Frequently Asked Questions

Yes – automated truck loading and unloading is the core capability of our material handling system. HEBIO robots autonomously enter the cargo area, pick up Euro pallets, and transport them to the warehouse – and vice versa.

By parallelizing loading and unloading operations with multiple swarm-based robots, HEBIO saves significant time. A semi-trailer can be fully unloaded in just minutes – with considerably fewer personnel required.

Each of the paired robots is dimensioned to disappear precisely into the opening of a Euro pallet: 120 × 20 × 9 cm (L × W × H). The compact design allows operation even in the tightest warehouse aisles.

At medium utilization, initial tests and calculations show a runtime of 6–8 hours per charge cycle – sufficient for a complete shift in continuous operation.

A single robot has a net weight of under 50 kg, making it easy to handle.

The maximum load capacity is designed for 2,000 kg to provide sufficient reserve even for overloaded pallets.

Yes – to protect the system, the robot weighs the transported goods directly. This allows statements about quantity and completeness of the load carrier.

Primarily, the common versions of the Euro pallet are supported. Support for multi-pallet systems (double or quadruple pallets) is planned for the future.

The required infrastructure is minimal: HEBIO uses a mix of Wi-Fi and radio networks for data transmission. Since the sensors built into the robot are sufficient for coordination and control, no guide strips in the floor or similar structural modifications are needed.

Yes – HEBIO uses time-of-flight sensors (ToF) for distance measurement, combined with cameras for reliable pallet and obstacle detection.

Commissioning is kept lean: after a brief survey of the warehouse and the definition of work zones in our software, the system is ready for operation. Employee training takes place directly on site.

Yes – HEBIO navigates autonomously within its assigned zones between the truck and the goods-in area. The robot independently detects obstacles, stops, and can reroute around them if necessary.

Goods are identified via QR or barcode recognition. RFID and NFC tags can also be used as an alternative.

Yes – HEBIO can also be used for additional processes within the warehouse and is not limited to truck loading and unloading operations.

Thanks to our sensor concept, HEBIO can position pallets with centimeter-level accuracy.

HEBIO uses an omnidirectional drive that enables turning on the spot and lateral movement. This allows pallets to be precisely lined up – even inside a truck.

No – since HEBIO is designed as an autonomous material handling system in accordance with ISO 3691-4, no forklift license is required. An introduction to the software and safety procedures is provided as part of the onboarding process.

Absolutely – get in touch with us and we will find an opportunity to show you the system in action.

Yes – the robots are designed for collaborative operation and draw attention to themselves through visual and acoustic signals.

Yes – obstacles are reliably detected by the onboard sensors, and the robot reacts accordingly (stopping or rerouting).

No – riding on the robot is not permitted for safety reasons. But if you really need to ride something, we'll throw in a skateboard for orders of 10 pairs or more ;)

Yes – HEBIO is VDA 5050 compatible to enable seamless integration into existing fleet control systems.

HEBIO relies on a combination of cameras, time-of-flight sensors (LiDAR), and optical flow sensors for navigation, obstacle detection, and pallet recognition.

In principle, there is nothing preventing deployment in the public sector, provided applicable safety regulations are met.

The HEBIO control system is based on ROS 2 – the established robotics framework in the AMR and AGV industry.

Yes – we provide interface documentation and can also implement deeper integrations into your IT infrastructure by arrangement.

No – HEBIO is designed for indoor use on flat floors. Coarse dirt or uneven terrain would lead to increased wear and inaccuracies.

The goal is to enable operation in deep-freeze areas at temperatures down to −20 °C.

Yes – to ensure maximum system uptime, HEBIO is designed so that routine maintenance can be carried out by the customer.

The number depends on the warehouse size. The goal is to fully unload a truck in the shortest possible time using up to 33 robot pairs.

In collaborative mode with humans, the maximum speed is limited to 1.5 m/s to ensure safe operation at all times.

A flat concrete floor is required, as is standard in warehouses. Significant unevenness can lead to increased wear on the system.

The maximum manageable ramp incline is currently being determined with various load weights and will be specified accordingly.

Yes – HEBIO is designed for easy integration with existing ERP, WMS, and MES systems (including SAP).

No – the control system can be hosted locally on your own server (on-premise), with a cloud provider (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure), or we can host it for you.

Yes – HEBIO comes with a fleet management system that allows you to view robot status, define warehouse zones, and assign tasks and loading docks.

Yes – provided the system has an internet connection, remote access for diagnostics and maintenance is available.

The robots draw attention to themselves through visual and acoustic signals and feature sensor-based obstacle detection that enables safe collaboration in accordance with ISO 3691-4.

Yes – every robot is equipped with an emergency stop system in accordance with ISO 3691-4.

The lifting mechanism remains in the raised position if the robot is currently moving a load, as the system is designed to be self-locking.

We develop customer-specific strategies – whether purchase or Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS), we find the right model for you.

Yes – it is possible to receive subsidies from federal or state programs. However, this always depends on the individual circumstances of the company.

The dual-prong approach sets HEBIO fundamentally apart: pallets can not only be driven under but also driven through – enabling significantly more compact and flexible handling.

Thanks to its smaller footprint, HEBIO can operate in environments with limited clearance since no superstructure extends beyond the dimensions of the Euro pallet. Multiple robot pairs can also work as a swarm to simultaneously unload several pallets from a truck.

Yes – that is precisely the distinguishing feature: the system integrates seamlessly into existing warehouse and IT infrastructures.

Zones can be easily created or adjusted via our browser-based software. Additionally, the warehouse map updates automatically thanks to the onboard sensors. This is a major advantage for warehouses with project logistics, changing requirements, or highly dynamic processes.