Transport systems in intralogistics
Efficient solutions for complex transport tasks
- Transport systems in intralogistics are divided into continuous conveyors and discontinuous conveyors. Continuous conveyors are transport systems that move materials in a steady flow, such as conveyor belts, roller conveyors and gravity conveyors. These systems are used for transporting bulk goods and pallets in continuous production processes.
- A further distinction is made between floor-bound (industrial trucks) and overground conveyors. A floor-bound conveyor system transports goods by travelling on the floor. The system can be further divided into rail-bound and track-bound systems. Track-bound conveyors such as AGVs move along a defined path, using downward-facing sensors to follow markings on the floor such as lines, visible tapes, RFID tags or other guidance systems. Overground conveyors are suspended either from the ceiling or from a metal structure on stands.
- A distinction is also made between automated, semi-automated and manual operation. Automated discontinuous conveyors are, for example, AGVs. Powered conveyor belts and roller conveyors belong to the category of automated continuous conveyors. Semi-automated systems are, for example, forklift guidance systems that guide forklifts along specified routes.
