Fraunhofer_IML_Jahresbericht_2021_PDF_WEB

Materialflusssysteme / Material Flow Systems
Kontakt / Contact
© Fraunhofer IML, Leonie Benkstein
Max Gössner M. Sc.
Maschinen und Anlagen /
Machines and Facilities
Tel. +49 231 9743-147
max.goessner@
iml.fraunhofer.de
Niklas Ullrich M. Sc.
Maschinen und Anlagen /
Machines and Facilities
Tel. +49 231 9743-353
niklas.ullrich@
iml.fraunhofer.de
/ Fast Transport in Warehouses
and Beyond
/ As a result of the project “Obelix“, researchers at Fraunhofer
IML present a high-speed pallet transport robot for use
in warehouses and across companies’ entire premises. It was
developed as part of ”OpenDynamics”, a project that was
launched under the Silicon Economy initiative. The aim of the
project is to combine the flexibility, efficiency and speed of
existing systems while simultaneously automating internal
pallet handling at companies. The German Federal Ministry for
Digital and Transport (BMDV) is funding the project.
With the project “Obelix“, Fraunhofer IML is bringing to life its
vision of automated guided vehicles that can transport heavy
loads at high speeds, and not just within the physical boundaries
of warehouses; instead, the operating environment of these
new vehicles will be extended to include companies’ entire premises.
The vehicle was created through an agile development
process, and has Mecanum wheels that allow omnidirectional
maneuverability in tight spaces and precise fine positioning.
The air suspension guarantees smooth operation regardless of
the load weight, protects the load and also helps with pallet
picking. The prototype is driven by four powerful electric
motors that can effortlessly accelerate the 450 kg vehicle to
speeds of up to 36 km/h while carrying loads of up to 350
kg. The vehicle uses lidar scanners, 3D camera systems and a
differential GPS to establish its location.
Researchers are now using the vehicle to optimize location and
navigation functions in warehouses and company premises,
and in transit between the two environments. The researchers
intend to develop this vehicle further in conjunction with
partners.
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