DB Schenker relies on remote-controlled forklifts in Kassel

At the DB Schenker contract logistics site in Kassel, forklifts are now operated remotely. The vehicle operators control the vehicles from a distance. With a remote driving setup, the drivers are connected via the enabl platform to several different vehicles at various locations.

(Essen/Kassel) Lucas Mömken, Vice President Global Engineering & Innovation in Contract Logistics, DB Schenker: “Collaboration with enabl allows us to respond flexibly to demand fluctuations and automate our processes to increase productivity. We see this partnership as a valuable addition to our CL digitalization strategy, which helps us secure our competitiveness in the long term.”

Julian Wadephul, CEO enabl Technologies: “Our solution has been in continuous use at DB Schenker for nine months and has shown that our product meets the needs of our customers and market trends. This collaboration is a significant step for us towards becoming a global leader in warehouse automation. We are pleased that, thanks to our safety concept, it is now possible to do without a companion driver.”

Potential for increased efficiency and addressing personnel shortages

Remote-controlled driving has the potential to increase efficiency and address personnel shortages by separating the driver from the forklift. DB Schenker continues its collaboration with the German technology startup to enhance the automation of its logistics processes. A memorandum of understanding describing the long-term collaboration to scale enabl’s advanced remote control and automation technology for forklifts at several international DB Schenker locations has recently been signed.

Photo: © DB Schenker