Navflex
Navflex Plug and Play Robotics for Loading and Unloading

“At its core, Navflex is a problem-solving company and through robotics, we are laser focused on eliminating the supply chain bottleneck of trailer, container and truck loading and unloading,” says Chuck Stovall, CEO & Co-founder of Navflex.

Built on the foundation of robotics innovation, Navflex stands tall in helping businesses tackle some of the most significant pain points—labor shortages, workplace safety, and accidental product damage—that hamper supply chain and logistics operations.

To put things into perspective, difficulty to hire certain team members – like forklift operators—and low employee retention rates have negatively impacted logistics operational efficiency for decades. The loading and unloading of trailers is considered one of the least – if not the least – undesirable jobs in a warehouse due to extreme temperatures, constant movement, isolation and monotonous daily routines. In addition, recent studies have shown that almost 25 percent of logistics-related accidents occur at the loading dock, a major area of concern for all businesses. Lastly, the loading dock area accounts for the majority of product damage for palletized goods.

Navflex’s state-of-the-art, plug-and-play robotics for autonomous trailer and container loading and unloading emerge as a solution to cut through the tangles pertaining to human capital, while limiting product damage and helping companies achieve their Safety First goals. The new, AI-empowered Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) Pallet Jack and AMR Counterbalance Fork Truck are designed to redefine how materials are handled within docks and warehouses. The ability to merge cutting-edge technologies with deep know-how in human practices serves as the impetus for a suite of innovative, practical, and effective solutions that alleviate logistical bottlenecks and boost operational efficiency. Businesses can eliminate expensive employee recruitment and training while employees can focus on safer and more rewarding tasks.

Our AI-empowered AMRs think, drive, and work like humans while ensuring consistent, error-free loading and unloading with reliable, round-the-clock service

AI-Driven Forklifts with Human-Like Abilities

“Our AI-empowered AMRs think, drive, and work like humans while ensuring consistent, error-free loading and unloading with reliable, round-the-clock service,” says Stovall.

Navflex-developed AI technology enables these robots to operate efficiently, with complete autonomy in changing environments. They can dynamically assess and analyze the trailer in real-time, optimizing the loading and unloading sequence while considering load arrangement. This enables the AMRs to place and remove loads as fast as or faster than manual operations. They also seamlessly replicate a human operator’s decision-making and execution capabilities. For instance, a Navflex AMR instructed to unload palletized goods from a closed trailer will notify someone if a door is not opened and the AMR can change its route on-the-fly when there are obstructions. This quick and intelligent decision-making ability gives Navflex AMRs a competitive edge.

The versatility to operate in all real-world environments is also a remarkable differentiator for Navflex AMRs. Unlike automated guided vehicles (AGV), which are limited to controlled environment operations, Navflex’s AMRs navigate both lit and completely dark environments and run on uneven floors and imperfect trailers and dock plates without requiring any additional infrastructure modifications or human intervention. Regardless of trailer and truck type, box or soft-sided/curtain trailers, Navflex AMRs can perform load placement with up to millimeter-level precision. This helps clients ensure optimized load arrangement and maximum space utilization.

The Navflex AMRs are designed to operate at any temperature, including cold storage, and are offered as a standalone solution or integrated into warehouse management systems (WMS).

A Client-Centric Business Model

Navflex solutions are typically plug and play in customer sites. For robust fleets and unique customer challenges, Navflex is committed to delivering the best solutions to clients. Navflex begins these engagements by gaining a holistic understanding of a client’s work environment and problems. The team takes time upfront to analyze their business model and technical and operational requirements. A grasp of the intricacies of data handling, AMR monitoring, and workflow management is integral for seamless integration with an existing WMS. To this end, it collaborates with the client’s technical personnel, addressing and resolving queries related to navigation systems, underlying tech stack, battery life, and other technical aspects.

Navflex takes care of all the integration, giving clients a hassle-free route to save on labor costs and meet their automation goals. Apart from advanced and flexible technologies, it is fully equipped to assist with scaling logistics operations. Backed by the manufacturing excellence of Hangcha—the eighth-largest forklift company globally and one of the fastest-growing U.S./European firms—each AMR is built to exact specifications, with Navflex’s guidance. This partnership results in a fully certified and supported AMR robot that can be manually operated or function autonomously.

Currently working with various early adopters, Navflex is providing them with pragmatic solutions that enable loading and unloading on par, or even faster, than humans without product damage or safety concerns. The seamless mix of speed and OEM integration capabilities enables it to deliver an industry-leading ROI in about 18 months. Based on the client’s requirements, the AMRs are offered either for sale or lease—Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS).

“We have the right technology, an industry-leading team, the ability to scale, and the capability to ensure our AMRs are functioning to a tee,” says Slava Tretyakov, CTO and Co-founder of Navflex.

“We don’t just airdrop our AMRs to clients. Instead, we provide ongoing technical support and upgrades along with preventative maintenance.”

Combined with Navflex, Hangcha’s dealer network across the US, Canada, LATAM and the world helps service and support Navflex AMRs timely and efficiently. A remote cloud-connected management system enables Navflex to diagnose and troubleshoot issues. The company monitors and maintains real-time data and sends alerts, which allows it to schedule periodic maintenance with clients. This proactive approach layers safety in all its endeavors.

Time-Tested AMRs

Personnel safety is one of Navflex’s avenues of expertise. The company’s obstacle and person detection and soft stopping mechanism ensure the safe handling of packages. These AMRs adhere to all stringent ISO, ANSI, CE and UL regulations, making them a viable option for small and large facilities across the board.

For instance, the company’s first automated AMR pallet jack was deployed in Germany’s second-largest bottling company, where it successfully automated the loading and unloading of conveyors in a controlled environment. This initiative freed truck drivers, improved efficiency, and allowed the client to pass savings onto the bottler. Navflex is synonymous with many similar success stories.

The Brains behind the Product Excellence

A team of automation experts that currently includes four PhDs is the force behind Navflex. This diverse range of skills and knowledge has fostered a culture of innovation within the company. The combination of shared purpose and a nourishing environment leads to a harmonious workplace where employees challenge themselves and support each other while encouraging creativity and a problem-solving mindset.

With a focus on personal fulfillment, making a difference, and fostering a supportive and inclusive culture, Navflex’s impact extends beyond its dayto-day operations. It is gearing up to attract talented people passionate about their work and committed to revolutionizing industries through automation and sustainable practices to develop technology solutions that positively influences society.

Its overarching vision is to create a better world using robots. Navflex is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and leading in sustainable technology. This includes advancements in lithium-ion batteries and responsible battery disposal, along with the exploration of future alternative fuels.