BlueBotics' new ANT locator tracking solution enables companies to precisely track their manual forklifts and associated payloads, manage the interactions of these vehicles alongside AGVs/AMRs, as well as optimize the operations of their manual trucks.

March 10, 2025, Stuttgart, DE (LogiMAT): Autonomous navigation and fleet management leader BlueBotics - whose ANT navigation technology drives over 6,000 AGVs and AMRs around the world - has announced ANT locator, a new and highly flexible vehicle tracking and mixed fleet management solution that will be commercially available from June 2025.

"Based on our proven vehicle positioning technology, ANT locator allows companies to understand exactly where their forklifts are, and therefore where their pallets are too, whether inside or outdoors," explains Dr. Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics. "ANT locator also addresses an evolving challenge for internal logistics teams: how to ensure effective interactions between manual forklifts and driverless AGVs and AMRs, by enabling traffic light systems for mixed vehicle types, smart interactions in pre-defined zones, and the integrated monitoring of all vehicles."

ANT locator is natively integrated with BlueBotics' popular ANT server AGV/AMR fleet manager. It can also be integrated with a customer's existing WMS, MES, ERP, or fleet management system. Further add-ons are also available, for example for outdoor use, and to manage the tracking of other mobile assets - such as pallet jacks, or staff - within shared spaces.

Designed to meet the needs of AGV/AMR and manual forklift producers, third-party software providers, and end users alike, ANT locator's functionality spans three key use cases:

1. Optimization of transport flows on mixed vehicle sites

While automated vehicles like AGVs are a proven productivity booster, operating these in the same spaces as manual trucks is a challenge, especially on complex, confined sites. How can transport flows be optimized? Who has right of way? How can efficiency-killing deadlocks and accidents be avoided?

With ANT locator, the live coordinates of manual trucks are integrated directly into BlueBotics' ANT server AGV fleet manager. This precise positioning data enables the software to automatically manage interactions between automated vehicles, manual trucks, and even human staff - for example, via the use of traffic light systems - helping companies to use their space as intelligently and safely as possible.

2. Precise tracing of manually moved goods

For material handling to run efficiently, knowing the precise location of every pallet is key. But while the drop-off points of automated vehicles are pre-programmed, knowing the precise location of every manual truck's drop-off is far from guaranteed.

With ANT locator integrated into every manual truck, the precise positions of these vehicles can be communicated continuously to a company's existing WMS/logistics software, allowing material handling teams to trace the exact location of every payload - at pick-up, at drop-off, and everywhere in between.

3. Improvement of manual truck operations through data analytics

One of the biggest barriers to optimizing forklift use is not knowing how they are currently being used. Which flows are most common? Are drivers using the most efficient routes?

The precise positioning data and analytics that ANT locator supplies allow companies to improve their manual truck flows, by understanding and optimizing their usage based on real-world insights. No asking, no watching, no guessing — just track, analyze, adjust, and advise.

Positive market feedback

German warehouse management software supplier, SEP Logistik, is an early adopter of ANT locator. "We use ANT locator in our RELAG-System to determine the exact position of each forklift. The system, which provides a real-time 3D visual of the warehouse to the operator, then can show them the most efficient path to reach their target location. ANT locator even enables us to offer this functionality outdoors," explains Markus Fischbacher. "On one project for example, thanks to the efficiency gains achieved, we enabled a sheet metal producer to reduce the number of forklifts they required by 20%. With ANT locator inside our RELAG-System, our customers can enjoy greater intralogistics transparency and traceability, without needing to leave the office."

Tomatis of BlueBotics concludes, "For manufacturers and warehouse operators looking to improve the efficiency of their internal logistics, ANT locator is a great fit. It provides the accurate vehicle positions and usage data they need to optimize truck flows, track pallets, manage mixed vehicle interactions and enhance on-site safety."

Safety can be further boosted with additional collision avoidance solutions from Ubiquicom, which ZAPI GROUP acquired in October 2024. These solutions include proximity sensors that can be integrated into ANT server to create additional smart behaviors related to the operation of manual vehicles, AGVs, and AMRs. Conversely, ANT locator is able to interface seamlessly with Ubiquicom's range of 'Forklift Ecosystem' solutions, enabling ZAPI GROUP to meet the needs of every internal logistics and warehouse management team.

Learn more

To discuss ANT locator with a BlueBotics expert, visit the BlueBotics/ZAPI GROUP stand at
LogiMAT 2025 in Stuttgart from March 11 - 13 (hall 8, stand 8C61) or book a call via www.bluebotics.com/contact.

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About BlueBotics

BlueBotics is the reference in natural feature navigation, its mission being to help companies meet the challenge of vehicle automation. With 24 years of industry experience, BlueBotics provides the autonomous navigation technology (ANT) and expert support customers need to bring their AGV, automated forklift or mobile robot successfully to market. Today, there are more than 6,000 ANT driven vehicles in operation worldwide. BlueBotics is also the creator of ANTdriven.com, an educational resource that helps professionals explore how mobile robotics can help their businesses thrive. Visit www.bluebotics.com or www.ANTdriven.com to learn more.

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Press contact
Shreyasi Bhaumik Tel: +44 (0) 203 827 2448
BCM Public Relations Limited Email: s.bhaumik@bcmpublicrelations.com