MHD interviewed BALYO’s Sales Manager, Joshua Couturier, to find out how the global material handling company’s Autonomous Guided Vehicles, Autonomous Mobile Robots and Very Narrow Aisles are reshaping warehousing.
In an age where technological advancement is reshaping industries, BALYO stands out as a pioneer in Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) technology.
Specialising in transforming standard OEM forklifts into fully robotic machines, BALYO addresses critical challenges in Australia’s manufacturing, supply chain, and warehouse sectors.
Joshua Couturier, Sales Manager at BALYO, shares insights on how the innovative solutions are set to redefine the landscape of material handling in Australia.
Tackling labour shortages and rising land costs
Australia’s supply chain faces two primary challenges: labour shortages and rising land costs.
“Less than a year and a half ago, the need for forklift drivers was so strong that the Prime Minister was considering lowering the age to obtain a forklift license to widen the labour pool,” says Joshua.
“Thankfully, that policy wasn’t enacted. However, the problem was also never fixed.”
The shortage of willing forklift drivers persists, exacerbating the need for automated solutions.
On the front of rising land costs, warehouse and logistics leaders are compelled to use more vertical space in their facilities.
“With each level of racking you go up, you can gain 30 per cent more capacity,” explains Joshua.
“With recent estimates showing industrial rents rising above 27 per cent year-over-year, expanding on the ground is a costly endeavour that supply chains simply can’t afford in the face of rising inflation.”
BALYO’s technology enables safe storage and retrieval of pallets from ground level up to 17 metres, offering a practical solution to maximise warehouse space.
Autonomous solutions across applications
BALYO’s driverless forklifts are versatile, handling a range of pallet transport and storage applications, from inbound to outbound logistics.
Its lineup includes tuggers, stackers, reach trucks, and turret trucks, also known as Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) robots.
“From simple floor-to-floor tugging to heights of 17m, we have an autonomy solution,” notes Joshua.
“From dock to block, we have an autonomy solution.” This comprehensive approach ensures that BALYO can meet diverse needs within the supply chain.
AGV versus AMR: understanding the difference
BALYO prefers the term “autonomous” over “automated” when describing its vehicles.
“When you say automated, there’s the implication of some level of human intervention and vast changes to your infrastructure,” explains Joshua. “Autonomous material handling means robots do ALL of the work.”
This distinction highlights the advanced capabilities of BALYO’s robots, which utilise LiDAR and cameras to achieve high levels of safety and accuracy, significantly outpacing traditional AGVs in terms of cost and implementation speed.
While AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) are generally smaller and assist manual labour, BALYO’s robots combine the carrying capacity of industrial vehicles with full autonomy.
“AMRs traditionally work in closed spaces and are often used to assist manual labour, not free workers from tedious material movement tasks,” adds Joshua.
BALYO’s machines are built for more demanding tasks, setting them apart in the industry.
High bay storage and rapid deployment
BALYO distinguishes itself in two critical areas: high bay storage and speed to deployment. Its VNA robot, affectionately called VEENY, can autonomously reach heights of 17 metres.
Joshua recounts a success story from Singapore, where BALYO helped a customer achieve this impressive feat.
“When scaling massive loads into inordinately high racks, there are complex calculations and physics that need to be accounted for. We’ve developed the algorithms and operationalised them to put the safety of people and goods first.”
Deployment speed is another significant advantage. By using standard forklifts, BALYO maintains a constant rolling inventory, enabling rapid project execution.
“We help you ‘know before you go,” explains Joshua. “Using digital twin technology, we build the project virtually, so everything is set to go when the robots arrive on site.”
This approach minimises downtime and ensures a smooth transition to automation.
Tangible benefits for customers
Customers deploying BALYO solutions can expect increased safety, heightened reliability, and significant cost savings.
BALYO robots adhere to all ISO and ANSI standards for robotic safety, with advanced laser coverage ensuring secure operations. This reliability translates to consistent material handling and perpetual motion, eliminating downtime due to human factors.
The accuracy of BALYO robots further enhances operational efficiency.
“With robots, there are no bruised egos or posturing; accuracy is the primary objective,” says Joshua. This precision reduces errors in material handling and shipping, improving overall productivity.
The case for high bay AGVs
In Australia, where industrial rents are soaring and land is scarce, high bay AGVs present a compelling solution.
By utilising vertical space, warehouses can significantly increase their storage capacity without expanding their footprint. Sydney, with one of the lowest industrial vacancy rates worldwide, exemplifies the urgency of this need.
AGVs offer several advantages over traditional mechanised systems like Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS).
They are easier to implement, require no major infrastructure changes, and integrate seamlessly with existing warehouse management systems. This plug-and-play capability contrasts sharply with the lengthy and complex installation processes of an AS/RS system.
Moreover, AGVs provide unparalleled flexibility, adapting quickly to changes in warehouse layouts and operational demands.
Their modular design allows businesses to start with a small fleet and scale up as needed, spreading investment over time.
This scalability, combined with advanced safety features and the ability to work alongside human workers, makes AGVs a future-proof solution for modern warehouses.
Embracing the future with BALYO
As the logistics landscape continues to evolve, AGVs are emerging as a superior alternative for businesses seeking to enhance efficiency and adaptability.
BALYO’s innovations in high bay storage and rapid deployment set a new standard in the industry, helping warehouses maximise their potential.
Joshua’s insights underscore the transformative impact of BALYO’s technology.
With their robust capabilities, BALYO’s autonomous solutions are poised to play a central role in reshaping the future of logistics and supply chain management in Australia, driving efficiency, agility, and innovation across industries.
BALYO’s AGVs offer a smarter, more sustainable approach to material handling, ensuring that businesses can meet the challenges of tomorrow with confidence.
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