Jungheinrich supplies autonomous trucks that transport sheet metal parts independently between the various machine tools and storage positions. With its TruTops Fab production control system, Trumpf ensures more efficient logistics processes in production and supports customers by providing individual advice, commissioning, training and services for the integration of autonomous transport systems. "We are delighted that two traditional German companies, Trumpf and Jungheinrich, have joined forces to form a technologically leading partnership. Together, we are providing future-proof digitalization solutions in sheet metal processing. The redesign of logistics processes will result in significant efficiency gains for sheet metal production," says Thomas Schneider, Managing Director Development at Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen.

The cooperation is also a win-win situation for Jungheinrich, based in Hamburg: "With this partnership, we are bringing our logistics solutions directly into the production halls of the processing industry worldwide. Sheet metal fabricators no longer have to switch between different technology systems, but receive a holistic solution approach from a single source," says Markus Heinecker, Vice President Corporate Automated Systems AGV. The solution from both companies has already proven itself in Trumpf's Smart Factories in Chicago and Ditzingen. Manual transport work could be automated there and storage times at the machines greatly reduced.

Accelerate material flow in production

Trumpf has further developed its TruTops Fab manufacturing software for the autonomously operating vehicles. It prioritizes transport orders according to the production plan and forwards them to the Jungheinrich transport systems in real time. This makes the material flow in sheet metal production more efficient. "By pooling skills and expertise, we can meet the increasingly complex requirements of our customers in the best possible way. As an expert in logistics systems, Jungheinrich ideally complements our Smart Factory solutions," says Schneider.

The forklift trucks start and finish at docking stations at the machines or a warehouse. They are equipped with sensors so that all logistical processes in sheet metal production can be recorded digitally. When the autonomously operating vehicles deliver a Euro pallet to a punching, laser cutting, bending or laser welding machine, they automatically register it at the workstation of the responsible machine operator. The vehicles also ensure that pallets for storing parts or material are available in good time for the next work step. The machine operator no longer has to deal with logistics tasks, but can concentrate fully on the work at the machine. They can keep an eye on the entire intralogistics system via tablet.