Guidance Automation has progressed its exploratory trial of an Autonomous Mobile Picking Vehicle that combines autonomous mobility with robotic handling. The trial is validating how the system can reduce manual transport and repetitive picking tasks within manufacturing environments.
Leicester, UK – 18 February 2026 – The company has reported positive progress in the ongoing development of the vehicle, built using iNcaart, its Application-Ready Autonomous Vehicle.
The vehicle is designed to autonomously navigate between conveyor interfaces and shelving locations, position accurately, and perform repeatable pick-and-place tasks before transporting items onward within the facility.
The current trial phase is focused on operational validation, proving consistent navigation, positioning accuracy and reliable robotic picking performance within a controlled manufacturing environment.
Dr Paul Rivers, Managing Director of Guidance Automation Ltd, said:
“This trial is about demonstrating technical and operational feasibility. We know manufacturers lose significant time to manual transport and repetitive picking. The objective is to validate that mobility and robotic handling can be combined into a practical, application-ready vehicle that integrates with existing processes.
We’re not positioning this as a finished product yet. It’s a development step. But the early results confirm that the core elements of navigation, positioning and picking can work together reliably.”
Trial Outcomes
The exploratory trials have demonstrated:
- Autonomous navigation between defined locations
- Accurate positioning for robotic picking
- Transfer of picked items into an onboard tote
- Repeatable pick-and-place cycles
Commercial Outlook
This trial represents an early step in the development of autonomous mobile picking capability. While the prototype has successfully demonstrated conveyor interaction, shelf-based picking and mobile item transport, further refinement, integration and application testing will be required as the concept progresses.
Guidance Automation is seeking to work with a forward-thinking manufacturing partner to further develop and validate mobile picking applications within a live operational environment.
Manufacturers exploring ways to improve productivity through mobile picking and flexible automation are encouraged to get in touch.
Dr Rivers added:
“Manufacturers want automation that works in their factory, not just in a brochure. That’s what we focus on: practical systems that integrate into live operations.”
ABOUT GUIDANCE AUTOMATION
Guidance Automation Ltd is a UK-based automation specialist with over 30 years’ experience delivering material handling and internal transport solutions. The company’s mission is to make automation practical and accessible through its flexible Automation by the Hour model, a fully managed, pay-as-you-go service where customers pay only for the hours their Robot Workers operate, at half the cost of equivalent manual labour.
Guidance Automation designs and deploys scalable autonomous vehicle solutions and light-directed picking systems that enhance productivity, reduce operational costs and allow skilled staff to focus on higher-value tasks. Its solutions support a range of sectors including manufacturing, warehousing, agri-tech and hospital environments where repetitive material movement, picking and transport tasks limit operational efficiency.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lucy Simpson-Brooks
Digital Marketing Manager, Guidance Automation Ltd
Tel: +44 116 243 6250
Email: [email protected]
Address: Unit 2 Meridian South, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WY, UK
Website: www.guidanceautomation.com
