Delivering Top-Class Maneuverability—The SOTR-F Forklift AMR
Introducing the SOTR-F, a next-gen forklift autonomous mobile robot (AMR) developed by Daifuku for factories and distribution centers and featuring a minimum turning radius of just 1 meter for superior maneuverability in confined spaces. The SOTR-F enables pallet transfer between floors, loading docks, and conveyors, helping automate inter-process transport tasks previously required manned forklifts and other equipment. We spoke with Kunihiro Araki, development leader from the sales division, about the background to the product and its key features.
Could you tell us about the SOTR-F and its benefits?
The Sorting Transfer Robot F (SOTR-F) is a next-gen forklift autonomous mobile robot (AMR). It provides an alternative to inter-process transport tasks primarily handled by operators, helping ease labor requirements, and increase efficiency. By switching to automation, it reduces the chances of human error, contributing to safer and more stable operations. The SOTR-F is equipped with sensors for obstacle detection and collision prevention, which also help lower the risk of workplace accidents.
Automating Inter-Process Transport with Top-Class Maneuverability and Autonomous Navigation
What are the key features of the SOTR-F?
The SOTR-F adopts an outrigger structure* that enables a compact yet stable vehicle body. In combination with the ability to perform handbrake turns, this design achieves a superior minimum turning radius of one meter. The system’s top-class maneuverability allows it to operate effectively even in confined spaces. The SOTR-F supports both single-sided and double-sided pallets. In addition to handling pallets directly off the floor, it can also transfer them to and from conveyors and loading docks. The rated load capacity is one ton, and accommodates pallet sizes ranging from 1,100 mm to 1,300 mm.
- *Outrigger structure: A design in which support legs extend outward from the vehicle body to distribute weight and enhance stability.
The SOTR-F also features autonomous SLAM navigation, helping reduce the system’s operational burden on site. SLAM—Simultaneous Localization and Mapping—enables the vehicle to estimate its own position while simultaneously performing real-time mapping as it moves. Because it does not require external guidance such as floor-based magnetic guides or barcodes, there is no need to install additional guidance infrastructure within the facility. This allows the system to adapt flexibly to layout changes, the addition of new equipment, or the deployment of additional SOTR-F units.
The vehicle’s height sits at 1,300 mm to maintain clear sightlines for workers, enhancing safety. In addition, the system is equipped with automatic charging to enable 24-hour unmanned operation. The SOTR-F can easily fit into mixed operations as well, with manned forklifts being used during the day and the SOTR-F operating overnight. This provides highly flexible operational planning, which is important for sites with significant seasonal fluctuations in workload,
What was the background behind the development of the SOTR-F?
In Japan, forklift operators are aging, and fewer younger workers are entering the profession, leading to labor shortages and a growing demand for automation. In addition, some manufacturing sites require components to be placed directly on the floor, which cannot be accommodated by AGVs or AMRs without a forklift mechanism. In response to these challenges, we developed the SOTR-F as a compact, highly maneuverable solution, enabling automation even in facilities with limited workspace.
With a maximum lift height of 850 mm, the SOTR-F does not allow direct storage and retrieval from racks. However, integration with an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) makes it possible to automate the full sequence of transport and storage operations. Although development of the SOTR-F initially focused on manufacturing industry applications, the difficulty in securing forklift operators is not limited to that sector; similar challenges exist in the distribution industry, and the SOTR-F has already attracted considerable interest from customers there.
Zoom in for a closer look.
What kind of system configuration do you envision for on-site operations?
Demand has been increasing in the manufacturing sector for automation across the entire process—from inbound receipt of components to line-side supply, storage, and shipment. By leveraging Daifuku’s transport robot series, sites can significantly enhance their level of automation. For example, once inbound pallets are inspected by operators and placed directly in the receiving staging area, an SOTR-F can pick up the pallet and automatically transport it to the AS/RS.
Next, in accordance with supply instructions from the production line, the required components are retrieved from the AS/RS. Depending on the type of load, the SOTR-L pallet transport and sorting system, which supports loads of up to one ton, or the SOTR-M case transport and sorting system, which supports loads of up to 30 kg, delivers components to the production line. Work-in-process items can be temporarily stored in an AS/RS as needed. Finally, the SOTR-F can transport completed and palletized products from the AS/RS to the shipping area.
In this way, Daifuku continues to expand its product lineup and is working toward the goal of providing fully automated solutions by 2030. Going forward, we will continue incorporating advanced technologies and delivering material handling solutions optimized to meet each customer’s specific needs.
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SOTR-L pallet transport and sorting system
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SOTR-M case transport and sorting system
*At the time of publication, the SOTR-F is only available for sale in Japan.
Kunihiro Araki
General Manager, Branch Management Department, Sales Operations, Intralogistics Division