HELKO’s Autonomous Navigation System
HELKO is not just another AMR.
Its autonomous navigation system, developed on ROS 2, is designed for a more complex task: towing industrial carts and workbenches with precision, even across dynamic layouts and without the need for dedicated infrastructure.
Unlike traditional AMRs that carry loads onboard, HELKO tows carts using a patented coupling system. This requires the navigation system to manage non-rigid loads and shared routes with people, machines, and moving obstacles.
The platform has been developed in collaboration with partner company Proxima Robotics and is designed to ensure robustness, adaptability, and full control of the mobile robots.
Navigation designed for towing
Towing trajectory management
The navigation system is optimised for turning and manoeuvring in shared lanes, taking into account the inertia, shape, weight, and footprint of the towed cart.
Adaptation to uneven floors
The system is designed to overcome level differences of up to 10 mm and gaps of up to 15 mm, ensuring operational continuity even in older or high-wear facilities.
No modifications to existing environments
HELKO moves autonomously without the need for physical guides, tracks, or additional infrastructure, adapting to the real layout.
Safe towing up to 500 kg
HELKO can tow carts and workbenches weighing up to 500 kg, maintaining stability and precision even over long distances.
Compliance with industrial standards
The entire system complies with CEI EN and ISO safety standards for environments shared with personnel.
Continuous coordination with NAVARCO
HELKO’s autonomous navigation is fully integrated with NAVARCO, the Fleet Management System developed by Eureka System.
- NAVARCO assigns missions based on time constraints, traffic, battery level, and operational priorities.
- The navigation system interprets these missions, translating them into real-time optimised movements.
- If the robot encounters obstacles or unexpected conditions, it communicates its status to NAVARCO, which can dynamically reassign missions or adjust routes.
Explore the full HELKO software suite
From mission planning to advanced fleet monitoring, HELKO is supported by a comprehensive, modular, and fully integrable software suite.
Lidar-based navigation
Ideal for dynamic environments (factories, hospitals, warehouses), this autonomous navigation mode continuously scans the surroundings and adapts in real time.
- No need for markers, guides, or wired infrastructure.
- Instant response to obstacles and people.
- Steering and towing trajectory management in shared lanes.
- Continuous coordination with other AMRs in the fleet.
The result is a system that doesn’t simply follow instructions — it makes intelligent operational decisions to ensure punctuality, safety, and optimised flow management.
High-precision optical positioning
HELKO features a secondary positioning system that uses high-intensity reflectors to guide the AMR during delicate manoeuvres or tasks requiring elevated accuracy.
- Identifies and correctly attaches to carts, even if they are not perfectly aligned or precisely positioned within the pickup area.
- Accurately docks in charging stations or machine loading/unloading bays.
- Operates effectively in confined spaces with limited access.
Working in tandem, the two navigation systems provide HELKO with flexibility where adaptive manoeuvring is needed, and reliability where precision is essential.
An advanced ROS 2 system, customisable on request
HELKO’s navigation software is developed by Proxima Robotics on a ROS 2 base and fully integrated by Eureka System.
This approach ensures:
- full control over the source code, with no third-party licensing constraints;
- deep customisation tailored to specific applications;
- continuous evolution aligned with your operational goals.
Every HELKO project benefits from a navigation system tailored to the real environment — one that evolves with your workflows, without requiring changes to existing infrastructure.
Would you like to see HELKO in action at your facility?
We can organise a personalised demo session, either on-site or remotely, based directly on your actual logistics workflows.
Request an operational demo of the system
