MODEX 2024: ELOKON introduces safety system for driverless transport vehicles

ELOKON, a German-based company that creates automated forklift safety and fleet management systems, will showcase its new ELOshield module for driverless transport vehicles such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMR) at MODEX 2024 in Atlanta.

With ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless sensors that offer a 360-degree range of up to 82 feet, the ELOshield AGV/AMR module prevents collisions between these small and often overlooked vehicles in warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing plants. Forklifts equipped with the ELOshield forklift safety and pedestrian detection system also help in preventing collisions.

ELOshield specifications

The radio-based ELOshield AGV/AMR module acts as stand-alone antenna that can be installed on these material handling vehicles. The module comes in a 3.3 in x 2 in x 0.8 in size.

“With driverless transport vehicles an integral part of today’s warehouses, distribution centers and even manufacturing plants, the ELOshield AGV/AMR module significantly increases worker safety while protecting the organization’s major investment in automated material handling technologies,” said Alex Glasmacher, CEO, ELOKON. “When combined with warning lights, gate controls or projectors, as companies often do, they see an even more comprehensive improvement in operational safety without compromising vehicle productivity in any way.”

The module can be used in fleets with all different types and brands of AGVs and AMRs and can be pre-installed by vendors or retrofitted onto existing fleets, no matter how long they’ve been deployed.

ELOKON at MODEX

ELOshield, the ELOshield AGV/AMR module and ELOKON’s cloud-based forklift fleet management offerings (ELOfleet) will be shown at the company’s booth during MODEX 2024. ELOshield and ELOfleet are used by many of the world’s largest companies to make their warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing plants safer and more efficient, according to ELOKON.

Glasmacher will lead three seminars during the show, discussing how to benchmark safety systems for material handling equipment. His sessions will:

• Give an overview of the current state of safety systems in materials handling equipment (MHE), including the latest technology advancements and industry standards.
• Lead a discussion of real-world case studies and experiences from industry leaders, highlighting the importance of implementing robust safety systems to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Present a systematic framework for benchmarking safety systems, including key performance indicators, testing methodologies and evaluation criteria.
• Explore emerging technologies, such as UWB two way ranging solutions, UWB RTLS solutions, camera based RTLS solutions, AI, Data Analytics and IoT, and their role in enhancing safety measures within MHE operations.
• Facilitate discussions and knowledge-sharing among participants, encouraging collaborative efforts to improve safety standards across the industry.
• Provide an innovation outlook on further developments in IoT sensors, machine learning algorithms, Data Analytics and merging telematics and safety systems for even more sophisticated safety solutions

“The rapid advancement of material handling equipment (MHE) technology has significantly improved efficiency and productivity in various industries, but ensuring the safety of both operators and the workplace environment remains a paramount concern,” Glasmacher added.