Automated Forklift "AutoFork" Launches New "Catch & Release Function"

Hakuou Robotics Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Arakawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Tomohiro Suzuki) has launched a new "Catch & Release Function" for its automated forklift "AutoFork."

This function is a new transport feature that automates long-distance transportation while allowing operators to handle the start and end points, enabling flexible adaptation to changes in the field.

You can find more details about this function below.
　　▼Click here for details on the Catch & Release function.
　　　https://hakuou.co.jp/products/autofork/catch-and-release/

In logistics warehouses and manufacturing plants, while long-distance transport routes are constant, the locations of pallets and cargo often change daily. With conventional automated transport, it was necessary to pre-determine the pick-up and drop-off locations for cargo and instruct transport, which often made it impossible to adapt to daily changes in pallet and cargo positions, leading to cases where automation was abandoned.

Thus, the inability to adapt to changes in the field has been a barrier to the introduction of automated forklifts.

■ Catch & Release Function Overview

　To address the above challenges, the "Catch & Release Function" is a transport method that allows AutoFork to automate long-distance transportation, while human operators handle the start and end points, enabling flexible adaptation to changes in the field.

When an operator manually operates AutoFork at the starting point, lifts a pallet, and starts automatic transport from a designated position, AutoFork automatically travels the route and transports the pallet to the destination near the unloading area. At the end point, the operator switches to manual operation to unload the pallet.

After the operator at the end point finishes unloading, automatic transport is restarted from a designated position, and the AutoFork automatically travels to the destination near the loading point. This enables operations that leverage the flexibility of human work and the efficiency of automated transport.

■ Feature Introduction Page / Introduction Video

　For an actual transport image, please refer to the following page and video.

　Catch & Release Function Introduction Page

　　https://hakuou.co.jp/products/autofork/catch-and-release/

■ Provided as a standard function of AutoFork

　This function is provided as a standard feature for both AutoFork Lite and AutoFork Standard models. By combining it with the playback function, it is possible to build flexible transport scenarios tailored to on-site operations. This function is currently offered as a beta version, and we will continue to improve it through actual operation.

■ PoC (Proof of Concept) and Hands-on Experience

This function can be verified in an actual on-site environment as a one-month trial (PoC) using mass-produced machines. Additionally, you can confirm the operational image before introduction at the "Higashi-Urawa Base" demo facility in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture. For details on trials and demo tours, please contact us via the inquiry form.

【About Hakuou Robotics】

Location: Shirahige Nishi R&D Center 202, 8-5-7 Minamisenju, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Tomohiro Suzuki, Representative Director

Hakuou Robotics is a startup company aiming for complete logistics automation under the mission of "Towards a world without 'carrying things'." Established in Tokyo in 2022, it develops and sells the compact automated forklift "AutoFork," which supports in-warehouse transport and inter-process transport within factories. It offers functions focused on practicality and ease of use on site, such as batch automatic recognition of pallets combining proprietary autonomous driving software and object recognition technology, cooperation with logistics equipment installed in warehouses, and simple setup that allows automatic transport from as early as the delivery day.

We will continue to lead the forefront of logistics automation, which is expected to become full-fledged in the future, and provide new value through the power of robotics.
　URL: https://hakuou.co.jp/