IFOY MGZN 2023 EN

www.ifoy.org 

IFOY 

MGZN 

May 2023 I issue 04 I ISSN 2700-0702 I 19 € 

EXCLUSIVE all about 

IFOY Nominees ´23 

23 

TEST REPORTS 

AND 

INNOVATION 

CHECKS 

TEST 

CAMP 

INTRA 

LOGISTICS 

BEST 

OF 

Exclusive 83 

IFOY JURY 

Leading 

Logistics Media 

AGV Mesh-Up 26 

VDA 5050 

All about 

the stress test 

Coming up 92 

IFOY 2024 

Apply right: 

Join in 2024 

Start-ups 74 

BEST OF 

Intralogistics 

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THE IFOY PARTNERS - A PERFECT NETWORK 

Messe Dortmund, Fliegl, CHEP, Cascade and LTG have again supported the IFOY AWARD 

2023 with their great commitment. Many thanks for this! 

They ensure that everything runs 

smoothly, that the TEST DAYS are 

carried out perfectly and that our 

equipment finds its way safely 

from Bavaria to Dortmund: Our 

IFOY partners have once again 

made IFOY life a whole lot easier 

for us this year. Many thanks 

to our official partners Messe 

Dortmund, Fliegl, CHEP, Cascade 

and LTG and furthermore to SSI 

Schäfer, who supported the TEST 

CAMP INTRALOGISTICS for the first 

time this year as a shelf partner. 

We are looking forward to a continued 

good cooperation! Would 

you also like to become an IFOY 

partner? Questions can be answered 

by Anita Würmser via email 

at anita.wuermser@impact.mp. 

NEW IN THE JURY 

Three new jurors complete the IFOY jury: Alejandra Cabornero (r.), 

Director of the Spanish logistics magazine “Logística Profesional“ 

and Michal Stengl (l.), Editor-in-Chief of the Czech trade title 

“Transport a Logistika“ were newly elected to the committee. 

Re-elected in her new role as Editor-in-Chief of “Cuadernos de 

Logística“ in Spain was long-time IFOY juror Isabel Rodrigo (m.). 

3



Content. 

38 

All IFOY 

Nominees 

at a glance 

20 

24 

08 

10 

20 

22 

IFOY Inside: Behind 

the scenes 

TEST CAMP 2023: 

The big review 

Special test area: 

Work in the future 

Visitor statements 

about the TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS 

30 

24 

TEST CAMP INTRA 

LOGISTICS and sustainability 

34 

26 

30 

34 

80 

83 

Under stress test: 

The AGV Mesh-up 

The festival for the IFOY 

AWARD in Dortmund 

”Best in Intralogistics“: 

The Certificates 

The IFOY Test 

teams 2022 

23 jurors from 

19 countries: 

The IFOY Jury 2023 

88 

Review of the IFOY 

AWARD Night 2022 at 

the BMW World 

92 

How to apply for 

the IFOY 2024 

88 

96 

96 The 

IFOY PR effect 

4

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Foreword 

Like a 

Magnet 

Thomas Westphal 

(Lord Mayor of the 

City of Dortmund) 

Enthusiastic about the TEST CAMP: Thomas Westphal, Lord Mayor of the 

City of Dortmund. 

The TEST CAMP has once again clearly shown: The intralogistics 

sector continues to gain in importance. And not only because of 

the large number of innovations. The growth of the test event in 

terms of exhibitors and trade visitors was also impressive. This 

year, it was not only the diversity of the 23 solutions submitted 

for the IFOY AWARD that was surprising. In addition to innovative 

approaches around the warehouse, especially the two new 

special test areas “Exoskeleton & Co.“ and the “Order Picker Safari“ 

were an interesting approach. In addition to the digitalization and 

automation of processes, it is becoming increasingly important 

for companies to maintain the employability of skilled workers. It 

was vividly demonstrated how the intelligent aids for lifting and 

lowering parcels can relieve employees in logistics centers. 

Testing makes the difference – in keeping with the motto of 

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS, Dortmund once again became 

the center of attraction for innovation testers in the world of 

intralogistics in 2023. In particular, the opportunity to extensively 

test innovations on site makes TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS a 

unique format. I am pleased that, in addition to visitors from all 

over Germany, numerous international press representatives and 

decision-makers have come to Dortmund to take a close look at 

the best innovations in this sector. 

The TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS with the TEST DAYS of the IFOY 

AWARD has already taken place for the third time in the Westfalenhallen 

in Dortmund. This is no coincidence, as Dortmund is known 

beyond the borders of the state for its cutting-edge research in 

intralogistics. 

Something else must be mentioned: The topic of sustainability. 

