Six companies honoured at IFOY Awards
Six companies honoured at IFOY Awards
The winners of the 2024 IFOY Award, one of the largest technology competitions in intralogistics worldwide, have been announced.
This year’s winners are: Brightpick, Jungheinrich, RAVAS Europe, Safelog (in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz), SSI Schäfer, and STILL. They received the international intralogistics trophy during the annual awards function which, this year, was held in the Congress Center Baden near Vienna, Austria.
A total of 15 companies with 16 products and solutions made it to the final in 2024. “The best of the best made it to the final and rarely before have the test teams and jury discussed so intensively and struggled to make the best choice,” says Anita Würmser, executive chairperson of the IFOY jury.
The IFOY Award categories honour the most innovative intralogistics products and solutions of the year. This awards programme has established itself as an indicator of efficiency and innovation. Due to its technical expertise, it is regarded as an outstanding international innovation award in intralogistics. The decision is based on the three-stage audit, consisting of the IFOY test protocol (comprising around 80 criteria), the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, and the jury test. The decisive factor is that the nominees are not compared with each other, but with their competitors on the market.
The winners of the IFOY Award are selected annually by an international jury of trade journalists, including Charleen Clarke, editorial director of FOCUS. Here are this year’s winners and the reasons why they were selected by the jury.
Warehouse Truck highlifter of the Year 2024: Jungheinrich, EJC 112i
The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Warehouse Truck highlifter” category went to the EJC 112i from Jungheinrich. The international jury voted the compact highlifter the best new product in this category.
With its compact design and outstanding performance, the EJC 112i sets a new standard in the entry-level segment and clearly stands out from the competition. Especially in small warehouses with narrow aisles, the high residual capacity enables optimum space utilisation. Together with its small turning radius and user-friendly operation, the EJC 112i makes day-to-day work easier for every operator.
The EJC 112i is more than just a further development of its predecessor, offering an even more compact and manoeuvrable solution thanks to the integrated lithium-ion battery. When designing the truck, Jungheinrich paid particular attention to the high energy density of lithium-ion technology, which stores the same amount of energy in significantly smaller modules. This not only saves space, but also opens up new possibilities in terms of truck size. The result is immediately apparent: the EJC 112i has a smaller L2 size, offers a good view of the fork, and has a low overall height. The impressively small turning circle makes manoeuvring effortless, even in tight spaces.
To compensate for the shorter length and lower weight of the lithium-ion battery, the truck has been completely redesigned: the mast profiles have been widened in the side view and the steering arms have been reinforced, while the entire chassis is balanced to ensure optimum force equalisation. The result is immediately noticeable when the load is lifted: at the maximum 1,200kg the EJC 112i remains totally stable and effortlessly lifts up to 2,900mm. Furthermore, the increased residual capacity of the EJC 112i optimises space utilisation and minimises floor space requirements, as heavier loads can be stored in higher racks.
The IFOY test confirmed that the EJC 112i offers the best performance in its class, with exceptionally high lifting and efficient performance. Thanks to the more powerful pump motor and a better balance between the pump power and the lift cylinder, the new truck lifts significantly faster than its predecessor and well above the average in this class. The driving and acceleration speeds have remained almost the same.
IFOY Test Verdict: The EJC 112i performed impressively in the IFOY audit, proving its position as the new benchmark in the entry-level pedestrian stacker segment. At the heart of the design in the range is the integrated lithium-ion battery, resulting in an even more compact and manoeuvrable truck with unparalleled residual capacity and outstanding performance. The truck offers noticeably good stability and operates comfortably and predictably.
Integrated Customer Solution of the Year 2024: Safelog, mobile transport robots
The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Integrated Customer Solution” category went to Safelog for its use in the Mercedes-Benz factory. The jury selected the future vision of the Mercedes-Benz production system – which was developed and implemented in close cooperation between Safelog and the car manufacturer – as the best customer solution of the year.
