ABB Robotics Introduces Flexley Stack F712 Autonomous Forklift With vSLAM Navigation

ABB Robotics has unveiled the Flexley Stack F712, an autonomous forklift designed to expand its mobile robot portfolio and create a more interoperable ecosystem for intralogistics operations. The company stated that the new autonomous mobile robot (AMR) targets demanding material handling, end-of-line storage, and warehouse tasks across industries such as automotive manufacturing.

vSLAM Navigation Eliminates Infrastructure

Unlike conventional automated forklifts that rely on pre-installed markers or reflectors, the Flexley Stack F712 uses visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM) to navigate its environment. ABB said this AI-enabled system supports autonomous decision-making in complex, dynamic warehouse settings and achieves a market-leading positional accuracy of ±10 mm.

The F712 can handle multiple load types, including open and closed pallets, containers, and racks, with loads up to 2,000 kg and heights up to 8.5 m. Adjustable forks allow it to accommodate various sizes. The forklift can operate safely at speeds up to 1.7 m/s when loaded and complies with the latest ISO and ANSI safety standards.

AI-Powered Fleet Collaboration

ABB’s Flexley Stack F712 joins the Flexley Tug and Flexley Mover in the company’s growing vSLAM fleet. According to company executives, integrating all AMRs with the same navigation technology enables seamless collaboration across different robot types on the same workflows.

“Traditional localization looks at the world with thin 2D lidar slices, but now we have a rich 3D view and can share maps across our fleet of stackers, movers, and tuggers,” said Renaud Dubé, head of R&D at Sevensense by ABB, during a press briefing. The company emphasized that the more agile AMRs can reduce operational costs and improve return on investment while operating safely around the clock.

AMR Studio and Compliance

The Flexley Stack F712 is fully integrated with ABB’s AMR Studio software and is VDA 5050-compatible, enabling interoperability with the company’s other AMRs. The no-code, drag-and-drop software suite supports rapid setup, fleet coordination, traffic management, and real-time visualization. ABB said this integration can shorten commissioning times by up to 20% and adapt instantly when warehouse layouts change.

“AMR Studio democratizes automation. It allows true collaboration for operational efficiency based on real-time data, and it can expand as needs evolve,” said Ainhoa Narváez, UX/UI designer at ABB Robotics.

Awards and Recognition

ABB Robotics recently received a 2026 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for its OmniCore EyeVision system, which enables robots to autonomously adapt to complex environments. Additionally, Ford Motor Co. recognized ABB as a 2026 Ford Supplier of the Year in the Indirect Industrial Equipment and Construction Excellence category.

In October 2025, ABB Group announced plans to sell its robotics unit to SoftBank Group for $5.3 billion. The robotics division employs about 7,000 people, with its U.S. headquarters and factory in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Flexley Stack F712 is now available for order, according to ABB.

The source for this article is https://www.therobotreport.com/abb-robotics-includes-vslam-navigation-f712-autonomous-forklift/.