In intralogistics, topics such as energy recovery and circular 

economy have long since arrived. And the event itself is also 

sustainable. TEST CAMP dispenses with superfluous decoration 

and individual stand constructions. The organizers rely on reusable 

aluminum truss stands, an eco-carpet and central catering. They 

have found the right partner for this concept in Messe Dortmund. 

The Westfalenhalle group of companies is an environmentally 

conscious company that combines economy and ecology. It has 

been shown once again: TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS and Messe 

Dortmund are a perfect match. 

I am also pleased that the organizer has also chosen Dortmund 

as the location for the IFOY AWARD Night. The award, 

also known as the Oscar of intralogistics, will be presented in 

the renowned Dortmunder U in 2023. The organizers have thus 

chosen a venue that is an interface for art, research and entertainment 

as well as for analog and digital creativity. Another 

“perfect match,“ in other words. I‘m already looking forward to 

June 22 when it‘s time to say: And the IFOY AWARD goes to... 

7



The Team. 

➡ Anita Würmser. 

IFOY founder, jury chair and head of the IFOY 

organisation: In addition to the IFOY AWARD, 

the journalist also heads the Logistics 

Hall of Fame and advises companies on 

communication issues. Some call her the 

woman who never sleeps. Her razor-sharp 

weapon: her enormous network. 

Welcome to our IFOY MGZN 2023. 

What an IFOY year. The 

2022 winners (p. 88) 

had not yet been announced 

when the first applications 

for 2023 (p. 92) already 

came in. One highlight was 

followed by the next: In January, 

the IFOY AWARD pulverized 

its previous nomination record: 

21 companies with 23 innovations 

(from p. 38) made it to 

the finals and competed in the 

audit (p. 34) at the IFOY TEST 

DAYS. Once again, they were the 

stars of TEST CAMP INTRALO- 

GISTICS (p. 10). 

For three years now, the TEST 

CAMP has been the platform for 

the IFOY TEST DAYS, and just 

like the IFOY AWARD, one motto 

Anita Würmser. 

is the program: “Testing makes 

the Difference”. More than 100 

innovations from all over the 

world were on display this year 

- more than ever before. And 

the 1.200 participants did not 

ask twice. The crowds were 

huge for the highlight tours, the 

Exoskeletons arena, the Order 

Picker Safari and the driving 

areas of the test arena. The third 

edition of the AGV Mesh-Up (p. 

26) and the 5G campus network 

installed by Nokia also turned 

out to be a visitor magnet. 

Enjoy all the highlights on 

100 pages of IFOY MGZN. 

My reading advice: Start 

on page 10. Only testing 

yourself is better. 

➡ Thilo Jörgl. 

Full-blooded journalist, IFOY juror from the 

very beginning, expert in Intralogistics: The 

leading spirit of TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 

has been part of the IFOY TEAM since 2018 

and, together with Anita Würmser, is a partner 

of impact media projects GmbH. There he is 

almost alone among women – but he handles 

this challenge with excellence. 

➡ Stefanie Nonnenmann. 

For two years, Corona avoided her and then 

struck just in time for the IFOY TEST DAYS: 

the logistics journalist, e-mobility expert and 

social media queen, who has been part of 

the IFOY since 2019, nevertheless supported 

the team from her home computer. 

➡ Melanie Wack. 

TEST CAMP premiere and then right in the 

middle of it. Steered the highlight tours 

and many truck drivers to the right place in 

the hall. Keeps really calm even in hectic 

situations. 

➡ Theo, Mark, Winfried. 

No finalist can get past our IFOY Test team or their camera. 

Theo, “the Machine,“ Egberts (m.) has been testing everything 

with wheels on behalf of the IFOY organisation for 10 years. 

Mark Dohmen (l.) writes, stacks, films, organises and is always 

in a good mood. New in our team: test reporter and IFOY juror 

Winfried Bauer. 

Imprint. 

IFOY MGZN c/o impact media 

projects GmbH, Eckherstraße 10b, 

85737 Ismaning, Germany, 

ISSN 2700-0702 

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: 

Anita Würmser (V.i.S.d.P.) 

Editors: Winfried Bauer (wb), Thilo 

Jörgl (jö), Stefanie Nonnenmann 

(sno), Melanie Wack (mw) 

Proof reading: Peter MacLeod 

Layout and design: 

impact media projects GmbH, 

Bernd Kächler 

Printing and production: 

WIRmachenDRUCK, 

Mühlbachstraße 7, 71522 Backnang 

Image credits: Adobe.stock, Andre 

Baschlakow, Lena Manteuffel, 

Roland Gorecki, Oliver Lang, Messe 

Dortmund, MLR, Still, Marcus 

Vetter, company pictures, Chep, 

LTG, Stephan Schütze, Thomas 

Willemsen. FOY MGZN, a publication 

of impact media projects, is 

protected by copyright. The 

reproduction, editing or distribution of 

articles, photos or graphics must be 

approved by the publisher. This also 

applies to electronic use and transfer 

to databases, online media (Internet), 

intranets or other electronic storage 

media. The publisher is not liable for 

unsolicited images, articles and other 

content/data. Place of performance 

and jurisdiction is Munich. 

