New product VDL launched at the TOC Europe

After one year of development and extensive testing, the VDL AGV was presented on the first day of the TOC Europe in Antwerp.

Automation at container handling terminals now a day demand aspects like efficiency and impact on the environment to be taken into account. To develop a completely new automatic guided vehicle the VDL Groep started a program based on existing technologies, sourced from within the VDL Groep and several key suppliers. The design of the VDL AGV is based on the criteria state of the art quality, reduction of lifecycle cost and modularity.

This resulted in an electrically driven diesel-Hybrid Automated Guided Vehicle that can handle loads of up to 70 tonnes and can run at speeds of up to 6 metres per second. The VDL AGV is built with high focus on reduction of running hours to reduce fuel consumption and to allow stretching maintenance intervals. The maintenance friendly design maximizes accessibility and reduces maintenance hours.  

The modularity of the VDL AGV also is a well thought out design element. This way there is no need to exchange the complete vehicle after the technical lifetime of certain components. A retrofit of the worn item will do. In case of other future technologies such as induction and hydrogen powered drivelines or GPS navigation mature enough to fit the AGV environment, they can be build in without major impact.
Another advantage of the modular set up is the ability to adapt to specific customer demands with low impact.