With the market launch of several new automated vehicles, Linde Material Handling (MH) aims to continue the strategic development of its automation portfolio. According to a press release, the focus is on standardized, scalable solutions that simplify and accelerate the planning and implementation of automated material flows.
Three driverless vehicles have been added to the program: the combi very narrow aisle truck "Linde K-MATIC k," the reach truck "Linde R-MATIC k," and the freestanding stacker truck "Linde L-MATIC AC k." They complement the already deployed models "L-MATIC HD k" and "L-MATIC core." All new devices are manufactured as standard and are designed for economical automation projects, even with medium complexity.
- Linde K-MATIC k: The automated narrow aisle truck with a load capacity of 1.5 tons and a
- lift height of up to 14.5 meters is specifically designed for handling full pallets in high-bay storage. Due to its typical environment in the storage aisle, the vehicle is particularly suitable for automation applications.
- Linde R-MATIC k: As a solution for automated replenishment in wide aisle warehouses, this reach truck is available in several variants with a load capacity of up to 2.3 tons and modular mast variants. The aim is a flexible adaptation to different warehouse layouts.
- Linde L-MATIC AC k: The counterbalance stacker truck with freestanding forks complements the range where manual processes can be efficiently replaced by automated, standardized transport routes.
MATIC:move software platform supports integration
According to Linde MH, the control of all new vehicles is managed through the software solution "MATIC:move," which
is already in use with the compact stacker truck Linde L-MATIC core. This platform allows easy commissioning, graphical route planning via "Drag & Drop," and digital mapping of the storage environment. Particularly smaller fleets with uniform vehicle types can be efficiently automated with this – for example, for recurring horizontal transports in the warehouse or production areas.
According to Linde MH, typical use cases are line transports between two defined points, which can be set up within a short time – in some cases within a day. The functionality extends to planning pick-up and drop-off points and integration into mixed traffic with manually operated vehicles.
For more complex applications and larger vehicle fleets, the software extension "MATIC:move+" is available. According to the provider, it allows the control
of up to 150 vehicles and offers advanced features such as monitoring, battery management, and interface connection to WMS, WCS, and ERP systems.
Automation as a solution package
Linde MH positions the new devices not as individual products but as part of an integrated solution package. The planning is project-specific, including target definition and simulation with digital twins. The focus is on rapid implementation and high operational safety. Service and maintenance are provided by the existing sales and service network, so no specialized robotics personnel are required.
By expanding the automated product portfolio, Linde MH is responding, according to its own account, to an increasing demand for economical, scalable automation solutions – especially in the face of growing requirements for speed, sustainability, and personnel efficiency in warehouse