8



inside 

this issue 

let’s get 

social. 

May 2023 

➡ Mona Neubaur. 

A minister who not only 

represented her German state 

of North Rhine-Westphalia, but 

also took the motto “hands-on 

testing“ at TEST CAMP INTRAL- 

OGISTICS seriously. Mona 

Neubaur tested, tried out - and 

didn‘t miss the opportunity to 

drive a forklift truck. Page 10. 

➡ Steffen Bersch. 

For him, participation in the 

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS in 

Dortmund has become a fixed 

date: Steffen Bersch, Managing 

Director at SSI Schäfer and 

Chairman of the VDMA Materials 

Handling and Intralogistics Association, 

not only paid a visit to 

the event, but also presented the 

“Best in Intralogistics“ certificates 

again this time. Page 34. 

➡ Sascha Schmel. 

Sascha Schmel, permanent IFOY 

juror, has become something 

of an IFOY veteran. And when 

everything goes according to 

plan at the AGV Mesh-up at 

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS, 

the Managing Director of the 

VDMA sector association is 

particularly happy. Page 26. 

Great cinema from start to finish! With great innovations 

and nominees in the leading roles and of course 

 

terrific actors behind the scenes and in the direction. 

The interested logistician who wants to discover 

something new off the beaten track. For practitioners 

who want to see products live and in action. A great 

event that I will gladly attend again. 

Juliane Kluge, VDMA 

An end to end high quality and successful event. I am 

 

looking forward to next year! 

Gérôme Stemmer, Safelog 

An excellently organized TEST CAMP, with great news. 

 

Uta Alborn, August Alborn 

Thank you for a great organization! We are really 

 

proud to be a part of the IFOY AWARD community. It 

was for us not only a great opportunity to present our 

product but also a chance to learn more about 

innovative solutions in intralogistics. Really inspiring 

competition, great presentation of the teams. I think 

the TEST CAMP gives another push to be able to experience 

clever automation solutions directly. 

Loady – making logistics easier 

Thanks for the perfect organization and all the efforts 

 

contributed. 

Kevin Liu, Libiao Robotics 

➡ Peter MacLeod. 

An Englishman who is also a 

model pan-European? Sounds 

strange, but it‘s true. The 

London IFOY judge now lives 

with his family in Warsaw. With 

his Queen’s English – and his 

many years of experience in 

intralogistics – he is predestined 

to moderate English-language 

panels. This time he was moderating 

two. Hats off. Or better: 

Cheers engineers! Page 16. 

We thank you for your support. 

the USUAL 

suspects. 

3. News 7. Foreword 8. Imprint 

9



TEST CA 

By Thilo Jörgl, Peter MacLeod and Melanie Wack 

T 

est forklifts yourself, transport packages with 

horizontal order pickers, lift goods with exoskeletons: 

The TEST CAMP INTRALOGIS- 

TICS with the IFOY TEST DAYS was again a 

magnet for innovation enthusiasts at Messe 

Dortmund in 2023. After the legal restrictions 

due to the Corona crisis in 2021 and 

2022, the test event was able to take off during its third run in 

the Ruhrpott metropolis. This is also reflected in figures. More 

than 1,200 participants (2022: 950) traveled to Dortmund to 

test equipment and solutions, including numerous world firsts, 

on March 29 and 30. Including the finalists of the International 

Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) AWARD 2023, 

more than 100 innovations (2022: 51) 

Everything clean: A highlight tour stops at Kemaro 

Clear message: The motto of the TEST CAMP 

10



MP 2023 

5G INSTEAD OF 2G PLUS 

After two TEST CAMPS with restrictions due to 

the Corona pandemic, the third edition of the 

event could really unfold for the first time. No 

food requirements, no presentation of proof of 

vaccination or 2G Plus status. Instead, the motto 

was 5G. It had nothing to do with Covid at all. 

For the first time, a 5G campus network was set 

up by Nokia for the AGV Mesh-Up. The network 

worked flawlessly – and the software was not 

infected by viruses either. 

On a safari: Guests test order pickers 

Large weights, small load : exoskeletons in the test 

11



Concentrated: Juror Klaus Koch 

Noted: The jurors take it exactly 

Demonstrated: Agilox shows the AGV 

23 innovative products and solutions went through the 

three-stage IFOY Audit in 2023, compared with 14 last year. 

were available for B2B visitors to try out 

on around 10,000 square meters of 

exhibition and test area. Visitor magnets 

included the newly introduced special 

test areas Exoskeletons & Co. and the 

Order Picker Safari for experts in order 

picking equipment. The focus of interest 

was once again on the globally unique 

AGV Mesh-Up, which was successfully 

staged in Dortmund for the third time 

with further developed tests. 

