Karter Autonomous Mobile Robot

Karters are used in industrial production plants, warehouses and logistics centres. It is easy to integrate Karter Autonomous Mobile Robots in your operations since there is no need to fit special navigation features such as lines, magnetic tracks, barcodes or beacons. They have a powerful processing unit which enables them to work largely autonomously – they don’t need a constant stream of commands from the control system. Instead, the control system simply tells then where to pick a load up, and where to deliver it.

It all starts by driving a Karter around the building under manual control. Its LiDAR scanner scans the area to create a map. This map is then manually cleaned up, leaving only permanent features of the building. Special features such as automatic doors and lifts are also added at this stage. Finally the map is uploaded to all the Karters operating in the building.

You create ‘missions’ in the Karter Fleet Manager software to define the origin and destination of each trip. These missions can be triggered manually from the software, by a button installed by the production line, the line control system, or through an interface to your ERP or Warehouse Management Software (WMS). Karters can also be linked to lift controls, automatic doors, barcode scanners, etc.

We offer models for carrying pallets, boxes, roll cages, etc. Karters can handle up to 1500 kg. Some models can lift the load up to a comfortable working height for your operators. We build these autonomous mobile robots in our factory in The Hague, the Netherlands which means we can customise them for your application and load carriers. Stainless steel models are available for hygienic operations.

Karters can take over boring and physically demanding transport jobs from people, who can then do the more interesting work. These AMRs are an excellent alternative to manually operated forklift trucks and tow tractors.

All our Autonomous Mobile Robots are powered by LiFePO4 batteries. These industrial grade batteries have a long life and are safer than LiPo and Li-ion batteries. For most applications a Karter AMR can operate a full 8-hour shift on one charge. After that recharging takes just 10 minutes, so a single docking station can serve several Karters. To optimise the battery life Karters get a weekly balancing charge which may take longer than a standard charge cycle.

Yes, one of the advantages of these autonomous unit is that they never get tired and lose concentration, even when making the same trip through your premises numerous times per day. The LiDAR scanner at the front constantly looks out for people, other vehicles and obstructions and stops the AMR if there is anything in the way. This scanner also feeds the navigation system with data.

Karter autonomous mobile robots were developed by Weighpack, the specialists in integrated packing lines for the fastener industry. They noticed that the logistics operations to supply their packing lines and to remove the packed products were often inefficient and led to line downtime. In response, they developed the Karter AMR to optimise the upstream and downstream logistics. Karter was then set up as a sister company to Weighpack and operates from the same factory and offices.

Our AMRs normally move at a safe, low speed of 2 km/h. Where appropriate and safe they can be configured to drive at 4 km/h. The LiFePO4 battery presents a much lower fire hazard than some other battery types.