Dematic, a global supplier of integrated automated technology, software and services to optimize the supply chain, announced the release of a freezer-rated narrow aisle reach AGV specifically designed to operate autonomously in chilled and freezer environments. The AGV can operate permanently in temperatures down to -10°F and intermittently as low as -20°F.

With a lift height that can access five levels of racking in a typical warehouse, a 2,500 pound load capacity, and a reach mechanism to handle double-deep racking , the AGV is well-suited for automating operations in existing freezer distribution facilities.

“Automated guided vehicle systems are an attractive solution for automating existing freezer storage warehouses that are manually operated today,” says Nathan Wolf, Director of Mobile Automation, North America, Dematic. “Companies can implement freezer-rated AGVs as an automated picking solution with minimal infrastructure changes and related costs.”

For manual operations, working in the tough, demanding freezer environment means that workers need frequent breaks from the cold. For every hour worked, a worker might need to spend 10 to 20 minutes out of the freezer. AGVs can operate 24×7, picking and transporting product in the frozen environment and delivering that product seamlessly to warmer temperature shipping areas.

“Finding people to work in chilled and freezer environments is challenging,” Wolf adds. “Our customers can use these AGVs in the frozen areas of their distribution facilities to create a fully automated ‘lights out’ automation solution.”