The IFOY AWARD also recorded a significant 

increase. A total of 23 products and 

solutions (2022: 14) from 21 manufacturers 

(2022: 12) passed the three-stage 

audit. These included new developments 

from AGILOX, Combilift, Continental, 

Crown, DS AUTOMOTION, HIKROBOT, 

IdentPro, Jungheinrich, Kemaro, Libiao 

Robotics, Mobile Easykey, NIMMSTA, 

Raymond, STILL, Volume Lagersysteme, 

Youibot Robotics, as well as from 

the start-ups Loady, ff Fördersysteme, 

HUNIC, Predimo and Sentics. 

TEST DRIVES AND 

INTENSIVE TALKS 

These manufacturers and numerous others 

took the opportunity to demonstrate 

their innovations to potential customers 

at TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. B2B 

visitors, mainly in leading positions in 

logistics, industry and trade, as well as 

delegations of logistics initiatives from all 

over Germany and neighboring countries 

traveled to the Ruhr metropolis. Their 

goal: to try out innovations for themselves 

and hold intensive technical and 

networking discussions. A wide range of 

innovations was available to them in the 

test arena: from forklifts and automated 

warehouse equipment to Automated 

Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and state-ofthe-art 

software, specials and robotics 

solutions. 

The expert discussions revolved around 

topics such as digitalization, process 

cost reduction, artificial intelligence 

and sustainability. Visitors got food 

for thought in nine thematic highlight 

tours and six panel discussions. They 

featured top-class experts from Europe, 

the USA and China. The sessions 

focused on automation, warehouse 

trucks, exoskeletons, technology 

trends, VDA 5050 testing and start-ups. 

Full hall: Welcome speech by Anita Würmser 

Exchange of ideas: VIP guests at the official opening 

12



Red carpet for Exos: Hunic in action 

Like on a stage: Demos from Nimmsta 

IFOY dinner: A big and yummy buffet 

Suppliers of intralogistics solutions, 

their users and renowned scientists 

engaged in heated discussions, making 

the experiential event the first industry 

highlight of the event year. 

NINE HIGHLIGHT TOURS 

AND SIX PANELS 

Visitors also engaged in exchanges with 

the scientists, IFOY testers and judges 

involved in the IFOY TEST DAYS (March 

27-29). After going through the IFOY 

Audit, representatives of 21 manufacturers 

accepted the “Best in Intralogistics” 

certificates on behalf of their nominees 

from the hands of Steffen Bersch, 

Chairman of the Board of the VDMA 

Materials Handling and Intralogistics 

Association. 

For the presentation of the seal and the 

opening of the TEST CAMPS INTRAL- 

OGISTICS, NRW Minister of Economic 

Affairs Mona Neubaur traveled to Dortmund. 

She did not miss the opportunity 

to visit selected companies for more 

than an hour to find out about their 

innovations. 

She also had the IFOY Audit for the 

nominated devices and solutions explained 

to her. 

As in previous years, the IFOY Audit 

consisted of three parts. First, the 

nominees went through the IFOY Test 

conducted by Dutch intralogistics expert 

Theo Egberts. This involves comparing 

the finalists in each category not with 

each other, but with the relevant equipment 

in the competition. The industrial 

trucks underwent standardized driving 

DIGITAL 

CONCEPT 

The IFOY AWARD achieves a high 

reach worldwide. Online alone, it 

amounted to 1.5 billion in the previous 

year. News about the award is 

not only disseminated in a worldwide 

media network, but also played out 

via social media – especially LinkedIn. 

Because a picture often says more 

than many words, two photographers 

and two video producers in 

Dortmund worked for the organizers. 

Hundreds of pictures can be found in 

galleries on the website, and several 

videos were posted on YouTube in 

the IFOY AWARD channel. Special 

highlight: Each of the 23 IFOY finalists 

is presented in a short video. 

Minister on a steering wheel: Mona Neubaur 

Demo at DS Automotion: The minister wearing safety shoes 

13



Testing areas: Space for Raymond & Co. Impulses from Dortmund: Victor Kaupe lectures Panel automation: Host Thilo Jörgl 

and functional tests, including the IFOY 

test protocol comprising more than 80 

criteria. 

In the second part of the audit, researchers 

conducted the IFOY Innovation 

Check. The audit was concluded 

by the assessment of the 25 jurors 

and their approved advisors. The jury 

members – trade journalists from all 

continents – were presented with all the 

results of the IFOY Test and the IFOY 

Innovation Check for voting. 

