Jungheinrich has released the "Cryo-Vision" sensor suite for its EKS 210 series autonomous narrow aisle (VNA) trucks, targeting 24/7 automated deep-freeze warehouses operating at -30°C. In cold storage facilities, autonomous forklifts frequently fail due to frost accumulation on the navigation LiDAR lenses. Traditional heated lenses consume too much power and can blind the sensor through thermal expansion. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries in these trucks often refuse to charge when the cell temperature drops below 0°C, halting automated operations.
The Cryo-Vision system integrates "Peltier Thermoelectric Lens Coolers." The engineering innovation is "Active Anti-Condensation Control." Instead of blasting the lens with heat, a micro-Peltier module cools the LiDAR lens edge to exactly 2°C above the ambient freezer temperature. By maintaining the lens temperature just above the dew point but far below room temperature, the system prevents thermal stress on the optics while ensuring frost physically cannot condense on the glass.
Furthermore, the system solves the charging issue via "Closed-Loop Battery Pre-Cooling." When the EKS 210 approaches the charging station, the warehouse WMS checks the battery's internal temperature. If the cells are too warm from operational discharge, the truck's thermal management system engages a high-power active chiller, rapidly cooling the battery to 5°C *before* connecting to the charger. This ensures the high-voltage lithium cells are within the optimal 5-15°C charging window, preventing lithium plating and allowing continuous 24-hour autonomous operation in deep-freeze environments without manual battery swaps or defrosting downtime.
