Munich/Paderborn - Lödige Industries, global market leader in air cargo terminals has announced it will unveil its latest innovation for intelligent automated Unit Load Device (ULD) transportation at the „Inter Airport Europe 2019“ trade show in Munich. The computer-controlled wheel-based carrier features a 5-foot and 10-foot model for different sizes of ULDs, with the larger variant capable of lifting and transferring palletized loadings.

An AGV in position next to floor-mounted roller conveyors.
An AGV in position next to floor-mounted roller conveyors.

Taking advantage of data-based functions to assign routing precisely via warehouse management systems, the faster and highly reliable AGV will boost operational efficiencies in baggage and cargo transport. The battery-powered load carrier allows operators to connect the various terminal areas in a flexible and scalable way, establishing for example an effective link between landside-based truck docks and airside-based ULD storage or other repetitive intra-terminal transfers.

The driverless AGV will enable operators to free up staff for higher value assignments. Furthermore, it is an effective tool for use when space is scarce and flexibility is critical. The AGV has the potential to lower fixed costs by making floor-mounted roller conveyors redundant which have traditionally been seen as the most economical way of conveying airfreight.

“We are pleased that we can offer our customers a product that will foster sustainable operations and significantly improve terminal efficiency,“ Björn Ussat, Director Airport Logistics Solutions at Lödige, says of the AGV, which is being shown at the inter airport in Munich. “The ULD AGV is the natural extension of our product range, as we can offer even more flexible terminal configurations to our customers.”

Lödige’s conveying technology has been installed at more than 40 cargo terminals around the world and manages just over a quarter of the 56-million-ton global airfreight volume. Besides yielding benefits on costs and flexibility, the AGV also helps improve safety as it is equipped with laser scanners and other sensors that detect obstacles preventing impact.

At a speed of 3 meters per second, the 10ft model can handle various ULD contours and runs one shift on a single battery charge. It’s maximum load capacity of 6,800 kilograms covers all possible 10ft-ULDs. The 5ft model carries loads up to 1,588 kg for 12 hours straight.  Customers are able to order the 5ft model immediately, the 10ft device will be available from the summer of 2020.

“This innovation (AGV) fits well with our company history,“ says Philippe De Backer, Chief Executive Officer at Lödige Industries. „Bringing new technologies to our customers in the aviation industry has been an essential element of our offering over the last decades. “