Digital process and supply chains and the growing individualization of products require greater automation of intralogistics processes. Horizontal picking offers considerable optimization potential in the warehouses of retail chains, logistics service providers, supermarkets and drugstores. This process consists largely of employee walking and manual picking and placing of goods. Such process steps become much more efficient with semi-automated order pickers (Semi-Automated), from Linde. This significantly increases productivity and throughput in the warehouse.
The advantages of semi-automated order pickers at a glance
Safety
High-performance safety scanner and other safety functions minimize accident and injury risks in automated mode.
Performance
The semi-automated driving modes contribute to higher picking efficiency.
Integration
The semi-automated option of the N20 SA and N20 C SA order pickers can be seamlessly integrated into existing processes.
Cost efficiency
Due to the higher pick performance and handling capacity, the new vehicle option pays for itself within a very short time.
Higher performance at every turn
As the interface to the human workforce, the industrial trucks play a central role in optimizing order picking. It is one of the most strenuous and time-consuming tasks in the warehouse and consists of 30 to 45 percent of the employee’s walking and another 30 to 45 percent of the manual picking and placing of the goods. Overall, there is optimization potential that can be tapped with the help of automation.
The N20 – N25 C HP low-lift order pickers from Linde Material Handling are real all-round talents in the warehouse thanks to their high load capacity and dynamic driving characteristics. The long forks enable simultaneous picking of up to three pallets or four roller containers with a total load capacity of up to 2,000 or 2,500 kilograms. The optimised design offers a clear all-round view and enables flexible manoeuvring even in narrow warehouses via an intuitive steering wheel. With the help of the 3 kW three-phase AC motor, the order picker accelerates up to 14 km/h. The robust design, automatic speed adjustment and additional options such as Linde BlueSpot ensure maximum safety. Special attention is paid to ergonomics: from the low entry to the standard suspension platform to the gentle backrest, the order picker reduces the physical strain on the driver and helps him to work efficiently.
To reduce risks while driving, all edges of the robust steel chassis are rounded. The battery is integrated into the control compartment in front of the operator’s platform, avoiding direct impact on the operator in the event of a collision. The Linde steering wheel protects the hands and centres itself when driving straight ahead. It only needs to be moved slightly to steer, keeping the driver within the vehicle contour. In curves, the speed is reduced automatically. Three separate systems ensure safe braking: the electromagnetic service brake, a hydraulically assisted braking system proportional to the load weight, and Linde Brake Control, which provides automatic braking when the drive is released. Many options are also available for maximum safety, for example a bumper, loader backrests, front LEDs and Linde BlueSpot.
For ergonomic working, the footpaths between the operator’s platform and the order-picking goods should be as short and level as possible. The low-lift order pickers have a particularly low entry of only 13 centimetres, which makes frequent entry and exit easier. The wide, U-shaped design also facilitates access on both sides. The Linde steering wheel and backrest are height-adjustable for a back-friendly driving position. A cushioned platform reduces vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces and a non-slip rubber pad additionally improves the driver’s footing.
Depending on the travel mode, the 3 kW three-phase motor quickly accelerates to a top speed of up to 14 km/h with or without load. The Linde steering wheel offers a special innovation: it enables the intuitive execution of important operating functions and can be controlled smoothly. When travelling in a straight line, the automatic centre centring ensures shorter distances between two picking positions. An initial lift facilitates transport over ramps and uneven surfaces. A liftable operator’s platform is available as an option for picking on the first and second level (except for N25 C HP). A multifunction display informs the driver of the current vehicle status. When charging, the handling effort is reduced thanks to the Linde on-board charger. Optional lithium-ion batteries are available for even more efficient charging – even during breaks. Many storage compartments ensure that the driver always has his documents at hand from all positions.
To keep service costs as low as possible while maintaining full productivity, Linde Material Handling relies on low-maintenance components and a simple design: the three-phase AC technology is completely maintenance-free. There is also no need to readjust the brakes. A service check is only required after 1,000 operating hours. The service technician has free access to all main components and can easily open the battery cover. Wiring harnesses and cables are clearly arranged. Vehicle data can be read out on a notebook via CAN bus connection. An optional lateral battery slide-out facilitates the exchange via the initial lift onto the exchange stand.
The N20 B, N20 – 25 and N20 – 25 HP low-lift order pickers from Linde Material Handling enable a highly efficient and safe order picking process due to their unique vehicle architecture with the battery between the operator’s platform and the forks: with a maximum fork length of 2,400 mm, various types of loads up to 2,500 kilograms can be transported. The position of the operator’s platform gives the operator an optimal view of the warehouse environment at all times during travel. With the help of the 3kW three-phase motor, the order pickers accelerate up to 14 km/h, depending on the vehicle type, to enable fast transport even over long distances. The driver manoeuvres smoothly forwards and backwards with the intuitive Linde steering wheel. The small turning circle facilitates manoeuvring in narrow aisles. The fully suspended operating platform compensates for vibrations and shocks and ensures a low-stress picking cycle.
The position of the operator’s platform in front of the battery allows the operator to survey the surroundings while driving and react to hazardous situations at an early stage. LED lights and the optional Linde BlueSpot at the front of the vehicle provide additional safety in the warehouse by visually announcing the vehicle. Three separate braking systems reduce speed depending on the environment and load: the electromagnetic service brake is coupled with the dead man’s switch and the emergency switch. A hydraulically assisted braking system amplifies the braking power in proportion to the load weight. In addition, when cornering, the vehicle automatically regulates speed in proportion to the angle of the steering wheel. A robust steel bumper at the front of the order picker ensures better protection of the vehicle frame and the operating platform.
