DB Schenker has put an automated forklift truck into regular operation at a warehouse in Germany following the successful completion of a pilot project.
The automated guided vehicle (AGV) – supplied by Austrian company Agilox – transports empty containers over a distance of around 150m at DB’s Eching site near Munich, where it supplies vehicle parts to a German car maker.
This automated operation – previously carried out with conventional forklift trucks – is performed without the intervention of warehouse operatives.
Xavier Garijo, member of the board for contract logistics at Schenker AG, said: “Autonomous forklift trucks promise innovation, precision and efficiency for the benefit of our customers.
“DB Schenker is always open to alternative solutions in warehouse logistics. However, our most important asset is always our highly qualified employees.
“For this reason, we want to relieve them by automating some logistics processes – especially since there is currently a shortage of skilled workers in logistics at the labour market.”
The Agilox system is equipped with a height-adjustable fork that can be used to lift and lower containers.
This feature also means that warehouse staff do not need to place the containers on the AGV manually.
The Agilox solution can also reportedly record a surrounding map for navigation within the site “in a very short time”, meaning use of the AGV can begin “just a few days after delivery”.
What’s more, with the use of intelligent software, DB Schenker can also set up operating areas and safety zones for the AGV, as well as mark storage and parking areas.
Sensors and cameras also enable the AGV to recognise and avoid obstacles to avoid collisions.
DB Schenker said it is now examining whether the Agilox solution can be used at its other warehouse locations.
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