with a single unit or just a few vehicles prove positive for the customer, the developing fleet can also be scaled in its application. However, the focus is clearly on the advantages for newcomers to the automation sector. Those who need large quantities for specific warehouse applications will likely continue to rely on simpler transport options and cheaper undercarriage AGVs, which can handle larger quantities of items in a simpler version when completing monotonously repetitive tasks.
In any case, it sets new standards in production supply and the pre-storage area, for storage and retrieval in wide-aisle and block storage areas, at transfer stations of high-bay warehouses, and in automated route preparation. Thanks to its residual load capacity of up to 1600 kg, lifting height of up to 3.8 m, and a top speed of 7.2 km/h, it is clearly not only a good stand-alone solution but also excels in mixed-use applications. The multi-level safety system with scanners and sensors, visual and audible warning devices, and multiple emergency stop switches for immediate vehicle shutdown is integrated as standard.
The datasheet is here