AGV MESH-UP FOR THE 

THIRD TIME THIS YEAR 

As part of the TEST CAMP, a new edition 

of the globally unique AGV Mesh-Up, 

initiated by the VDMA Materials Handling 

and Intralogistics Association and its 

member companies, took place once 

again. At the third live test of the VDA 

5050 communication interface, the test 

scenario was expanded. It gave B2B 

visitors the opportunity to observe the 

functions of Automated Guided Vehicles 

(AGVs) for themselves and to exchange 

ideas with developers and scientists. 

Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (Nokia 

DAC) and Mission Critical Industrial Edge 

(MXIE) installed a 5G campus network. 

The new special test area Exoskeleton 

& Co. turned out to be a visitor magnet. 

Seven manufacturers, two users and 

scientists demonstrated how lifting 

and carrying aids support employees 

in logistics. Visitors were able to try out 

the solutions for themselves in a course 

on two racks. Participants were able to 

perform driving and work tests in the 

new Order Picker Safari. They were able 

to test different devices for picking processes 

on a 13.5-meter-long shelf. 

This year, TEST CAMP was once again 

the destination of several delegations 

from associations and logistics initiatives. 

The Managing Director of the 

VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics 

Association, Sascha Schmel, 

traveled to Dortmund with several representatives 

of member companies, as 

did his colleague Patrick Schwarzkopf, 

who manages business at the VDMA 

Robotics + Automation Association. 

Representatives of the European 

Federation of Materials Handling and 

Warehousing Technology (Fédération 

Européenne de la Manutention, or FEM) 

from several European countries and 

FEM President Christophe Lautray also 

came to Dortmund. 

The association not only met in one of 

the trade show rooms, but also learned 

about the innovations provided for 

testing. Hall 3 was also the destination 

of delegations from Hamburg and Swabia. 

Stefanie Giesenkirchen from the 

management of the Logistics Initiative 

Hamburg came to the TEST CAMP with 

logistics experts from the Otto Group. 

Those from Swabia interested in innovation 

took a further route: Ingrid Eibner, 

Managing Director of Logistik-Cluster 

Schwaben, put forklifts & co. through 

their paces with some representatives of 

the cluster. The conclusion of the representatives 

of the two initiatives: Next year 

they want to come again with guests. 

The date is already marked in the calendar: 

the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 

2024 will take place again on April 10 and 

11 at the Messe Dortmund. 

TESTING IS THE MOTTO 

ON APRIL 10 AND 11 

The TEST CAMP also featured on TV for 

the first time this year. Intralogistics in 

the evening in the living room at home? 

Forklifts, transport robots & Co. from 

internal logistics do not often make 

it onto television. This year, the third 

edition of TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 

attracted attention from the editorial 

teams of three broadcasters: SAT.1 NRW, 

WDR Lokalzeit Dortmund and RTL-West. 

The focus of all contributions: Scenes of 

NRW Economics Minister Mona Neubaur 

– wearing safety shoes and a blue safety 

vest – trying out various innovations. 

Annalena Kirsten from RTL-West followed 

the minister with her cameraman for a 

good hour on the press tour. The Green 

politician made stops at the test setups of 

Jungheinrich, Crown, STILL, DS Automotion, 

SSI SCHÄFER, the AGV Mesh-Up 

of the VDMA and the Fraunhofer IML, 

among others. New job for NRW economics 

minister Mona Neubaur? With 

this question SAT.1 NRW attracts viewers 

to a report about the TEST CAMP. Some 

innovations also made it into a film by 

WDR Lokalzeit Dortmund. 

Filmmaker Marc Sense and his team took 

a look at how employees in the ware- 

14



Start-ups: Young and strong Networker: Hamburger Logistics Initiative TEST CAMP: More than 1,200 participants 

house can make their work easier. He 

tested an exoskeleton at German Bionic 

and the PXV from STILL, examined the 

Odyn for automated pallet transport 

from Fraunhofer IML, was interested in 

the K900 dry cleaning robot from KEMA- 

RO, eyed the AGV Mesh-Up and went 

on an Order Picker Safari with a horizontal 

order picker from Crown. 

UP HIGH: SSI SCHAEFER 

SUPPLIES TEST RACKS 

The intralogistics provider SSI 

SCHAEFER was a racking partner of 

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS for 

the first time in 2023. The company 

supplied four racking complexes for 

the test event. The advantage for B2B 

visitors: Handling tests with pallets, 

containers and packages could be 

carried out at the racks under the 

same conditions as in a logistics 

center. 

In the new Order Picker Safari special 

test area, visitors were able to load 

goods from a 13.5-meter-long rack 

onto picking equipment. And in the 

Exoskeleton & Co. special test area, 

parcels had to be stored and retrieved 

in two racks – with visitors allowed to 

try out different lifting and carrying 

aids. In the VDMA‘s AGV Mesh-Up, Automated 

Guided Vehicles performed 

automatic storage and retrieval 

operations with totes on two racks – 

without humans assisting the process. 

