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IFOY AWARD 2020
The Winners are ...
IFOY goes Hollywood. The flying robot "I-T20", short for "IFOY Transformer 2020", specially created for the premiere of the digital awards ceremony, was the star of the evening alongside the IFOY winners 2020. As the I-T20 transformed itself into the categories during the awards ceremony and "beamed" the trophies to the winners, the cheering was great at the world premiere of the digital ceremony, as always at an IFOY awards ceremony.
Bosch Rexroth won its first IFOY AWARD straightaway with the Locator - Laser Localization Software in the category "Intralogistics Software". In the category "Warehouse Truck lowlifter" the compact and agile Combi-CS from the Irish specialist Combilift convinced the jury and in the category "Warehouse Truck highlifter" the ESR 1000 from the US manufacturer Crown won the race in a strong competition. The category "AGV & Intralogistics Robot" was won by the autonomous route train TractEasy from the French manufacturer EasyMile. In the category "Special Vehicle" the SRSC45H9 of the Chinese manufacturer Sany won an IFOY AWARD. The 2.5-tonne RX 60 electric forklift truck from the Hamburg-based manufacturer Still, which was presented in October 2019, was the convincing winner among the counterbalanced trucks. The IFOY AWARD in the category "Start-up of the Year" was won by Wiferion - formerly Blue Inductive - with etaLINK 3000.
Intralogistics Software: Locator – Laser Localization Software, Bosch Rexroth AG
The IFOY AWARD 2020 in the category “Intralogistics Software” goes to Bosch Rexroth for the Locator – Laser Localization Software. The international jury selected the localization software based on laser distance measurement as the best new release among intralogistics software solutions.
Intralogistics Software of the Year 2020
Decisive for the jury's decision was the easy commissioning in combination with the high market relevance and the high quality. “The innovation lies in the design of the Locator, which is specifically geared to current market requirements. The Locator is an interesting innovation both for the automation of standard industrial trucks and for manufacturers of special solutions, as it decouples them from the development of expertise in the field of environment-based localization. It thus enables new manufacturers of automated guided vehicles to easily enter the market,” the jury wrote in a statement.
The Locator takes over the software function of environment-based localization based on laser distance measurement. The software is designed to work with various sensors. Using a laser sensor (including a safety laser scanner), it automatically maps the environment and determines the position and orientation of the vehicle to within one centimeter. The time and cost advantages are also enormous when commissioning individual vehicles at a customer's premises, since the environment-based localization does not require any set-up or calibration effort. Commissioning is quick and easy, mapping is done with just one click. The complete integration of all functions in one system also relieves an automation specialist of the work of creating and updating maps and localization within the map. For this reason, the IFOY Innovation Check rates the market relevance as high.
The Innovation Check judges that this strictly limited implementation of environment-based localization as a product is not fundamentally innovative, but the systems available on the market so far have required considerable adaptation and calibration effort in practice and also require expert knowledge. Bosch had anticipated this engineering work for many applications and environmental factors and integrated the adaptation functions into the software.
To a certain extent, the laser localization software creates the basis for autonomous driving in intralogistics and production environments. And it enables OEMS of AGV/AMR and forklift trucks as well as system integrators to develop autonomous vehicles or services such as fleet optimization. AGV manufacturers can concentrate on their core competence of vehicle construction and/or automation of standard industrial trucks.
The Bosch Rexroth Locator is offered both as software for implementation on an already existing vehicle computer and on a separate computer with defined interfaces for the sensors for laser distance measurement and the output of the localization data.
Details about the software solution
Warehouse Truck "lowlifter": Combi-CS, Combilift Ltd.
The IFOY AWARD 2020 in the category “Warehouse Truck lowlifter” goes to the Combi-CS of the Irish manufacturer Combilift. The international jury selected the pallet truck with a load capacity of one tonne and a lifting height of 2500 millimetres, which was presented in February last year, as the best new release among the lowlifter warehouse trucks.
Warehouse Truck lowlifter of the Year 2020
Decisive factors for the jury's decision were the high customer benefit and the professional implementation. “The Combi-CS offers significant added value in terms of operation and safety in confined spaces and thus solves a widespread problem. Implemented in solid Combilift quality, the vehicle is a very user-oriented solution with a high market relevance”, the jury wrote.
The IFOY winner is the lightest version in the CS range. It is compact, manoeuvrable, has a small turning circle thanks to its short wheelbase, and features power steering, AC motor technology and rear-wheel drive. Equipped with a 24V/375 Ah battery, it reaches a top speed of five km/h.
