FAQ

A pneumatic tube system enables samples to be transported quickly and efficiently between departments, improves sample transportation processes and supports the quality of patient care.

A Pneumatic tube system (PTS) is a system that has been used in many hospitals for decades to transport small items such as samples, medication or documents quickly and efficiently between different departments. Pneumatic tube systems therefore often still play an important role in hospitals. However, they are usually used in addition to other systems for automatic transportation of goods or mobile robots, which are more efficient solutions in many areas. Therefore, a combination of traditional pneumatic tube systems and modern automated solutions often delivers the best results.

The terms AGV, AMR and DTS refer to different types of automated transportation solutions in logistics and industry. Here are the differences:

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle): AGVs are automated vehicles that drive on fixed routes or tracks, e.g. by magnetic strip. They are generally less flexible, as they are tied to fixed routes

AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot): AMRs are autonomous mobile robots that are able to recognize their surroundings and dynamically plan routes to avoid obstacles and get to desired destinations. They use advanced sensors, cameras and algorithms for navigation and localization, which gives them greater flexibility compared to AGVs.

DTS (driverless transport system): DTS is a general term that is often used synonymously with AGV, but also includes other forms of automated transportation systems that can use guidance technologies. DTSs can include both AGVs and AMRs. They are designed to provide comprehensive automation in material handling and are often an integral part of warehouse management systems.

An ETV (Electrical Track Vehicle) is an electric transport vehicle that has been specially developed for use on tracks or rails. These vehicles are usually small and maneuverable and can transport different types of loads.
In hospitals, ETVs are mainly used to transport materials such as samples, medical goods, medicines and much more.
The use of ETVs can optimize the flow of materials in hospitals. They enable fast and reliable delivery of required materials, which improves the efficiency of processes. At the same time, they reduce the physical strain on staff.
ETVs can be constructed in special hygienic designs, which helps to avoid contamination in sensitive areas.
As the trolleys are electrically powered, they help to reduce CO² emissions.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) offer numerous advantages in hospital logistics. They are a valuable investment for hospitals, improving efficiency, safety and hygiene and helping to optimize processes.

Increased efficiency: AGVs automate the transport of goods and materials, which reduces waiting times and optimizes operational processes.

Cost reduction: Automation can reduce operating costs as fewer personnel are required for transport tasks and errors are minimized.

Increased safety: AGVs reduce the risk of human error and promote a safe environment by navigating autonomously and recognizing obstacles.

Improved hygiene: They minimize contact with potentially contaminated materials and meet high hygiene standards.

Flexible adaptation: Modern AGVs are adaptable and can be easily integrated into existing systems.

Round-the-clock operation: AGVs operate 24/7, which increases the availability of materials and improves patient-oriented care.

Data integration and transparency: AGVs provide real-time data on the material flow, which improves planning and management.

A electric track vehicle (ETV) is used in various industries, but also in libraries for the transportation of goods, materials or books. ETVs are ideal for the continuous transportation of crates, boxes or containers. They relieve the strain on personnel by reducing manual transportation, which increases occupational safety. By automating transportation, ETVs help to speed up processes and increase efficiency.

Mobile robotics is playing an increasingly important role in hospital logistics by providing efficient and automated transportation solutions. These robots autonomously transport materials, medicines and laboratory samples within the hospital by using sensors and navigation systems to detect obstacles and dynamically adapt routes.

A major advantage is the reduction in manual workload, which relieves nursing staff and allows them to concentrate on patient care. Mobile robots work continuously and improve the availability of materials and delivery times.

They also increase safety by minimizing contact with potentially contaminated materials and reducing mix-ups during transport. Overall, mobile robotics optimizes logistical processes in hospitals, increases efficiency, improves patient safety and reduces the workload of staff.

Automated medication transportation is a modern system used in hospitals to increase efficiency and safety in the distribution of medication. This system automates the transportation of medicines from the warehouse or pharmacy to the various departments, reducing human error and improving the speed of delivery.

Automated transportation uses technologies such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or conveyor systems such as Telelift UniCar, which transport medicines and similar goods safely and deliver them to specified destinations. Another benefit is increased safety, as human contact with critical medications is minimized, reducing the risk of mix-ups or contamination. Overall, automated medication transport helps to optimize hospital logistics, increase patient safety and reduce staff workload.

The transport of laboratory samples within a laboratory is an essential part of laboratory organization that ensures efficiency and accuracy in analysis. The efficiency and safety of laboratory sample transportation are crucial for precise diagnostics and the smooth running of laboratory work. In many laboratories, samples are transported manually by laboratory staff, often in special carrying containers, cooler bags or sample trolleys to prevent samples from being damaged or contaminated.

In modern laboratories, automated systems such as conveyor belts, trolleys or robot-based transport solutions (e.g. the Telelift UniCar) can be used to make transportation more efficient. These systems minimize human influence and speed up the transport process.