During the conversion and modernisation of an assembly hall for the production of the E- and GLC-Class series at the Sindelfingen site, the focus was on the networking and transparency of all intralogistics supply processes, as well as the necessary data acquisition and evaluation. To this end, new technical solutions were jointly developed and standards were implemented.
Pick-by-light systems and around 350 automated guided vehicles (AGVs) from Safelog are used for subsystems such as picking baskets of goods and transporting them to the assembly lines to be supplied. This involves a total distance of 15km. Safelog also supplies Mercedes-Benz with its entire system in Europe and the USA, adding up to a total of 3,500 AGVs. The family-owned company Safelog, with around 260 employees, is not only known for its mobile robotics expertise, but also for its philosophy of “German equipment at a Chinese price”.
The solution nominated for an IFOY Award is the final stage of years of collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Safelog. The main feature is that the AGVs communicate with each other as a swarm. At the so-called “Factory 46” where the new E-Class is produced, Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the software, while Safelog is responsible for the hardware and project implementation.
At Mercedes-Benz, Factory 46 is renowned for the consistent further development of digitalisation and transformation in the automotive industry. Downtimes and cycle times are critical factors in the automotive industry: when a vehicle has to be delivered every 90 seconds, perfection and standards are critical.
In addition, the AGVs have to drive in such a way that everyone working in the plant interacts harmoniously with the AGVs – there is no room for panic or uncertain reactions. To achieve this, the entire hall is networked via statistical pattern recognition using artificial intelligence (AI). The data generated here can be used to predict disruptions in the near future – and by this we mean a matter of minutes.
IFOY Test Verdict: The use of Safelog AGVs at Mercedes-Benz may not be highly innovative, but it offers considerable customer benefits in a highly complex environment. This starts with the low price and the simple and robust implementation, and extends to the software ecosystem developed together with Mercedes and an availability of 99.7 to 99.9%. In practice, this means 40 hours less downtime. The cost of one hour of downtime in the automotive industry is estimated at between €1 million and €1.5 million, so this equates to substantial savings.
The fact that Mercedes-Benz develops and maintains the software and the master control system itself enables the OEM to act independently of licences and to be as flexible as possible in the event of errors, desired changes, and adjustments.
IFOY Special of the Year 2024: RAVAS Europe, iCP Carriage Plate Scale with Weighing-in-Motion Technology
The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Special of the Year” category went to RAVAS Europe for its intelligent fork carriage scale (iCP) with weighing-in-motion technology. The international jury selected the fork carriage weighing system for calibrated weighing during transportation as the best new development in this segment.
While forklift truck drivers previously had to stop the truck for a few seconds to determine the weight of the load on the forks, the iCP fork carriage scale with weighing-in-motion technology from RAVAS enables calibrated weighing during transportation, without stops or work interruptions, resulting in lower costs. In addition, drivers can continue to use all attachments, such as rotators and clamps, as usual.
RAVAS has used an existing weighing system as the basis for the new fork carriage weighing system. The intelligence lies in a smart box and intelligent algorithms, which were newly developed by the manufacturer. These algorithms consider the driving speed, the inclination of the mast, and any unevenness in the floor. The measurement starts automatically when the pallet is lifted and the weight of the pallet is determined during transportation. The technology combines high-quality, certified sensors with fast electronics and customised software that connects the sensors.
There are other reliable systems on the market that dynamically determine the weight of a load, but the RAVAS system is the only system certified by the Paris-based International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML). This means that Legal for Trade customers can bill on the basis of weight, with the OIML only requiring occasional zeroing of the system.
Weighing on the move reduces labour costs and ensures that loads remain within the specified weight limits. This additionally prevents damage to equipment or goods.
IFOY Test Verdict: The importance of accurate data in logistics is high and continues to increase. The RAVAS iCP weighing-in-motion technology makes work more pleasant for the forklift driver and provides reliable measurements. The technology eliminates the need to stop, resulting in considerable time and cost savings. Safety is also increased, as unnecessary movements and manual handling are avoided. Comparable solutions on the market cannot offer calibration.
