The benefits of automated logistics processes have been known for years. However, their relevance has increased significantly in recent months. Digitalization, flexibilization, availability and smart, independent warehouse management are more urgent than ever on the agenda of many companies. The good news is: "All the prerequisites are there - from the technologies and investment models to experienced implementation partners," explains Hubertus Wabnitz, Head of Sales Automated Solutions. This is why the question of "How do I tackle it?" is often the last hurdle on the way to automated processes.

Specialists such as Still, with a broad portfolio of AGVs and intelligent software applications as well as many years of expertise and a high level of consulting competence, are now sought-after partners to accompany companies on their way to efficient, optimized logistics processes. Still has been implementing tailor-made automation solutions for customers for several years on the basis of comprehensive consulting "Consulting is crucial in order to analyze the automation potential of their existing logistics with customers, define a sensible level of automation and develop a technical basis for an automation concept," explains Hubertus Wabnitz.

Intelligent technology optimizes logistics processes

Where AGVs ensure a smooth flow of materials both among themselves and in optimal interaction with manually operated vehicles, companies benefit in many ways. "Production capacities can be massively increased and reliably planned, regardless of the time of day or shortage of skilled workers. Thanks in part to the reliability and complete transparency of the processes, costs can be optimized and subsequently reduced," explains Wabnitz. In combination with a wide range of purchasing and leasing options, automation projects become investments that quickly pay off for companies. The risk of transport damage and accidents decreases rapidly, while safety and the quality of employees' work increase.

Automation as a success factor in the production warehouse

The intralogistics project successfully implemented by Still in Tinglev, Denmark, shows how automated transport systems can become a game changer and optimize entire production chains. The aim of the Danfoss technology group was to increase capacity by merging different external warehouses with automated warehousing. The warehouse was also to be flexibly aligned with the requirements of the future. In addition to increasing capacity and scalability, time savings, space optimization and process harmonization were key objectives.

After an extensive consultation and planning phase, Still implemented a perfectly coordinated combination of six automated series industrial trucks (three MX-X narrow-aisle forklifts and three EXV high-lift trucks) including all system components at Danfoss. "In line with the current production and material requirements, the warehouse was divided into a fully automated area with narrow aisles and a semi-automated area with more space for manual picking," explains Wabnitz, adding: "We can react flexibly to order peaks by increasing the number of vehicles." The Tinglev warehouse is a real benchmark project: Danfoss is currently building a modern distribution center in Rødekro using the same Still technology. It is designed for the automated operation of twelve MX-X narrow-aisle trucks and five EXV high-lift trucks.

Smart technologies for control, optimization and safety

All automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are equipped with the standardized iGo systems automation kit. A module technology that is virtually the same for all applications. The AGVs are manufactured in the same plants as the manual series vehicles. As most of the components are similar, it is possible to equip the series vehicles with a so-called automation interface onto which the automation modules can be plugged. Various navigation technologies are used to enable the vehicles to move independently throughout the warehouse area.

With Still iGo insights and the additionally integrated ELOshield safety system, driverless transport logistics at Danfoss is also equipped with two further innovative technologies. iGo insights is a tool based on artificial intelligence (AI) that filters out correlations from the wealth of process information collected in the cloud, from which specific recommendations for action can be derived. This enables Danfoss to further optimize the availability and performance efficiency of the system. The intelligent tool uses the principle of machine learning to improve system performance. All data collected by the control system over a longer period of time is uploaded to the cloud for evaluation and can be accessed online at any time via the encrypted web portal.

The ELOshield system consists of several components that communicate with each other via radio and together form the all-in-one warning system. If an automated industrial truck encounters a pedestrian, the permanently installed module detects the approaching vehicle. A visual and acoustic signal is given. In the event of danger, the truck is even slowed down. Each truck is automatically assigned a speed adjustment when entering and exiting the aisles. AGVs are prohibited from entering aisles where order picking is taking place.