The IFOY AWARD 2019 in the category “AGV & Intralogistics Robot” goes to the Hamburg-based Still GmbH for its tugger train with LTX50 tugger and automatic loading and unloading. 

AGV & Intralogistics Robot of the Year 2019

Decisive for the jury's decision was the high customer benefit, the scalability and the security of the inexpensive industry 4.0 solution by Still. 

“Automatic tugger are known as technology twinnings of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), although they are not yet very widespread. So far, the use has only been worthwhile for long distances from material storage to production. In this combination, the system idea of automated load transfer and automated driving is an innovation that brings additional benefits to production supply in an evolutionary way and yet still allows the traffic-reducing idea of consolidated transports. The system is characterised by its simplicity and relatively low investment costs,” said the jury.

Automated systems with manual load transfer have not opened up the full cost-saving potential of tugger train systems. The IFOY Innovation Check also judges that the intelligently designed system paves the way for the next generation of fully automated tugger train systems.

The standard LTX 50 electric tugger with a maximum tractive force of 5,000 kilograms is equipped with innovative automation components. The most striking feature is the automation sheet attached to the front of the device, which integrates all necessary components such as laser navigation, WLAN, programmable logic controllers and two scanners. A KION Option Box, or KOB for short, enables simple communication with the vehicle's control unit.

The automated loading and unloading stations do not require their own power supply. The roller conveyors at the stops are driven by the tugger train's trailers, which are equipped with 24-volt contacts for this purpose. As soon as the trailer is in the correct position, contact is made with the stopping station and the conveyor begins to rotate. Photocells enable communication between the trailers and the stationary roller conveyors. This significantly increases the flexibility of the solution. 

Because Still has automated load handling, heavier loads can now also be moved with the tugger train. Whereas the weight of the load was previously limited to around 500 kilograms, loads weighing 1,200 kilograms per trailer can now be transported.

Another advantage is that the automated version of the complete train is very safe thanks to the PLC control and the sensors in the automation sheet. In addition, LED lights in the arc indicate when activities are being carried out by the combination.

The solution is ideal for the supply and disposal of production lines or other repetitive activities. Integrated process automation increases reliability and safety, while transport and handling become more economical. The solution is particularly practical because the decentralized load transfer stations do not require their own power supply.

The IFOY AWARD 2019 in the category “Counter Balanced Truck” goes to the TX 3 3-wheel from UniCarriers Europe. The international jury selected the electric counterbalanced truck from the TX series with a load capacity of 1,600 kilograms as the best new release of the year. 

Counter Balanced Truck of the Year 2019

The jury's decision was based on the practical combination of improved ergonomics, good visibility, low energy consumption and a comfortable all-electric steering system. 

“The most important innovation is the free-swinging armrest, which is available either with a mini steering wheel familiar from the reach truck segment or with a normal steering wheel. It ensures a better posture. In addition, the truck scores with the ProVision concept, which provides a better 360-degree panoramic view. Among other things, the slanted roof edge, the low dashboard and the two side windows, which are unique on the market, provide an excellent view from the cabin. Customers can also look forward to low energy consumption. This makes it an extremely economical electric counterbalanced truck on the market,” the jury explained. 

With the new TX series, the manufacturer offers its customers a multifunctional truck model series for indoor and outdoor use. The three- and four-wheel electric counter balanced trucks with capacities from 1.3 to 2.0 tons and a lifting height of up to 4.75 meters are suitable for various multi-purpose applications and all industries. The TX3 test truck also comes with a comprehensive range of features, including a weight indicator and an overload warning.

Another highlight: The Stability Support System monitors the driving safety of the truck. The feature measures steering angle, load and speed to ensure vehicle stability. In addition, the Dynamic Cornering Control tool automatically reduces the speed when cornering, which gives the driver a good feeling of safety even during heavy everyday work. The new all-electric parking brake also increases operational safety. It is applied automatically when the truck stops and allows the truck to stop on a ramp and to restart continuously with a simple restart function. 

In the IFOY Test, the TX3-16 with 48V/625Ah battery was slightly above the market average in terms of energy consumption, but needed less energy than its predecessor. According to the IFOY Test, the better values are partly due to the electric steering and the improved energy recovery.

The IFOY AWARD 2019 in the category "Startup of the Year" goes to the young Munich company ProGlove (Workaround GmbH) for its intelligent glove of the same name for scanning barcodes and 2D codes. The IFOY AWARD in the category “Startup of the Year” was presented for the first time in 2019.

Startup of the Year 2019

The jury's decision was based on both the innovative implementation of the scanner and its performance. At the same time, users benefit from more efficient work thanks to a high degree of unhindered movement of their hands. 

“Technologically, the principle of the scanner with sighting and a camera has been known for some time. However, the miniaturized implementation in a robust housing in the size of a matchbox is outstanding. The unhindered gripping ability of the user is an important prerequisite for efficient work in order picking. This is achieved in an ergonomic way with the glove for scanner application. The greatest benefit of the innovation for the user is noticeably higher productivity,” emphasizes the jury.

ProGlove has developed an intelligent glove that replaces a conventional hand scanner and makes work in production or intralogistics faster, safer and more ergonomic. The principle is simple: A compact scanner can be attached to the glove with a simple click system. The combination allows both barcodes and 2D codes to be scanned immediately. A decisive advantage is that the operator has both hands free at all times. In the IFOY Test, the system managed a fast and uncomplicated scanning process. 

The manufacturer offers a wide range of gloves for every taste, in different sizes and for scanning with the left or right hand. The scan button is also available in several versions. Thus for example versions can be selected, with which the scanning is made by the fact that the thumb presses against the index finger or the fingertips against the palm of the hand. The user receives a direct feedback of each scanning process via LED lights integrated in the scanner. 

Users also have the advantage that they do not have to wear the glove of colleagues after a finished shift: The ProGlove can be separated from the scanner with a single click. Each employee can thus be equipped with his own glove set. The company does not have to purchase scanners for each shift. A further advantage of the click system: The battery in the scanner can be quickly charged. One battery charge is sufficient for the operation of up to two shifts (5,000 scans).

Compared to a scan pistol, the glove system saves four seconds per scan process. The manufacturer has meanwhile further developed the scanner, which has been available on the market since 2016. Among other things, the scanning distance has been increased. On average, codes can be read up to a distance of around two meters. Depending on the size of the code, even greater distances are no problem for the mini-scanner.

The startup focuses primarily on customers from the manufacturing and logistics sectors. The market potential in the manufacturing industry is large with around 300 million employees. The IFOY Innovation Check also gives the scan glove a high market relevance.