Narrow-aisle truck automation
Christian Strauch | 1. April 2020
The data transfer dilemma
In the course of general system and vehicle automation in intralogistics, there is an area where companies are converting their narrow-aisle trucks into true autonomous transport vehicles. Something that was pure science fiction just a few years ago, can be implemented relatively easily today with the help of modern information technology and commercially available electronic components.
But there are still technical obstacles that are not that easy to overcome.
Data transmission!
An automated narrow-aisle truck is largely dependent on a highly developed data transmission system. Various sensors and cameras receive data that are forwarded to the truck’s steering system. These sensors and cameras are located on the truck’s load-bearing equipment (its fork), which can elevate up to 15 metres.
So how do I transfer data from way up there to way down there?
This is the dilemma: either I use an optical data transmission system or radio or simply install a data cable.
Optical data transmission can be ruled out, since light from the top source will not always strike the bottom mirror precisely – the entire vehicle is not that rigid when in use and can wobble.
Radio is not great either, since it requires frequencies to be cleared, is subject to interference, etc.
A data cable requires a guide – but what kind? Do I need an energy chain? Do I need a special data cable that is suitable for dynamic applications? And what about tensile force? The truck sometimes experiences great forces that could quickly destroy a thin cable.
The solution!
igus has the solution: an extremely strong Ethernet cable. This Ethernet cable, whose igus designation is CFSPECIAL.182.060, was developed specially for high tensile forces. Tests have shown that this cable can take up to 2,900 newtons of tensile force without impairing data transmission.
Other tests have shown that you can use this cable directly with a guide roller – no energy chain necessary. This is an atypical use of our chainflex cable, but it works! See also: https://www.igus.eu/info/industries-fork-lift-chainflex
The only catch is that we do not grant a three-year guarantee for this use yet, but otherwise, we recommend it unreservedly.