DB Schenker Launches Driverless Forklift

DB Schenker has launched an autonomous, driverless forklift from Agilox at its Eching location. It will be used for the transport of empty containers and is not intended to replace employees, but rather to relieve them.

(Essen, 24.01.2020) DB Schenker has introduced the regular operation of an autonomous forklift following the successful completion of a pilot project. The transport system from the Austrian supplier AGILOX transports empty containers over a distance of about 150 meters at the Eching site near Munich. This is done entirely without the intervention of a warehouse employee. Previously, this task was performed with conventional forklifts.Xavier Garijo, Board Member Contract Logistics, Schenker AG: “Autonomous forklifts promise innovation, precision, and efficiency in the interest of our customers. DB Schenker is always open to alternative solutions in warehouse logistics. However, our most valuable asset is always our highly qualified employees. Therefore, we want to relieve them, especially in times of skilled labor shortages in logistics, by automating logistics processes.” The AGILOX features a height-adjustable fork that can lift and lower containers. Therefore, it is not necessary for warehouse employees to manually place the containers on the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle). Franz Humer, Managing Director and co-founder of AGILOX: “The robots can take over simple tasks in the warehouse so that employees can focus on complex tasks, especially during peak times.”From Eching, DB Schenker supplies the production of a renowned German automobile manufacturer with vehicle parts. It is now being evaluated whether the AGILOX will also be used at other locations of the logistics service provider.

Photo: Schenker

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