The fourth racking complex was the 

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS tower 

in the center of the hall, which served 

as a central meeting point for visitors. 

Conclusion after the TEST CAMP: A 

similar test setup is planned for next 

year. 

Pallet transport of the future: Odyn takes over the job 

Aisle Master from Combilift: Everyone can test it 

15



Christian Baerwolff (Crown) Frank Müller (STILL) Host Peter MacLeod (IFOY Juror) 

PANEL DISCUSSION: WAREHOUSE TRUCKS 

So much to talk about and so little 

time! The stage was graced by a panel 

of four warehouse truck experts comprising: 

Christian Baerwolff, Senior Director 

European Engineering & Product 

Development, Crown; Chad Kritzman, 

Product Manager, Raymond; Martin 

McVicar, Managing Director, Combilift; 

Frank Müller, SVP STILL Brand Management, 

STILL. 

On the most significant developments 

in warehouse trucks over the past decade, 

Müller felt it was in the advent of 

AC technology, interface development, 

instrumentation, safety, sustainability 

and performance in areas such as braking. 

McVicar charted the development 

of the sector alongside the boom in 

eCommerce, which switched the emphasis 

towards order picking and away 

from pallet picking, whilst Kritzman 

noted that this is creating a growing demand 

for operator-assist technologies. 

Looking at the cost of energy, McVicar 

commented: “Smart charging systems 

can minimize some of the energy 

cost, but businesses have to optimize 

everything they do within the warehouse 

cube.” 

When the discussion moved to the 

VDA 5050 common interface standard, 

Müller rued: “In an ideal world, we 

would have VDA 5050 everywhere, so 

that we can connect seamlessly different 

equipment from different manufacturers, 

but I’m afraid that there’s still a 

bit of a way to go.” 

“I hope, too, that VDA 5050 becomes 

successful,” said Baerwolff. “But we see 

CALL FOR MORE OPEN 

SOLUTIONS 

also there are other interfaces for the 

future so we have to adapt our trucks to 

any interface which is requested.” 

The managing director of Combilift, 

Martin McVicar added: “As manufacturers, 

we need to be more open with our 

telemetry, to allow a single service provider 

to do a good job for the customer 

with all our brands.” 

When the conversation swung towards 

the labor shortage, Baerwolff said in the 

future there will 

always be a need 

for human beings. 

“The lack of labor 

is a challenge,” 

agreed Müller. 

“But automation 

is easier said than 

done. It needs to 

be accessible for 

all customers.” 

McVicar had the last word on the 

subject: “We can’t just knock down all 

the existing warehouses and build new 

automated facilities, so there’s going to 

be a hybrid where you’re going to have 

automation with human interaction.” 

Finally, the panel shared their thoughts 

on how warehousing may develop over 

the next decade. Kritzman believes 

that charging will become a lot easier 

thanks to wireless and dynamic charging. 

McVicar spoke about the interaction 

between humans and robotic solutions, 

and said a move to more sustainable 

solutions will mean fewer greenfield 

developments. Muller wondered when a 

robot will ever be able to match the human 

ability to pick individual objects. And 

Baerwolff pondered whether digitization 

could lead to the supply chain becoming 

more joined up, driving efficiency and 

sustainability from end to end. 

Panel discussion about warehouse trucks 

16



Wolfgang Hillinger (DS Automotion) 

Ronan Shen (Libiao Robotics) 

Hakeem Zhu (Hikrobot) 

PANEL DISCUSSION: TECH-TRENDS 

Experts with a broad range of experience 

and specialisms took to the stage 

to discuss the subject of globalization, 

the growing part China is playing in the 

intralogistics sector, and the challenges 

facing manufacturers who wish to grow 

their overseas markets. Representing 

the best of Chinese manufacturing 

were Anthony Chen, Overseas Sales 

Manager of YOUIBOT, Ronan Shen, 

Overseas Sales Director of Libiao 

Robotics, and Hakeem Zhu, Sales 

Director Southern & Eastern Europe 

of Hikrobot. 

They were joined on stage by Wolfgang 

Hillinger, Managing Director of 

DS Automotion, Tim Menapace, Solution 

Architect Connectivity & Process 

Control Solutions for Schaeffler, and 

Prof. Thorsten Schmidt, Holder of 

the Chair of Technical Logistics at 

TU Dresden. 

The discussion kicked off with a talk 

about how the reputation of manufacturers 

from China has grown considerably 

in recent years, which was evident 

in the solutions being displayed and 

demonstrated in Hall 3. It now seems 

a very long time since manufacturers 

from that region were noted for imitation 

rather than innovation. The panel 

discussed how today the tables are 

somewhat turned, with exciting robotics 

technology from China amongst the 

world’s most leading edge. 