Stationary Robot of the Year 2024: SSI Schäfer, SSI Piece Picking
The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Stationary Robot” category went to the fully automated SSI Piece Picking module from SSI Schäfer. The international jury selected the piece picking system as the best new development in this segment.
Centrifugal forces due to the rotational movements of an articulated arm robot are now a thing of the past, thanks to the piece picking system developed by SSI Schäfer. Instead, a miniature gantry robot moves the gripper of the piece picking cell to any position on the source and target containers. With the previous articulated arm robot, the gripper had a limited operating range, and it was not possible to gently deposit sensitive goods.
The main aim of the new development is to avoid container changeover times. While manual pickers can handle up to 350 picks per hour, the automated solution can handle close to four times as many at around 1,200 picks per hour. In three-shift operation, an amortisation period of less than one year is therefore not really surprising.
The focus of the development was not only on the robot itself, but also on the holistic view of the technology, including feeding, removal, and safety technology. The robot takes care of everything: fewer interfaces, less communication, and no need for an operator. SSI Schäfer has also found solutions for typical sources of error, such as problems with gripping or incorrect depositing of products, which are then ejected. A double pick is also detected and put back “on the fly”. In addition, a patented pick point identification system is integrated to ensure that a gripper does not cover a barcode.
As the robot has three target containers available, sequencing is also somewhat more flexible. There is always one position to pick from and at least one position in which to place. The source containers can have up to four subdivisions, so four products can be offered in one source container.
The SSI piece picking cell is manufactured in Kamen and delivered to the customer in a compact 20-foot container. A first system has already been delivered to the Irish pharmaceutical distributor Uniphar, and an identical cell will follow. Eight piece picking robots based on articulated arm technology are already in use in Canada. The project is being driven by the three SSI Schäfer locations in Giebelstadt, Graz, and Kamen. SSI Schäfer is also offering the robot cell to other general contractors.
IFOY Test Verdict: The piece picking ensemble, which made a solid and high-quality impression in the IFOY audit, is suitable for a wide range of applications: cubic, cylindrical, tube-shaped, or blister packs. In container format, the system is very compact, can be put into operation at the customer’s premises within a day, and pays for itself within one to two years. The gantry robot with suction cups offers maximum flexibility and can handle delicate goods carefully, by placing them as close as possible to the base of the container or to goods already in the target container.
Mobile Robot of the Year: STILL, EXV iGo
The “Mobile Robot” category was won by the EXV iGo from STILL. The series-based automated pallet truck is the perfect door opener to the world of automated warehouse processes.
The EXV iGo automated pallet truck from STILL for production supply and the pre-storage zone is a series-production truck rather than a project truck. Manufactured in Chatellerault, France, production follows the standard series processes of the Hamburg-based premium intralogistics company, and the truck already complies with the EN ISO 3691-4 safety standard for industrial trucks.
In addition, STILL’s standard service technicians are 100% qualified for this truck following an iGo training course – without the need for robotics experts. The plan is to build around 1,000 EXV iGo units per year. The delivery time is around 15 weeks, while the project realisation time is from three months upwards.
To ensure scalability, great importance was attached to intuitive operation and a user-friendly interface. For simple commissioning, the iGo Easy tool was developed to create projects and display logistical flows. Instead of the large iGo Systems control system, iGo Easy now offers a limited interface, the scope of which can easily be clicked together and subsequently modified; expert knowledge is no longer required to quickly install projects with limited complexity.
The EXV iGo has a high residual load capacity of up to 1,600kg, can lift goods up to 3.8m, and reaches speeds of up to 7.2km/h. Despite its design as a stand-alone device for repetitive transport tasks as well as storage and retrieval, the EXV iGo should also impress with process reliability and precision in mixed operation.
