Driverless Forklift Truck Brings Increased Freedom to AVK GUMMI

Gamechanger: Intuitive and Flexible

The driverless forklift truck has been the link between various workstations at AVK GUMMI for years. The need for the new Global AGV became evident when a new production hall was built, requiring a new workflow for moving pallets. A much more flexible solution was needed, allowing the company to adapt routes as needed. The old driverless forklift truck was programmed with 10-12 fixed routes that AVK GUMMI could not modify. The new AGV seamlessly took over existing routes, and AVK GUMMI has since added 25 new ones.

“We chose Global AGV because we needed a flexible solution that is intuitive to use and easy to adapt to our transportation needs. We are a company in constant change, so it must be easy for us to adjust the driverless forklift truck when new tasks arise. And it is,” 

 Andreas Kjersgaard, Production Manager at AVK GUMMI.

The driverless forklift truck handles transport to and from the company’s mixing facility and five production halls with rubber compounds. It also returns crates, pallets, and returned goods to the mixer, as well as waste containers, boxes, or pallets.

We Can Do Everything Ourselves

Morten Dahl Kruse, a mechanical engineer responsible for the driverless forklift truck at AVK GUMMI, became self-sufficient after a course at Global AGV and six days of installing the new forklift truck. He independently maps out new routes and consults Global AGV’s support team when needed.

He highlights how easy it is to set up new routes, get the forklift truck back on track if obstacles appear, and for employees to start it when necessary.

“We now have 35 routes, and we’re constantly adding more. When someone comes up with a good idea, we can simply test it. The only cost is my time setting it up, making it an easy and inexpensive way to try new solutions. This enhances efficiency, as the process from idea to execution is short. We don’t need to call an external technician to review and implement a plan—we can do it all ourselves,” explains Morten Dahl Kruse.

“The new Global AGV is not just easy to operate; it’s also incredibly stable and reliable, which is crucial for our daily operations.”

Morten Dahl Kruse, Mechanical Engineer and Head of Global AGV at AVK GUMMI

Driverless forklift Truck Frees Up Time for Important Tasks

Time is money, which is why Morten Dahl Kruse and his colleagues continually assess where the driverless forklift truck can take over tasks instead of assigning them to employees.

The longest route set up so far is 600 meters—a route the old AGV could not handle. If an employee were to complete the journey with a regular forklift truck, it would take eight minutes.

“We have invested in a solution where adding new functions is relatively inexpensive. Ideas are constantly emerging, from transporting items via our freight elevator to automation and waste management solutions. It contributes to our innovation,” says Morten Dahl Kruse.