NO SUCCESS WITHOUT A 

GOOD SERVICE 

The panellists discussed a wide range of 

subjects, including the approach makers 

of intralogistics systems take to servicing 

their domestic and international markets. 

With regions developing in maturity of 

automated solutions at differing rates, a 

variation in labor availability and the cost 

per square metre of 

warehouse space 

all detracting from 

a ‘one size fits all’ 

solution, the debate 

discussed the 

challenges manufacturers 

have 

to roll out standardized 

solutions 

into these diverse 

markets. 

Looking back over the previous decade, 

the panel discussed the acceleration 

of adoption of robotic solutions in 

China, and the German market was 

also discussed in particular, where labor 

challenges are driving greater levels of 

automation. Therein lies a significant 

opportunity for manufacturers to gain 

market share if they are offering the 

right solution at the right price, the 

panel agreed. 

Pricing is always a challenge, particularly 

for those coming new into an 

overseas market. Also, the discussion 

covered how important it is for overseas 

manufacturers to back up their presence 

with a strong service network, so 

customers can be assured that they are 

entering a long-term relationship with 

their chosen supplier. 

The panel then debated the variation 

in standards across the regions, which 

inevitably, given the high levels of 

connectivity enjoyed by participants in 

the AGV Mesh-Up, led to a conversation 

about connectivity and interface 

matters. Unsurprisingly, the participants 

agreed how favourable it would be to 

work to a single global standard. 

Panel discussion about tech trends 

17



Karin Schoppel (ff Fördersysteme) Maria Beck (Digital Hub Management) Stefanie Nonnenmann (impact media projects) 

PANEL DISCUSSION: START-UPS 

In the panel “IFOY Start-ups: The Secret 

Behind Success,” moderator Stefanie 

Nonnenmann, Senior Editor at impact 

media projects, talked with Maria 

Beck, Managing Director of Digital Hub 

Management GmbH from Digital Hub 

Logistics Dortmund, Sebastian Bienia, 

Co-Founder and CTO of Sentics, and 

Karin Schoppel, Founder and Managing 

Partner of ff Fördersysteme, about 

success strategies for start-ups. 

The main focus was on questions such 

as: How does one proceed strategically? 

What distinguishes intralogistics from 

other sectors of the economy? Where do 

the pitfalls lurk – and what are the secrets 

of success? 

But the central question for start-ups 

should be at the beginning: Which 

customers fit? “Sometimes start-ups still 

have to adapt their business model and 

first find out which niche they fit into,” 

said Maria Beck. The experts at Digital 

Hub Logistics advise digital teams at medium-sized 

companies on setting 

up digital business. 

INVESTOR MUST BELIEVE 

IN IDEAS 

The big plus for start-ups is their flexibility. 

Quick response and problem solving 

characterize the work of start-ups and 

often give them an advantage in competition 

with established companies. 

However, there are also some challenges 

for start-ups.For example, Sebastian 

Biena found the search for the right 

contacts particularly challenging: who 

do you approach and how in order to 

succeed? “The higher management 

level is crucial,” he concludes. 

His start-up Sentics was nominated for 

the IFOY AWARD with the first optical 

AI-based real-time localization system 

for industrial applications. In addition 

to establishing contacts, the topic of financing 

also plays a major role for him: 

“It takes an investor who believes in the 

idea,” Biena said. 

The situation is different for Karin 

Schoppel. Her start-up, with a patented 

3D conveyor and drive system, is also 

nominated for the IFOY AWARD. However, 

the niche solution is mostly self-financed. 

Therefore, the costs are more 

scalable. She said, “Funding is hugely 

important for us. However, getting 

these is difficult.” 

To keep an overview in the start-up 

jungle, Maria Beck advised above all: 

“Don’t let yourself be exploited or lose 

focus!” The service provided must also 

be remunerated and the running costs 

must be covered. Also helpful, in her 

experience, is a clear business case and 

expertise. And above all, “accept help. If 

I realize I can’t do something, I need to 

seek out sources of information.” 

Sebastian Biena (Sentics) 

Panel discussion about start-ups 

18

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Work 

simply 

easier 

The two special test areas Exoskeleton & Co. and 

the Order Picker Safari proved to be visitor 

magnets at TEST CAMP 2023. 

BY MELANIE WACK 

Testing, trying out, driving and 

experiencing live – this is the focus 

of the third edition of TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS. In 2023, another 

focus has been added: the topic 

of ergonomics. But of course not without 

testing! The test arena Exoskeleton & Co. 

offered a mix of lifting and carrying aids. 

Users, suppliers and scientists demonstrated 

how employees can be supported in the 

warehouse. 

