Automated Load Carrier (KLT) Handling

AI BASED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL OF LOAD CARRIERS

Addressing the Industry’s Biggest Challenges

77%

of companies in logistics and supply chain report a medium to extreme shortage of workers

30%

lower productivity is experienced by warehouses using manual processes instead of automation

The first space-saving KLT handling solution for the industry.

robobrain® AI combined with the latest gripping technology delivers a new approach to automate the storage and retrieval of small load carriers (KLT) for AutoStore storage systems. Explore the first space-saving KLT handling solution for the automotive and production industry – standardized and cost-efficient through seamless integration.

Benefits

Reduced manual labor

Free employees from manual load carrier handling, ensure better ergonomics and let them carry out value-added tasks

Higher throughput

With AI based load carrier handling robots can handle up to 300 KLT per hour

More flexibility

robominds AI is robustly recognizing all common load carrier sizes & types and picking load carriers regardless of their exact position

Reduced costs

Automated KTL handling significantly reduces costs for space, energy and maintenance - you can easily switch to manual work at any time and eliminate downtime risk

Space saving

Thanks to the combination of robot and AI, the solution stands out with a compact design and minimizes the need for additional hardware like conveyer technology or safety precautions

Seamless integration

Modularity ensures cost-efficiency through standardized hardware and interfaces to all common WMS (e.g. SAP EWM)

Tied up for you

We have put together the right components for you to optimally automate KLT handling at your storage system. These components form the basis for your individual solution:

Process Intelligence
robobrain® in combination with AI-based vision delivers the needed process intelligence, enabling process monitoring and remote support
Vision
2D/3D camera robobrain.eye gives the robot perception for image capture of KLTs
Arm
Robotarm (incl. tool changer) for automated handling of the KLT
Gripper
LC smartGrip 32, 43 & 64 for tight picking and placing of from palnd AutoStore-Bin

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As your AI experts, we are at your side to find the right setup for you.

Case Story

ASR

Automated KLT Handling goes mobile

Download Case

uMobileLAB

The mobile assistant for labs

Taking over various handling tasks
Equipping and operating diagnostic equipment
Open interfaces to many lab devices
Download Factsheet

Industry Voices

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Oliver Gutmann
Roche Diagnostics

Technology

The technology behind our Load Carrier handling package combines the best of two worlds: AI vision and gripper technology. On the AI vision side, the robobrain® technology is based on the deep learning approach to simply package complex AI algorithms into easy-to-use AI skills: In this case the Load Carrier Handling Skill. On the gripper side, robominds has developed the LC Smart Grip, specially designed for the shape of load carriers. Uniting the two technologies enables robots not only to recognize, but also to grip load carriers fully automated.

Functions of the Load Carrier Handling Skill

Smart detection

Thanks to AI, no mechanical alignment of the load carrier is necessary for robust handling – independent of the upstream and downstream conveyor technology (one load carrier per camera shot)

Fill-level detection

The AI recognizes if a load carrier is full or empty

Variable size recognition

By using the AI algorithms different standard sizes of load carriers can be flexibly detected

Functions of the LC Smart Grip

Compact design

The gripper is specially designed a little bit smaller than the KLT, so that there is no overhang and load carriers can be gripped from above. No space is required around the carriers or between carriers on a pallet

Integrated vision camera

With the integrated camera robobrain.eye an additional interfering contour is avoided, so that load carriers can be picked without any risk of collision

Light weight & High payload

Even with the compact design the gripper can handle load carriers of up to 50 kg

Compatible with load carrier standard sizes

600mm x 400mm // 400mm x 300 mm // 300mm x 200mm

Warehouse Automation News

Andreas Habl
Business Development
Warehouse Automation

Contact

I’m here to support you

Load Carrier Handling offers a high potential for various automation scenarios. As Business Development Manager for warehouse automation, it’s my job to guide you and find the suitable setup for your needs.

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FAQ

What are Small Load Carriers and how do they differ from other types of material handling equipment?

KLT is a common abbreviation for small load carrier (German: Kleinladungsträger). These carriers serve as transportation aids, distinct from industrial trucks as they typically lack a fixed mobile base. The containers are made of plastic or metal and usually have lifting handles. Their dimensions are tailored for easy placement alongside Europool and industrial pallets, facilitating efficient stacking. Thanks to the standardized sizes, the small load carriers can be easily stacked on top of each other. Upon arrival, unloading and exchanging empty containers is a straightforward process. The format of the most commonly used KLT is 600x400mm.

What are common application areas for automated KLT handling?

Typical application areas linked to automated Load Carrier Handling are goods receipt for incoming replenishments for the warehouse, order picking for product outsourcing and several repacking activities.

How does automated KLT handling improve efficiency and productivity compared to manual handling methods?

Compared to conventional handling methods, automated Load Carrier Handling convinces with higher throughputs, less damage of containers and a higher transparency.

What are the different formats of KLT available on the market?

The most widely used formats of Load Carriers on the market have the sizes 600x400mm, 400x300mm and 300x200mm.

What are the costs involved in implementing automated KLT handling?

There are three main cost factors to consider: Firstly, the costs for the robot system, including robot, vision, gripper, safety technology and other components. Secondly, the costs for implementation and integration (e.g. connection to WMS). Thirdly, the costs for commissioning (ramp-up).

Are there specific industries or applications where automated KLT handling is particularly beneficial?

Automated small load carrier handling is generally beneficial wherever load carriers are used. It is particularly beneficial in the automotive sector with container circuits between different tiers.

How does automated load carrier handling interact with other automated systems, such as warehouse management software or conveyor systems?

KLTs usually have a label on the outside. The label is scanned by robots (optionally also weighed) and can thus be stored in the WMS during storage (determination of storage location) or retrieval (booking out stock).

How can businesses integrate automated SLC handling into their existing workflows and systems?

As first step, companies need to identify at which point of their logistics chain automated KLT handling delivers a value. Secondly, in cooperation with our AI experts a concept is created that is tailored to the specific needs and conditions on site. In the implementation phase, the application is then integrated into the companys’ existing material and information flow.