Mobile robots for intralogistics and cart handling
Industrial mobile robots enable the flexible automation of internal material and cart handling, without the need for fixed infrastructure.
They are increasingly used to manage complex logistics flows, particularly in production environments characterised by high variability.
Automating cart handling in production environments
In many manufacturing companies, the movement of carts between different production stages is still managed manually or through rigid systems, leading to:
- waiting times between operations
- difficulty in managing production variability
- limited scalability of workflows.
Automating these processes is now a practical lever to improve efficiency and operational continuity.
HELKO: the mobile robot for industrial cart handling
An AMR designed for carts
HELKO is an autonomous mobile robot specifically designed for the transport of carts and workbenches.
It is not a generic AMR adapted for transport, but a solution developed to integrate directly into existing production flows.
A truly customisable mobile robot
HELKO is configured according to specific operational requirements, starting from the type of carts used, through to the structure of the production layout and the flow logic governing internal material handling.
Integration with existing company systems is also defined on a case-by-case basis, ensuring full alignment with current processes.
Flexible material handling without changing the layout
HELKO enables transport automation without the need for rigid infrastructure.
This allows companies to maintain their current layout while easily adapting to process changes.
Applications of HELKO in production environments
HELKO is used in production contexts where flexible and adaptable cart and material handling is required. It is particularly effective in assembly lines with variable configurations, in high-mix low-volume manufacturing processes, and in intralogistics systems that require frequent transfers between stations or departments.
In these scenarios, the value lies not only in transport automation, but in the system’s ability to follow production variability without requiring structural changes to the plant.
AMRs and AGVs in industrial mobile robotics
Mobile robots are generally divided into two main categories:
- AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) → follow predefined routes
- AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) → move by adapting to the environment
AGVs operate along predefined, fixed paths, while AMRs can dynamically adapt to the operating environment. This distinction is particularly relevant in production contexts that are subject to frequent change.
AMRs such as HELKO are especially suitable for dynamic environments where workflows change frequently. They are increasingly used to manage complex logistics flows, particularly in production settings characterised by high variability.
How mobile robots work in industrial logistics
Mobile robots use sensor-based navigation systems, digital maps, and localisation algorithms to move autonomously within industrial environments.
These systems enable them to:
- detect obstacles in real time
- dynamically update routes
- coordinate multiple robots in parallel
- operate in shared environments alongside operators and machinery.
In the case of AMRs, navigation is not based on predefined physical paths, but on a digital representation of the production environment.
Applications of mobile robotics in industrial logistics
Mobile robotics solutions are applied in a range of scenarios:
industrial cart handling
production line supply
material transport between departments
intralogistics in complex environments.
Why HELKO is different from other mobile robots
HELKO is not a standard mobile robot adapted to logistics, but a robotic platform specifically designed for industrial cart handling.
We design bespoke mobile robots for your industrial logistics
Every production system has specific requirements
Our solutions are consistently tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses. We don’t believe in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, as we understand that each company possesses its own distinctive production intricacies that define its individuality.
If you're looking to bring innovation to your company while preserving your established production methods, we're here to assist you
Thanks to our vast experience in the field of automation, we apply skills developed in different industries to carefully study the customised solution that best suits your business needs. First, we will thoroughly analyse your production processes, from the Automation level up to Management, to fully understand your business dynamics and start developing a tailor-made solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing workflows, methods and technologies.