Scalable automation solutions and smart energy systems for future-proof intralogistics

Story Highlights

• STILL
• LogiMAT 2024
• intralogistica

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From smart entry-level solutions to fully integrated system solutions: Sophisticated developments in the dynamic field of automation are the focus of this year’s trade fair presence of the Hamburg-based intralogistics specialist STILL at LogiMAT 2024. Innovative energy systems for sustainable intralogistics will also be a focal point. STILL will be presenting its first in-house 24-volt fuel cell system for warehouse trucks, which has been in production at the Hamburg plant since the end of 2023.

The demand for standardised, scalable and quickly realisable automation solutions in intralogistics is growing continuously, resulting in a highly differentiated market. STILL recognised this development at an early stage and diversified its automation portfolio accordingly. In addition to fully integrated automation solutions for complex requirements, STILL now also offers standardized, cost-efficient, and quickly available entry-level products with a particularly simple commissioning tool.

STILL iGo automation solutions
Highly customisable automation applications will be presented in the iGo system solution. This solution enables vehicles to be integrated into comprehensive logistics processes – scalable from individual vehicles to entire fleets. A live scenario in which several driverless transport systems work together in perfect synchronisation will demonstrate the complexity and variance that can be achieved.

In a second live scenario, STILL will present its new smart entry-level solution iGo easy for the automation of individual logistics processes. This solution will be vividly presented at the trade fair using the EXV iGo high lift pallet truck. As a special highlight, visitors to the STILL stand will be able to configure the truck, its route and important operating parameters themselves. This will allow them to experience the unique commissioning tool and intuitive user interface and see for themselves the smart simplicity of implementation.

Smart energy solutions for the intralogistics of the future
In addition to the growing demand for smart automation solutions, the question of the energy systems of the future is a major concern for intralogistics. Alongside lithium- ion technology, hydrogen technology is considered to be one of the most relevant energy systems of the future. Powerful, efficient, emission-free – and highly environmentally friendly, once the availability of “green” hydrogen is reliably guaranteed. According to experts at STILL, this technology will be an important pillar of the energy transition and will dominate intralogistics in the future as part of a mixed portfolio with lithium-ion batteries.

“We are convinced that as soon as enough green hydrogen is available, the demand for hydrogen-powered trucks, which is already growing steadily, will increase even more,” explains Jan-Christoph Sachse, Senior Director Marketing & Brand Communications at STILL. For this reason, STILL recently became the first original equipment manufacturer in Europe to launch its own 24-volt fuel cell system – manufactured and installed in STILL trucks at the STILL plant in Hamburg.

Warehouse technology
In the field of warehouse technology, STILL is also presenting exciting innovations at this year’s LogiMAT, including the new STILL EXV 10-16C high lift truck. One of the truck’s most impressive features is its intelligent, IFOY award-winning tiller. It can be operated intuitively by both left- and right-handed operators. Thanks to the display integrated into the tiller head, the operator can keep an eye on all relevant truck data at all times, such as battery charge level, operating hours or the current driving programme. The award-winning tiller concept has proved so successful that it has been extended to other warehouse trucks in the STILL Excellence Line.

Focus on sustainability
The STILL trade fair team is also looking forward to discussing the latest developments in counterbalance trucks and the differentiated product portfolios of the Classic Line and Excellence Line. The focus will also be on the topic of sustainability in intralogistics – a key area in which, in addition to renewable energies, efficient use of resources and climate-friendly drive systems, battery recycling is becoming increasingly important, especially in the case of lithium-ion technology.