UK trial shows viability of autonomous mobile picking system
18 February 2026 
The UK automation specialist Guidance Automation has completed initial trials of a mobile picking vehicle equipped with a robotic arm. The vehicle navigates autonomously between conveyors and shelves, and performs picking tasks at both locations.
The transport system, called iNcaart, has been engineered for light loads, rapid deployment and high flexibility. Its configurable base supports a variety of top modules and attachments, including robot arms and conveyor modules. It can be optimised for a particular task.
Leicester-based Guidance says that the trial validated the technical feasibility of combining autonomous mobility with robotic picking in a single mobile platform. It demonstrated:
- reliable autonomous navigation between the conveyor and the shelves;
- consistent positioning for robotic picking from static storage;
- accurate placement of picked items into an onboard tote; and
- repeatable execution of pick-and-place cycles.
The trial was an early step in the company’s exploration of autonomous mobile picking. The prototype has demonstrated the core elements of conveyor interaction, shelf-based picking and item transport. Guidance is planning further refinement, integration and application testing as it continues to develop the concept.
The company says it wants to work with manufacturing partners to develop and prove mobile picking applications in real-world environments.
