Jungheinrich Material Handling has introduced the "Laser-Assist" navigation system for its ETV 1xx series Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) turret trucks. In modern warehouses maximizing floor space, aisles are often reduced to the absolute minimum (1.6 - 1.8 meters). In these tight spaces, a slight steering error can cause the truck to collide with the racking.
The Laser-Assist system mounts two "Laser Range Finders" on the front and rear of the truck chassis. These sensors measure the distance to the rack uprights on both sides simultaneously. The system calculates the "Center Deviation" of the truck relative to the aisle.
The key innovation is the "Electronic Rack Alignment." If the truck drifts closer than 50mm to the left rack, the system overrides the steering input and automatically steers the rear axle to the right, guiding the truck back to the center line. This correction is smooth and imperceptible to the operator.
Crucially, the system features "Height-Speed Derating." When the forks are raised above 8 meters, the distance sensors become more sensitive. The system limits the travel speed to 2 km/h to prevent the "pendulum effect" (sway) which could cause the forks to strike the rack. The system also eliminates the need for physical "guide rails" (steel rails in the floor), allowing warehouse managers to reconfigure racking layouts quickly without tearing up the floor. This flexibility increases storage density by 15% compared to conventional rail-guided systems.