Thanks to its patented multi-position tiller, it is ideal for working in tight spaces and very narrow aisles. The driver has good visibility and the performance in narrow aisles is strong. The short wheelbase takes some getting used to. The same applies to the electro-hydraulic steering, which reacts with a slight delay, but is intuitive and logical after a short period of familiarisation.
The tiller allows the rear wheel to turn at the touch of a button. This allows the operator to stay on the safe side when setting down and picking up the load in narrow aisles, so that the load and forks are fully visible and control of the steering is maintained. In addition, the lateral distance of the operator to the implement eliminates the risk of trapping or crushing. Even in the narrow aisle of a reach truck, it is easy and safe to operate. When handling Euro pallets, the required aisle width for the smallest version of the truck is only 2.10 metres.
A striking feature for this industrial truck segment is the tiltable mast, which is standard on the Combi-CS. It can be tilted forwards by up to two degrees and backwards by up to five degrees, so that the load always remains safely on the fork while driving.
The two front wheels arranged side by side allow for maximum wheelbase length and reduce wheel wear when cornering in tight corners. The 2.5 kW rear drive wheel combined with power steering allows the truck to be controlled with little effort. The traction is maximum. As standard the Combilift is equipped with cantilever forks.
Entirely in the Combilift tradition, the truck is built robust and very solid. The modern display on the tiller informs the user about wheel position, driving direction and battery status. The number of operating hours, the turtle or hare speed signs and a possibly activated parking brake are also displayed.
Warehouse Truck "highlifter": ESR 1000, Crown Gabelstapler GmbH & Co. KG.
The IFOY AWARD 2020 in the category “Warehouse Truck highlifter” goes to the ESR 1000 of the company Crown. The international jury selected the 2.5 tonne capacity reach truck, presented in 2019, as the best newcomer among warehouse trucks in the highlifter segment.
Warehouse Truck highlifter of the Year 2020
The decisive factors for the jury's decision were the innovations in the areas of sustainability, ergonomics and safety, which are consistently geared towards high customer benefit, as well as the performance data of the truck. “Outstanding is the Xpress Lower Technology, which doubles the lowering speed, and the energy recovery during lowering, which reduces energy consumption by up to eleven percent. The productivity gain for the user can be up to 21 percent”, the jury wrote.
The reach truck series consists of trucks with load capacities from 1400 to 2000 kg and lift heights up to 13560 millimetres. The IFOY winner has a load capacity of 1600 kg and a lift height of 6840 millimetres. It is equipped with a 48V/468Ah battery.
The user benefits most when lowering from great heights. In the IFOY tests, Xpress Lower proved to be about 50 percent faster than the safety lowering speed also developed by Crown. Compared to the top forklifts on the market, Crown's lowering speed is 25 percent higher. The advantage of energy recovery during lowering was also significant in the test. At the test load of one tonne on the twelve metre mast, the energy recovery was 12.5 percent. Energy savings are also made possible by energy-recuperative braking (e-GEN Braking).
Optional features include automatic height selection and tilt position assist. Height selection automatically stops the forks at the programmed shelf heights to prevent damage to the product, the shelf and the truck, while improving throughput. The system works reliably and is the most user-friendly on the market according to IFOY tests. The tilt aid automatically levels the forks for more accurate positioning. The reference point is the ground.
In addition, thanks to the connectivity of the new Gena operating system, key performance data is easy to identify. The colour touch screen with a seven-inch screen diagonal and widgets show the user all information at a glance. The system is programmable in 25 different languages and service technicians benefit from detailed event histories for all reach truck functions. They can use the display for diagnostics, including step-by-step troubleshooting, setup and calibration.
The IFOY Winner also offers a variety of setting options in terms of ergonomics and personalisation. The seat tilt and lumbar support are adjustable, as are the armrest or the height of the steering and its horizontal position. The test truck is equipped with fingertip levers. It reacts predictably to commands. The mast gives the driver a good view of the wheel, fork and pallet. The optional panoramic glass maximises visibility and provides an excellent protective shield.
Read all about the ESR 1000 from Crown
AGV & Intralogistics Robot: TractEasy, EasyMile SAS
The IFOY AWARD 2020 in the category “AGV & Intralogistics Robot” goes to the TractEasy of the French manufacturer EasyMile. The international jury selected the autonomous electric tow tugger for indoor and outdoor operation as the best new release among AGVs.
