Will ‘material handling’ become autonomous with these self-guided telehandlers?
At Sima 2022, the Loadix, an autonomous telehandler from the French start-up ManuRob, was perhaps the biggest surprise. At that time, it was largely an empty shell, but now the first pre-series models are in operation. Will ‘material handling’ become autonomous?
Among all the heavy machinery and (French) premieres from major brands at the Sima trade fair in Paris (F) in 2022, it was the French start-up ManuRob that attracted all the attention with the debut of its autonomous Loadix telehandler. Or rather, an autonomous front loader without a telescopic function, considering the background of the start-up founded in 2018. ManuRob is part of the M-extend group, known for MX- and previously also Manip front loaders.
At that time, the battery-electric Loadix was not yet functional, but last year, the manufacturer released a YouTube video showing the telehandler in action during an introductory event. At the EuroTier trade fair last November in Hannover (D.), ManuRob presented its first German user, a farmer with a biogas plant.
This year, a limited number of pre-series models will be put to work in France and Germany. This will be done on a rental basis for 6 months, with users receiving an invoice based on the number of tons processed per month. More details on the technology and pricing of the ManuRob Loadix follow below.
Bobcat and Volvo also in the race, Weidemann follows
At the Intermat trade fair in April 2024, also in Paris, Bobcat showcased its autonomous electric loader, the RogueX2. The RogueX2 is still a concept in skid-steer loader format and the successor to the RogueX, which Bobcat introduced a year earlier at the American Con Expo trade fair in Las Vegas.
While ManuRob is bringing its autonomous ‘material handler’ to market this year, Bobcat emphasizes that the RogueX2 is still in the R&D phase and will not be available for sale anytime soon. Volvo CE introduced a prototype of an autonomous electric mini loader in 2021, named LX03, based on the electric L25 mini loader.
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Although not fully autonomous, the Follow Me function that the German company Weidemann showcased at the last EuroTier, winning a silver innovation medal, is also an interesting development. This feature, available on the electric Hoftrac 1190e imp mini loader, allows the vehicle to closely follow a person within a few meters. The idea: enhancing safety in tasks requiring frequent stepping on and off, such as placing temporary fencing or carrying out pruning and cleaning work.
The Dutch magazine TREKKER approached several other telehandler manufacturers and/or Dutch importers to ask whether they are developing autonomous concepts. Dieci, Faresin, Magni, and Merlo responded that they currently have no such projects in development. However, this could also imply that they are not ready to disclose any details. Discussions mainly focused on (new) electric models. JCB and Manitou did not respond in time.
More About the ManuRob Loadix
ManuRob states that it aims to launch the Loadix in France and Germany by the end of this year, priced at €359,000, with a warranty ranging from one to three years, depending on the tonnage processed. The manufacturer primarily targets businesses with biogas installations. An introduction to other European markets will not take place before 2028.
The Loadix will be available in a single variant with a load capacity of 2 tons and a maximum lifting height of 4.10 meters. It can drive at a maximum speed of 7.2 km/h and handle slopes of up to 30%. Loadix is fully electric and equipped with a 60 kWh battery, with 23 kWh allocated for propulsion and 23 kWh for hydraulics.
With the purchase, buyers receive 2 attachments that the vehicle can autonomously connect and disconnect using the Speedlink system. Charging is also fully autonomous. The Loadix can navigate both outdoors and indoors autonomously, thanks to TRK GPS, LiDAR, and IMU sensors. In terms of safety features, the vehicle meets the ISO 3991 standard for autonomous vehicles.
