The latest system for transporting heavy cargo can be an alternative to traditional forklifts. When the latter become ineffective in limited space or cannot lift a large load, the modular robotic system Formic comes to the rescue.
This innovative technology, being developed by the German startup Formic TransportSystem in collaboration with the Karlsruhe Technological Institute, aims to revolutionize cargo transportation. The system consists of robot modules equipped with six wheels, cameras, a radio chip for communication, and a mechanism for lifting loads weighing up to 2.5 tons. By working in synchrony, up to 15 modules can lift a total load weighing up to a remarkable 37.5 tons. This assumes that the cargo has sufficient vertical space from below, allowing the modules to operate smoothly.
One of the remarkable features of the Formic system is its real-time management capability. Users can control the robots seamlessly using a special joystick. With the help of built-in cameras and radio communications, the robots are able to track their positions and autonomously coordinate their movement. This allows for efficient and precise control of the entire system, rather than controlling individual modules separately.
The Formic TransportSystem is currently in the development phase, with an official commercial launch expected later this year. This breakthrough technology is anticipated to revolutionize cargo transportation, especially in scenarios where traditional forklifts are not practical.