ECA Group, well deployed in Toulouse through its aerospace division which employs 200 people, is launching a new mobile autonomous robot. Launched in 2021 as a project, the robot compiles all of ECA’s know-how in drones (submarines, surface, air, for defence, etc.) and is aimed at logisticians. “Indoor robots (Editor’s note: inside buildings) already exist, but our robot is capable of operating both inside and outside warehouses,” explains Gilbert Rosso, Deputy Managing Director. Concretely, the robot called “AMR LS 1PT”, a large pallet truck, is able to enter a hangar to recover a load of up to 1.5 tonnes, move it without damaging it to another warehouse via the outside. , its cargo sheltered from its bodywork.

30 to 45% of operating gains

After circulating on the industrial site in order to memorize the roads, the robot is able to circulate outside by managing its environment (other vehicles, pedestrians, etc.). The automation of this handling task, which until now was carried out by the operators, makes it possible to display an operating gain of 30% to 45%. “Especially since companies are struggling to recruit forklift drivers and handlers,” slips Gilbert Rosso.

Electric, the robot is capable of operating sixteen hours in 2×8. It is already used by Idea Logistique on the Airbus site in Nantes. Invoiced 250,000 €, the robot must be sold quickly to ten copies. Other vehicles (forklifts, tractors, etc.) will be launched by September 2022 in order to create a range for all logistics needs. All of this new activity should generate 30 to 40 M€ in turnover within three years.