The number and applications of mobile robots have increased significantly in recent years. Most are simply marketed as "Automated Guided Vehicles" According to the manufacturer Safelog, this no longer accurately reflects their range of applications. An "add-on" to the naming convention is intended to simplify matters.

Online retailer Galaxus celebrated the laying of the foundation stone forits new logistics center in early October in Neuchâtel, north of Basel and east of Mulhouse in the border region of three countries. The center will feature two warehouses and 90,000 square meters of storage space . The first warehouse is scheduled for completion in summer 2025.

Kardex Mlog already commissioned two 22-meter-high storage and retrieval machines in Würth's high-bay warehouse at the Graubünden logistics center of the assembly and fastening specialists back in 2008. Now, the machines and system controls are being upgraded in Landquart.

The fastest goal in the world won't be decided on the pitch of European and World Cup tournaments, but in logistics. Goal manufacturer Hörmann, at least, is currently claiming to offer the fastest vertically oriented model, with a speed of 4 m/s.

The mold maker agathon from the Ruhr region wants to increase the efficiency of its tool warehouse. Relocating to a new site creates space for a fresh start. SSI Schäfer is supplying several Logimat storage lifts, which agathon will use to optimize and partially automate its order picking process.

 Fig.: Eurofork

Kion has finalized a very special cooperation agreement with pallet shuttle system manufacturer Eurofork. The agreement focuses primarily on a solution called "E4CUBE." Both Kion and Eurofork CEO Maurizio Traversa agree that it offers added value without unnecessary complexity.

Irish multi-directional forklift specialist Combilift has won the "Exporter of the Year" award for the third time on the Emerald Isle. At the awards ceremony held at the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin, Combilift also won the "Overall Irish Exporter of the Year 2024".

 F. Heydenreich

Nadine Despineux and Florian Heydenreich are two new faces joining the board of the German Association of Materials Handling and Intralogistics Manufacturers. Despineux comes from Jungheinrich, and Heydenreich from the forklift manufacturer Still.

Frei Fördertechnik is expanding its product range in the field of intralogistics. Michael Schüpach has taken over the management of the strategic business unit in the areas of automation and robotics, including all product management activities. He brings 15 years of experience in this field.

Photo: Kion

Kion has opened its Center of Excellence for automation solutions in Antwerp, Belgium. It is intended to become the most important location for research and development, testing, and customer-specific production in EMEA. Employees from Kion's various brands will work together there on projects across different teams.

 Photo: TGW

TGW Logistics is beginning the expansion of its Austrian headquarters with the start of construction on a new production hall, a highly automated warehouse system, and a parking garage. Despite the current challenging economic environment, the company plans to invest €100 million as a commitment to the location.

SSI Schäfer once again invited logistics consultants and planners to its own "Intralogistics Day" at its technology center in Giebelstadt near Würzburg. The event featured live demonstrations of SSI Piece Picking and Case Picking, mobile robots with RackBots and AGVs, as well as the Flat Pack Picking System.

The winning team

Packaging material and machinery supplier Raja announces winning the German Packaging Award, which Raja won at this year's FachPack in Nuremberg among almost 250 entries from 13 countries in the Logistics and Material Flow category for one of its new products, a "Grip Taper".

Toyota Material Handling and Viastore are helping air conditioning compressor manufacturer TDDK switch from belt-driven compressors at Daimler, BMW, VW, Toyota, Nissan, Ford and Fiat to electrically driven models by expanding a fully automated high-bay warehouse.

Photo: BVL

Silke Fischer only took over as chair of the management board of the German Logistics Association (BVL) two months ago. Her term was intended to be short-lived. Now her contract has been terminated, as she feels she would be better suited to a different role given her previous career path.