Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company, announces the launch of the CB18 AGF (automated guided forklift), engineered to efficiently move pallets across manufacturing and distribution facilities — no operators needed. The CB18 automates a variety of tasks, reducing operating costs, improving employee and product safety, enabling 24/7 automated operations and interfacing with other material handling equipment.

“Safety was a major focus in designing the CB18,” said Michael Marcum, general manager of autonomous vehicles at Bastian. “Counterbalanced forklifts transport heavy materials in a variety of shapes and sizes and were engineered to ensure reliable operation around infrastructure and employees. Safety features include a mast designed to handle greater-than-capacity loads at elevated heights and an overly constrained tricycle kinematic design. The dual traction wheel solution provides improved braking and more reliable navigation. These elements, along with its Category 3 safety system, ensure secure operation.”

Utilizing natural features navigation (LiDAR), the CB18 can identify features in its environment and compare them to a virtual map of the facility, allowing the vehicle to calculate its own position and follow a programmed path without the need for costly additional infrastructure. The ability to easily adjust routes supports changing operations and market conditions.

The CB18 AGF features a payload capacity of 1,800kg or 4,000 lbs. and a reach height of 4,470mm or 176 in. Companies with CB18 fleets can automate storage and retrieval to and from racks, floor-to-floor transfers, and drop off and pick up. The CB18 can also be equipped with custom forks or attachments for special applications.

Bastian Solutions’ CB18 AGF is a flexible, extensible automation solution that addresses challenges companies face — labor availability, inventory tracking, operational visibility, peak seasons, safety concerns and space limitations. A unique advantage of choosing a Bastian Solutions’ AV (autonomous vehicles) is that experts at Bastian will tailor the solution to specific business needs.