Three braking systems
Robust steel bumper
Automatic speed adjustment in curves
LED lights and Linde BlueSpot
La plateforme de commande est adaptable aux besoins de l’opérateur : une marche basse de chaque côté du véhicule lui permet de monter et de descendre rapidement. En option, tant le volant Linde que le dossier avec possibilité de s’asseoir sont réglables en hauteur et permettent une position de conduite confortable et ménageant le dos. L’ensemble du poste de conduite est suspendu afin de compenser les vibrations et les secousses pendant la conduite (sauf N20 B). En marche arrière, une poignée supplémentaire derrière le dossier assure un soutien supplémentaire. Tous les bords du poste de conduite sont arrondis et de nombreux espaces de rangement et compartiments offrent de la place pour l’équipement et les effets personnels.
The low-lift order pickers from Linde Material Handling accelerate the overall material flow: with the 3 kW three-phase motor, the maximum speed of up to 14 km/h is quickly reached, so that even longer distances in the warehouse can be covered quickly. The driver can operate the intuitive Linde steering wheel with just one hand and easily reach all travel commands including the horn. The respective functions of the steering wheel are indicated by clear symbols. The pedestrian mode allows the driver to move the vehicle comfortably backwards and forwards without having to get back into the vehicle for short distances. The electric wheel steering provides additional stability. Thanks to the optionally available lithium-ion battery, the driver can use breaks to recharge his vehicle. A multifunction display always informs about the current charge status of the order picker (except N20 B). The initial lift function enables transport over ramps and uneven surfaces.
The N20 B, N20 – 25 and N20 – 25 HP order pickers require little maintenance: the vehicles run for up to 1,000 operating hours without a service check. The three-phase AC technology is maintenance-free and there is no need to readjust the brakes. The technician can easily reach all service components after removing the motor cover and the service panel. He can read out the essential vehicle parameters via a CAN bus connection using a laptop. This allows vehicle information and problems to be diagnosed quickly and rectified if necessary. Robust cast steel bumper at the front protects the driver’s platform and reduces collision damage.
Model
Load-bearing capacity
Hub
Driving speed with/without load
Turning radius
Battery voltage
N20
2,0 t
115 mm
10 / 12 (km/h)
2.250 / 2.320 mm
24 / 354/375 (V)/(Ah)
N20 HP
2,0 t
115 mm
12 / 14 (km/h)
2.250 / 2.320 mm
24 / 354/375 (V)/(Ah)
N25
2,5 t
115 mm
10 / 12 (km/h)
3.125 / 3.195 mm
24 / 354/375 (V)/(Ah)
N25 HP
2,5 t
115 mm
12 / 14 (km/h)
3.125 / 3.195 mm
24 / 354/375 (V)/(Ah)
We are happy to advise you
There are many challenges in the area of material flow, but also new opportunities. To master these, the material flow must be planned quickly and precisely. This is only possible with holistic advice. Talk to us!
This is where the semi-automated driving modes of the N20 SA and N20 C SA order pickers come into play: They significantly reduce walking distances and vehicle loading and unloading, which has a direct impact on handling performance and productivity in the warehouse. Every step that the employee avoids increases his performance and picking frequency. Tests with different methods showed around 20 percent higher performance with the semi-automated Linde order pickers compared to manual picking. One major advantage of the automated functions: They can be seamlessly integrated into the customer’s processes, allowing employees to maintain their usual picking routine but make it significantly faster and safer.
More efficient order picking
To prove the high optimization potential, Linde conducted a performance test with three common picking methods. The result: compared to purely manual picking, efficiency was increased by around 20 percent.
Runs with and drives ahead
SA operation offers two modes for the most common customer applications: One of the most common processes in high-bay warehouses is picking on one side of the rack, where an employee walks down the aisle in a U-shape. Ideal for this is the “walk-with-me” mode. In this drive mode, the vehicle follows the operator’s walking path. If the operator stops, the vehicle also stops. If the operator continues walking, the truck continues the journey. The operator can stay at the rack and collect the goods; the constant walk to the operator’s platform and back to the rear of the fork is eliminated. The onward journey is triggered by the employee passing a certain point. This so-called “virtual wall” can be selected via the remote control.
In smaller warehouses, the “continuous” mode is suitable, in which the vehicle travels through the middle of the aisle and is loaded from both sides. Here, the operator walks a Z-shaped path back and forth between both sides of the rack to pick up and place goods. The operator benefits from the Stop & Go function by sending the truck ahead while staying on the fork side, shortening walking distances. If necessary, however, the operator can simply drive the truck himself.
Safety at the highest level
To ensure that semi-automated driving does not pose a safety risk, the vehicles are equipped with a high-performance safety scanner integrated at the front. This scanner detects people as well as other trucks and even detects obstacles that suddenly appear in front of the vehicle. This avoids collisions and accidents. Localization of the operator is possible with centimeter precision through the remote control, which communicates via ultra-wideband technology with four antennas on the vehicle. A special guard at the front of the bumper prevents the operator’s feet from getting under the vehicle. Several lights mounted on a bar use different colors to indicate the current driving mode. They also light up when the vehicle is operating in semi-automatic mode and warn when the remote control is not paired with the vehicle. To allow a safe and comfortable working area for the operator, the vehicle automatically maintains a minimum distance of 50 centimeters from the racking and stops at the end of the aisle to basically avoid collisions with other vehicles on the main travel paths in the warehouse.
There are many challenges in the area of material flow, but also new opportunities. To master these, the material flow must be planned quickly and precisely. This is only possible with holistic advice. Talk to us!