The machine’s multi-level safety system protects human, machine, and load with safety scanners, sensors, visual and acoustic warning devices, and emergency stop switches to stop the vehicle immediately if necessary. Dual operation is also an easy option. The vehicle is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be automatically recharged via contacts. The EXV iGo had to undergo the so-called ”break-and-bumper” test, in which obstacles are placed in its path. It drove straight ahead and negotiated bends flawlessly.
IFOY Test Verdict: The fast commissioning in combination with a new, intuitive, web-based user interface makes the series-based mobile robot a smart door opener to the world of automated warehouse processes.
Automation is quick and easy, and users also benefit from the fact that the EXV iGo can be configured, maintained, and repaired via the STILL service network. The EXV iGo offers a successful and smart introduction to automated intralogistics processes, particularly for SMEs.
The IFOY Spin-off Award “Start-up of the Year” went to Brightpick for the autonomous, mobile picking robot Brightpick Autopicker. The international jury selected the AI-based 2-in-1 robot as the best new development in this sector.
The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Warehouse Truck highlifter” category went to the EJC 112i from Jungheinrich. The international jury voted the compact highlifter the best new product in this category.
The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Special of the Year” category went to RAVAS Europe for its intelligent fork carriage scale (iCP for short), with weighing-in-motion technology. The international jury selected the fork carriage weighing system for calibrated weighing during transportation as the best new development in this segment.
The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Integrated Customer Solution” category went to Safelog for its use in the Mercedes Factory 46. The jury selected the future vision of the Mercedes-Benz production system – which was developed and implemented in close cooperation between Safelog and the car manufacturer – as the best customer solution of the year.
The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Stationary Robot” category went to the fully automated SSI Piece Picking module from SSI Schäfer. The international jury selected the piece picking system as the best new development in this segment.
IFOY Start-up of the Year 2024: Brightpick
The IFOY Spin-off Award “Start-up of the Year” went to Brightpick for the autonomous, mobile picking robot Brightpick Autopicker. The international jury selected the AI-based 2-in-1 robot as the best new development in this market segment.
The Autopicker from Brightpick – a start-up founded in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 2021 – is the world’s first autonomous mobile picking robot. Brightpick worked closely with its sister company, Photoneo, on its development. Autopicker installations with a total of 70 devices can now be found in the US (headquarters), Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
So, what’s new about this type of picking? The Autopicker pulls the source tote from the standard rack, which does not require rollers or rails. As the robot moves on to the next storage location, it picks the target tote like a human picker, while taking the picked tote to the next storage location. There must therefore always be an empty space available in which the bin can be placed. The autopicker works with a trolley that picks and consolidates orders independently, without any human intervention.
In technical terms, the Autopicker uses a patented design with two bins for this process to pull storage bins (storage tote) from the shelf, pick the items using a robotic gripper arm, and place them in an order tote. The big difference to other fulfilment robots is that the autopicker does not have to go to central picking stations. Another advantage is its versatility, as it can be used not only for picking in the rack aisle, but also for other tasks such as pallet picking, warehouse replenishment, dynamic storage, order consolidation, temporary storage, and shipping. If human dexterity is required for picking, for example, the autopicker can also be used for normal goods-to-person picking.
The robots can reliably pick a wide range of products, including chilled and non-chilled food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, packaged goods, cosmetics, electronics, and textiles in plastic packaging. The entire autopicker fleet and the fulfilment process in the warehouse are orchestrated and optimised by the Brightpick intuition software.
IFOY Test Verdict: The fact that picking takes place while a robot is moving from one location to another without the robot having to return to a “base station” is new and revolutionary. Although an exact measurement during the live assessment at the Test Days was not possible, a higher throughput rate and thus a considerable time saving could be confirmed. This leads to a reduction in the number of robots required, which has a positive effect on the return on investment and noticeably reduces picking costs. According to Brightpick, the savings in labour costs are significantly higher than with traditional goods-to-person stations, with higher throughput, easier installation, and lower costs. The company claims that picking costs have been halved.
Applications for the 2025 IFOY Award open on 1 August 2024.
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