Product Review: Bastian Solutions ML2 AV

A typical warehouse picker spends 60% of their day moving products. Not picking or packing. Walking product from point A to point B. That’s a lot of wasted effort. Yet, the ML2 AV by Bastian Solutions could be the answer you need. This automated guided vehicle (AGV) is adaptable, tireless, and works with your existing infrastructure. Read on to discover what we love about this autonomous warehouse vehicle, what it's best suited for, and what to know before you invest.

Key Features

The sleek design of this Bastian Solutions AGV might look understated, but here are a couple of features that make it stand out.

• Highly Adaptable. The ML2 is an extremely adaptable autonomous vehicle (AV). Operators can use its payload deck as is or upgrade to specifically engineered AV toppers, allowing the ML2 to integrate seamlessly into your needs.
• No Facility Alterations Required. The ML2 comes with a natural features navigation system that allows it to drive your facility without infrastructure alterations, such as installing magnetic tape guides. The system uses LIDAR to scan the environment. Then, it compares that to a preprogrammed map of the facility, identifying the unit’s location in real-time.

Best Suited For:

The Bastian Solutions ML2 AV is best suited for light to mid-weight transportation functions within an indoor environment, making it an excellent AGV for manufacturing. Industries such as general warehousing, distribution, general manufacturing, and micro-fulfillment centers will benefit from this AV.

Not Recommended For:

The ML2 is not suitable for heavy or palletized payloads.

Specifications

Model Name: ML2 Mini Load AV

Manufacturer: Bastian Solutions

Carrying Capacity: 400 lbs (200 kg)

Maximum Travel Speed: 4 mph (1.8 m/s)

Navigation: Natural Features Navigation (LIDAR)

Power Source: Lithium-ion battery

Run Time: 24/7 (with automatic, in-process opportunity charging)

Pros

The ML2 AV's design is streamlined, but it's still packed with top-tier features. Here are some of our favorites.

Tireless Uptime

The ML2 is compatible with automatic, in-floor opportunity charging stations. These stations can be installed along the ML2's route, allowing the unit to charge while completing tasks. This frequent opportunity charging keeps the ML2 running 24/7 without needing designated downtime for charging.

Safety Focused

The ML2's natural features navigation system includes a category 3 safety system, allowing the unit to respond to obstructions in real time. With a 360-degree field of view, the Bastian Solutions AGV maintains constant surveillance of its operating environment. If it detects an obstruction, the ML2 automatically stops. Once the obstruction clears, the unit detects an unobstructed path and resumes normal operations.

Exceptional Maneuverability

The unit features true zero-turn maneuverability, allowing it to operate in very narrow areas and tight corners. Bi-directional drive capabilities enable the ML2 to maintain full travel speeds when moving forward and reverse. Additionally, the independent drive suspension keeps payloads stable even over uneven flooring. Together, these features allow the ML2 to negotiate areas that are too tight for other AGVs.

Plays Well With Others

Proprietary middleware solutions from Bastian Solutions connect AVs from various manufacturers to your system. This seamless integration allows the ML2 to operate in tandem with your existing AVG infrastructure regardless of manufacturer.

Cons

Even a Bastian AGV isn’t for everyone. Here are some things to consider before investing in the ML2 AV.

Light to Medium Capacity

The ML2 focuses on the frequent movement of light to medium loads. With a payload capacity of 440 lbs, it is best suited for facilities that move smaller batch items. Facilities that move pallet-sized inventory or particularly heavy parts may find the ML2 lacks the necessary power. Operations that primarily move palletized material would be better served with a larger Toyota AGV, such as the Toyota Core Tow Tractor Automatic Forklift.

No Lifting

The ML2 is primarily a shuttle designed to be loaded by an operator or conveyor. As such, the unit cannot independently load or unload racking or shelving that requires lifting. Facilities looking for AGVs that can would be better served by a forklift-style model, such as the CB18 AGF by Bastian Solutions.

Discover Your Perfect Automation Solution

Warehouse automation, like the ML2 AV from Bastian Solutions, can revolutionize your operation. This autonomous warehouse vehicle is versatile, can work all day, and integrates seamlessly with other automated technologies. However, when it comes to automation, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That's why expert help is critical to finding the perfect combination of technologies for your unique facility. Let us transform your warehouse. Contact us online or visit one of our locations to learn more about what warehouse automation can do for you:

Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Dothan, Irondale, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Richland and Tupelo
Tennessee - Jackson and Memphis

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