AGV & Intralogistics Robot of the Year 2020
Decisive factors for the jury's decision were the universal applicability and the quality of the implementation. “Autonomous vehicles are not new, but until now their use has mostly been limited to warehouse or production environments. In addition, the vehicles often place high demands on floor quality. Especially the outdoor area is a challenge for autonomous vehicles. Especially for transports between company buildings, considerable savings could be realized through automation due to the greater distances involved. The TractEasy closes this gap. It is very well thought out, extremely professionally implemented and enables flexible automation of logistics processes in both indoor and outdoor areas,” the jury stated.
The tugger with a towing capacity of 25 tonnes can safely drive up to 25 km/h in mixed traffic between cars, pedestrians and bicycles. Thanks to its ground clearance, it can also be used on uneven terrain or in difficult weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow or temperatures between -15°C and +35°C. The TractEasy reliably masters complex tasks, such as driving through gates or situations at traffic lights, provided the obstacle, for example a gate or traffic lights, is equipped with a communication module. During the IFOY test drive, the solution convinced with its safe and trouble-free autonomous operation. “This literally opens new doors for autonomous transport in intralogistics,” the Innovation Check judged.
EasyMile teamed up with TLD to develop the tractor. EasyMile has developed the autonomous technology platform, which is integrated in the electric tugger JET-16 by TLD. The vehicle is equipped with a wide range of sensors, for example LIDARS, cameras, GPS, IMU and odometry. They enable safe and reliable navigation without additional infrastructure. In the autonomous mode, the route previously learned by the device is continuously compared with the actual situation. The route taught to the vehicle can be optimized with the software developed by EasyMile. With this tool, speeds can also be easily adjusted.
The tugger has two safety zones. If an obstacle is detected within one metre on the sides or within two to ten metres in front of the tractor, the vehicle brakes gradually to zero. If the obstacle is within a distance of 60 centimetres, the emergency brake is automatically activated and the TractEasy comes to an abrupt stop. In this case an acoustic signal sounds. If the tractor starts an autonomous drive, the signal also sounds.
EasyMile indicates a return on investment (ROI) of approximately two years for a two-shift operation (five days a week), when a logistics process is completely replaced by TractEasy vehicles. With 24/7 operation the ROI is reduced to 1.2 years.
Special Vehicle: SRSC45H9 Hybrid Reach Stacker, Sany Europe GmbH
The IFOY AWARD 2020 in the category “Special Vehicle” goes to the SRSC45H9 of the Chinese manufacturer Sany. The international jury selected the hybrid reach stacker for full containers, which was presented in February last year, as the best new release in the market segment.
Special Vehicle of the Year 2020
Decisive factors for the jury's decision were energy efficiency and the intelligent use of known technologies for greater customer benefit. “The SRSC45H9 from Sany Europe more than meets the high demands on reach stackers.
Various professionally implemented innovations offer the user great advantages in terms of productivity, fuel consumption, ergonomics and safety,” the jury stated.
The reach stacker offers lifting capacities in the first, second and third row of 45, 31 and 15 tonnes. According to an internal Sany test, the productivity gains are at least 15 percent compared to the company's own standard truck, and fuel consumption is 20 percent lower. The advantages are due to a hybrid system that is based on raising and lowering the boom with the spreader. Two additional lifting cylinders are connected to batteries that store the (pressure) energy released when the boom is lowered and release it again in a direct flow of force to raise the boom. The hybrid system works in parallel with the main lifting cylinders and provides up to 70kW of additional power. The system has already proven itself in other industries but is new to container reach stackers.
The main lifting cylinders are also slimmer, which enables faster lifting with lower engine power and less energy consumption. At full load, the lifting speed is 13 percent faster, according to Sany. Because only one instead of two beams were used on the spreader, the weight is one to two tonnes lower. The use of only one beam is familiar from empty container handling, but it is also new for handling loaded containers. Sany achieved an additional weight saving at the boom head and counterweight, which in practice reduces fuel consumption. In addition, the lower weight and the movable counterweight (optional) increase the lifting capacity in both the second and third row by one tonne.
The reach stacker has a stacking height of five instead of four containers in the second row, which increases productivity (containers per hour) by up to 23 percent. Fuel savings are up to 11.5 percent, which leads into 20 percent fuel savings per container. Depending on the customer's conditions, the additional costs compared to a standard product are therefore amortized in a relatively short time of about one year, according to the Innovation Check.
During the IFOY test drive, the comfortable and spacious cabin stands out. The frameless windows offer the driver an unrestricted view of the working environment. The sliding function of the cab also allows the driver to find the best working position. The seat by the manufacturer Grammer is fully adjustable and available with air suspension. The steering wheel can be easily adjusted. Sound insulation exceeds the highest industry standards. In addition, numerous equipment features are already included in the standard machine, such as the hydraulically movable cab, rear view camera, air conditioning, responsive joystick control, colour display and adjustable steering column.
