ROBO-HI Corporation announces the launch of implementation support and full-scale deployment of a transportation solution for the food, chemical, and heavy industries. The solution combines the 「RoboCar® AGV 10T」an ultra-large unmanned transport vehicle capable of autonomously transporting loads of up to 10 tons both indoors and outdoors, with the 「ROBO-HI® AOS」Autonomous Operation System.
Background and Challenges
At chemical plants, large-scale fat and oil processing facilities, high-pressure gas and hazardous-material facilities, and pesticide manufacturing sites, the transfer and internal transportation of large quantities of drums containing fats, oils, and chemical raw materials, as well as FIBC bags containing powders and pellets, are routine operations.
Traditionally, these heavy materials have been transported between indoor and outdoor areas by forklifts or large trucks operated manually by workers, resulting in the following challenges:
1. Heavy workloads and labor shortages: Handling attachments and operating vehicles outdoors when transporting raw materials and products weighing up to 10 tons at once place a significant burden on workers.
2. Risks caused by weather and environmental conditions: Outdoor conditions such as rain and fog, as well as poor visibility and operational errors during continuous nighttime operations, create additional workplace risks. Furthermore, attempts to address these challenges by introducing conventional AGVs have created another hurdle: significant construction costs associated with installing magnetic tape across large outdoor areas and establishing LAN networks.
RoboCar AGV 10T addresses these challenges simultaneously, enabling automated round-trip transportation between warehouses and refining, filling, and shipping areas within the same site, with low implementation costs and a high level of safety and precision.
Product Overview: Key Features of the Solution
1. 10-Ton Rated Payload – Batch Transportation of Drums and FIBC Bags
The vehicle features a large, flat cargo platform measuring 2.4 m × 5.9 m, enabling it to load and transport large quantities of palletized drums and FIBC bags with a maximum total payload of 10 tons.
It uses a four-wheel-drive, eight-wheel differential steering system and large-diameter solid tires, allowing stable operation over uneven outdoor surfaces and slopes of up to 6°.
2. Construction-Free Hybrid Navigation (GNSS/RTK Positioning + Laser SLAM)
In outdoor areas, the vehicle autonomously navigates using GNSS (RTK positioning) with approximately 2 cm horizontal accuracy, eliminating the need to install a dedicated base station within the site.
When entering a building, it seamlessly switches to Laser SLAM + IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), enabling autonomous map creation and free movement between indoor and outdoor areas without floor construction work for magnetic tape or similar infrastructure.
3. Construction-Free Networking with 4G/5G Communication and Smart Dispatching
The vehicle uses an onboard 4G/5G module to communicate with cloud and higher-level systems such as MES/WMS/ERP, eliminating the need to install dedicated Wi-Fi (LAN) networks across large outdoor areas. Operators can call the vehicle or issue transportation tasks with a single touch from a handheld PAD terminal.
4. Advanced 3D/2D Laser Safety Protection and All-Weather Operation (IP54 or Higher)
The vehicle is equipped with six 2D/3D laser sensors, multi-line sensors, physical bumpers, and six emergency-stop buttons around the vehicle body.
The system detects protruding obstacles and pedestrians and automatically reduces speed or stops in stages.
With an IP54 or higher water-resistance rating, the vehicle can operate continuously in light rain or light snow.
5. More Than 10 Hours of Continuous Operation and Automatic Fast Charging
The vehicle is equipped with a high-capacity 48V/410Ah lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, enabling more than 10 hours of continuous operation through alternating empty and fully loaded runs.
When the battery level drops, the vehicle automatically travels to its dedicated charging station and completes fast charging in approximately 2 hours (20% → 100%).
Key Specifications
*The specifications above are based on the specification table in the original document.
Future Development
Through this solution, ROBO-HI will promote the “complete automation of outdoor and inter-building logistics” at food, chemical, and heavy-industry plants, contributing to the resolution of labor shortages and significant improvements in workplace safety.
