What exactly does Guidance Automation do?
Guidance Automation provides “Automation by the Hour,” giving manufacturers, warehouses, and healthcare providers access to Robot Workers and bespoke Autonomous Vehicles without upfront costs. These vehicles are built for material transport and can be fitted with customised tops such as shelving, conveyors, or robot arms to match your operation. This approach removes financial barriers, allowing SMEs to deploy automation where it matters most – streamlining workflows, reducing manual handling, and increasing efficiency from day one.
What is “Automation by the Hour” (Autonomous GO)?
It’s a pay-as-you-go automation service. A Robot Worker is supplied, installed, and maintained at no upfront cost. You only pay for the hours it operates – at half the cost of a human wage – with no additional charges for licenses or long-term contracts. By taking over repetitive transport and handling tasks, Robot Workers free up your staff to focus on more skilled, higher-value work.
How quickly can I see a return on investment (ROI)?
You could see ROI within an hour. The low-cost, fully managed service is designed to deliver immediate productivity gains and cost savings compared to manual labour.
How does the service work?
There are three phases: Assessment of your facility – An automation expert reviews your site to confirm feasibility and identify where Robot Workers can add value. We draw on 30+ years’ experience and can support bespoke briefs of any size or location. Identifying the right automation solution – We highlight the areas with the clearest, measurable gains and agree a solution that meets your goals, minimises disruption, and delivers real operational value. Installation & initial 6-month deployment – We install and onboard the solution, provide hands-on support, and optimise performance while your team gains confidence using it. This six-month period validates the expected efficiency improvements in live operation. After the initial 6 months: we present results and outline the efficiency gains achieved. You can continue under a flexible, pay-by-the-hour service (with just 30 days’ notice).
What kinds of businesses benefit most from your solutions?
Our solutions are designed for small and medium-sized enterprises across sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare and agriculture. We also support larger businesses that want to evaluate automation in specific areas, measure performance, or trial solutions before wider rollout.
What types of Autonomous Vehicles do you offer?
We offer two core Autonomous Vehicles: iNcaart, a compact and highly adaptable option for lighter loads, and briNgbot, a larger forked vehicle engineered for heavier payloads. iNcaart can be fitted with a wide range of bespoke tops such as conveyors, light-directed picking modules, tote lifters, trolleys, or even robotic arms, allowing the Robot Worker to be configured precisely to each workflow. briNgbot provides safe and efficient transport in busy environments where larger loads need to be moved with reliability.
What if I don’t see a top for my application?
If your specific requirement isn’t shown on our website, we’ll work with you to design and manufacture a bespoke top for your Autonomous Vehicle. Whether it’s shelving, conveyors, bins, tote lifters, or something entirely new, our team will create a solution that fits seamlessly into your workflow.
What payloads can the vehicles transport?
iNcaart is designed to carry payloads of up to 200 kg, making it ideal for lighter loads and flexible workflows. briNgbot can transport payloads of up to 1,250 kg, providing a robust solution for heavier-duty applications.
How do the Autonomous Vehicles navigate safely?
The vehicles use a laser-based ‘natural feature’ navigation system, which references existing features in the working environment — meaning no wires, tapes, or navigation marks are needed. For applications requiring higher precision, reflector navigation can be used, enabling positional accuracy of up to ±4 mm. Each vehicle is also equipped with an independent safety system to ensure reliable and secure operation alongside people and other equipment.
What training and support options are available?
We make it simple. Staff receive the basic knowledge needed to carry out everyday tasks with the vehicles, while all routing changes, performance optimisation, and system updates are handled by our specialists. Maintenance and servicing are also managed by us, so businesses can benefit from automation without the burden of complex technical know-how.
Can the Autonomous Vehicles be purchased?
Yes. After 12 months of operation, there is an option to purchase the Autonomous Vehicle at a discounted rate. Ongoing maintenance contracts are also available to ensure the vehicle continues to operate reliably and efficiently.
What is the biggest advantage of Automation by the Hour for SMEs?
Automation by the Hour removes financial barriers by eliminating upfront capital costs. There’s no risk, no long-term contracts, and deployment is fast. This gives SMEs immediate access to scalable automation at half the cost of a human wage, delivering measurable returns and flexibility without heavy investment.
What is light-directed material handling?
Light-directed material handling uses visual light signals to guide workers through tasks such as picking, putting, or build-to-light assembly. The system directs attention to the right location and quantity, reducing errors and speeding up repetitive tasks.
How does light-directed material handling benefit my business?
It increases accuracy, shortens training time for new staff, and streamlines workflows. By visually guiding workers through each step, the system improves productivity, reduces mistakes, and helps maintain consistent quality across your operations.
Who is Guidance Automation?
We’re an award-winning pioneer in automation technologies with over 30 years of experience in guidance, navigation, and control systems. We’ve developed industry-leading automation solutions and contributed to advanced research and applications.
Where are you based, and how can I get in touch?
Our UK headquarters are in Leicester at Meridian Business Park, LE19 1WY. You can reach us at +44 116 243 6250 or via enquiries@guidanceautomation.com
Get in touch today to book a consultation or request a demonstration – and see how easy it is to get started with Automation by the Hour.
Still have questions?
Our team of automation experts is here to help. Whether it’s understanding how Robot Workers could fit into your workflow, exploring bespoke vehicle options, or discussing the benefits of Automation by the Hour, we’re ready to provide clear guidance.
Guidance Automation Ltd
Unit 2 Meridian South
Meridian Business Park
Leicester
LE19 1WY
United Kingdom
©2025 Guidance Automation Ltd | Company Registered in England No. 9200454
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