Evri has begun trialing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at its Rugby hub in the UK, as part of a move to introduce robotics into its internal operations.
The company is testing two AGV power pallets in partnership with Translift Group. The trial marks Evri’s first step in what it describes as its “under the roof” robotics program, focused on automating processes in its hubs and depots.
Currently, workers at the Rugby site move cages and pallets across the facility throughout the day. The AGVs are designed to take over these repetitive tasks, allowing staff to be reassigned to other roles and trained to oversee robotic systems.
The vehicles use lidar technology to navigate, detecting ceiling-mounted sensors that guide their routes. They can be programmed to travel between fixed points, with scheduled stops for loading and unloading, and operate continuously in a loop. Each unit can carry loads of up to 1.5 metric tons and can also be switched to manual operation if required.
The trial follows earlier robotics initiatives by Evri, including tests of an autonomous delivery robot and ongoing trials of autonomous deliveries in Barnsley, where the company operates its largest hub.
Adrian Berry, innovation delivery manager at Evri, said, “This trial marks the first of what we hope will be many, exploring how robotics can support our hub and depot operations as well as the colleagues that work there. We’re constantly looking at innovative ways to improve and enhance what we do, and we’ve got more exciting things we’ll be looking at this year.”
Lee Moss, head of hub operations at Evri, added, “I’m excited to see the AGVs in action and to see the benefits they can have in production. Some of the work our colleagues carry out can be very monotonous. Our hub is incredibly large and it takes a long time walking back and forth carrying cardboard, for example. Things like this will help our people with the tasks they don’t love so they can spend time on work they enjoy.”
In related news, Evri launches autonomous delivery robot trial in Barnsley