Read all about the SRSC45H9 Hybrid Reach Stacker from Sany Europe
Counter Balanced Truck of the Year: RX 60, Still GmbH
The IFOY AWARD 2020 in the category "Counter Balanced Truck" goes to the new RX 60 of Still GmbH, Hamburg. The international jury selected the electric forklift truck with a lifting capacity of 2.5 tonnes, which was presented in October last year, as the best new release among the counter balanced trucks.
Counter Balanced Truck of the Year 2020
The decisive factor for the jury's decision was the innovative overall package and the outstanding handling performance confirmed in all test series. “With the RX 60-25 in the high-performance version, Still breaks all records and sets the bar for electric trucks in this segment much higher. The counter balanced truck is quiet, easy to operate and manoeuvrable. It also scores points for its lower power consumption costs compared to diesel or gas, as well as its low maintenance requirements. Never before, an electric forklift truck has been so productive and such a serious alternative to combustion engines”, the jury wrote.
“The result is an exemplary solution with improved features in terms of ergonomics, performance and safety.” That is also the verdict of the scientific Innovation Check. It certifies that the powerful vehicle has been implemented at a professional level.
The E-series for indoor and outdoor use with load capacities of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes comprises seven models with numerous optional extras. The new models are slightly longer than their predecessors, which increases the legroom and working area for the driver. The entry and exit steps are also larger. Visibility through the mast and roof is very good, and thanks to the lower dashboard, there is also a good view to the front. The new display on the adjustable armrest shows the driver all relevant information and makes it easier for him to select various settings, such as driving and lifting mode, energy savings with Blue-Q and sprint power for extra performance. The armrest can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically.
The steering of the IFOY winner was shown to be extremely precise in the IFOY Test and could be operated very sensitively, even at full steering angle and both with and without load. The lifting speed of the high performance version with a 25 kW pump motor instead of a 20 kW pump motor is enormous. In the test it achieved a speed without load of more than 66 centimetres per second, a record in its class.
Outstanding and an all-time record in the IFOY Test is the productivity of 363 pallets in eight hours. Thanks to energy recovery, optimised software and the new control setting as close as possible to the drive motors, the RX 60-25 is also extremely energy efficient. Even at maximum power, the range of a battery charge is 12 hours and 51 minutes in practice when the 670 Ah/80V lithium-ion battery is used. With Blue-Q technology, one battery charge delivers even more than 16 hours of performance, although productivity remains at the same level as on the best electric truck to date.
Start-up of the Year: etaLINK 3000, Wiferion GmbH
The IFOY AWARD 2020 in the category “Start-up of the Year” goes to Wiferion, formerly Blue Inductive. The international jury selected etaLINK 3000 as the first market-ready and 100 percent contactless wireless charging system for industrial electric vehicles as the best new release in a strong start-up competition.
Start-up of the Year 2020
The jury's decision was based on the outstanding customer benefits and high market relevance in combination with equally high product quality. “The etaLINK 3000 inductive charging system is a fully operational innovation that can revolutionise everyday life in the warehouse enormously and significantly reduce costs for companies,” the jury wrote.
The system for the automatic CAN-controlled charging of modern battery systems enables fast and flexible installation by means of base plates, which no longer requires any infrastructure measures. The charging process starts in less than a second. Once this is complete, the driverless transport system or the forklift truck can continue and the system switches off automatically.
A special feature of etaLINK 3000 is its outstanding efficiency of 93 percent. The German start-up company from Freiburg im Breisgau has succeeded in eliminating the disadvantages of wireless power transmission. It manages without plug and sliding contacts and is protected against environmental influences by the IP67 class. Intermediate charging of the batteries is possible, so that charging processes can be flexibly integrated into the intralogistics processes in the warehouse.
The intelligent distribution of the charging cycles and current peak capping ensure significantly lower costs for battery procurement and the energy itself. Spare parts and downtimes as well as regular maintenance are also a thing of the past. In addition, retrofitted electrified industrial trucks and AGVs can also be connected to the inductive charging system. Downtimes are reduced, battery costs decrease and the charging process becomes more economical.
The history of Wiferion began in 2015, when the four former Freiburg Fraunhofer ISE researchers (Institute for Solar Energy Systems) Benriah Goeldi, Johannes Mayer, Florian Reiners and Johannes Tritschler laid the foundation stone for the future Blue Inductive GmbH. In October 2015, the etaLINK 3000 product development started and in April 2016 the company was founded. Since 2018 the company is in serial production with the product. It changed its name to Wiferion in 2019.