Exhibitors included: the Fraunhofer Institute 

for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), German 

Bionic with their solution at Dachser, hTRIUS 

together with the Geis Group, Hunic, Japet, 

NeoLog and Predimo. 

The seven manufacturers, two users and 

scientists demonstrated, answered visitors' 

questions and showed how lifting and carrying 

with a support feels. 

B2B visitors were able to feel how the solutions 

work in practice on two shelving walls 

and by tackling a course on their own bodies. 

At the start-up Predimo, those interested in 

ergonomics were able to have their individual 

muscle strain measured and, based on the 

results, received customized recommendations 

for action for ergonomically optimized 

and efficient work processes. As a special 

highlight, the exoskeleton area also offered 

practical experiences from users. Logistics 

service providers such as the Geis Group 

showed which means they already use to 

relieve employees in the warehouse. 

The company Neolog showed that sometimes 

even simple steps can make the process 

much easier for employees. 

But what will the workplaces of the future 

look like? This is exactly what the exhibitors 

discussed in a panel on March 30 with 

moderator Victor Kaupe, Head of Transportation, 

Incoming Goods & Projects BASF 

Coatings (see box). The participants learned 

about the challenges facing the sector and 

the solutions that are already making work 

easier today. 

20



Panel discussion Exoskeleton & Co. 

How jobs will change in the future 

Ergonomic aids in everyday life 

In addition to the newly introduced Exoskeletons 

& Co. special test area, the Order Picker 

Safari was also a visitor magnet for experts 

in order picking equipment. The Order Picker 

Safari focused on order picking. Horizontal order 

pickers from various manufacturers were 

available for testing on an area of around 

400 square meters. Here, participants were 

able to perform driving and work tests. On a 

13.5-meter-long rack, they were able to test 

different devices for picking processes. 

Lifting and lowering heavy loads in 

logistics can cause long-term damage if 

the wrong posture is adopted. Exoskeletons 

promise help: What logisticians 

should pay attention to when integrating 

exoskeletons was the central topic of the 

panel "Exoskeleton & Co. – how jobs will 

change in the future". Moderator Victor 

Kaupe, Head of Transport, Incoming 

Goods & Projects BASF Coatings, knows 

what he's talking about - because his 

company has been conducting its own 

study on the topic since 2021. The interim 

conclusion is revealing: It takes voluntariness, 

time and individuality. 

This is also the view of the participants in 

the panel discussion. At the Geis Group, 

for example, several attempts were necessary. 

First, an active exoskeleton was 

used: "We quickly realized that wasn't 

right for us," explains Christoph Krieg, 

head of innovation management. Now the 

company relies on the passive exoskeletons 

from hTRIUS, because for hTRIUS 

Managing Director Dominik Heinzelmann, 

the main focus is on practicality. 

Semhar Kinne, a research assistant at 

Fraunhofer IML, knows what options 

logistics experts have in general to 

improve workplaces ergonomically. 

For her, the focus is on education. She 

is certain: "A lot can be improved with 

simple means." Panelist Christian Schulz, 

managing partner of NeoLog, agrees: "The 

entire process must be considered. If the 

workplace is not right, an exoskeleton is 

of no use," says Schulz. 

In contrast to Germany, ergonomics in the 

workplace has long been the subject of 

research in France. Tabea Müller, product 

specialist at Japet, believes that the 

results can also be helpful for Germany. 

For her, the most important thing is that 

companies know which parts of their employees' 

bodies are under stress. And that 

is precisely the goal of Predimo. Sensors 

are used to identify the body regions that 

are currently being stressed. For Adrian 

Bühring, Head of Ergonomics at Predimo, 

one thing is certain: "People are the focus, 

and companies need to be aware of that." 

For some skilled workers, the exoskeleton 

can be the decisive reason for 

applying: "Applicants see that I am being 

taken care of here," explains Jonas Mast, 

Managing Director of Hunic. And Roberto 

di Marco, Sales Manager at German Bionic, 

emphasizes: "In the warehouse, there 

must be a fusion of classic and modern 

aids. After all, what good is it if later there 

is no one left who can drive the classic 

industrial truck?" 

21



TESTCAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS INNOVATIONS TO TOUCH 

NEUTRAL TESTING, HANDS-ON TESTING AND NETWORKING WITH LOGISTICS DECISION MAKERS 

Feedback 

Testing innovations, discussing with experts and making new 

contacts: B2B trade visitors but also exhibitors report how they 

benefited from TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS and why they want 

to come again. 

BY STEFANIE NONNENMANN AND MELANIE WACK 

Managing Director, TALKE-EMMERICH 

Dirk Emmerich 

I really enjoyed TEST CAMP INTRA- 

LOGISTICS. We had the chance to 

meet very interesting companies 

and we saw interesting solutions. 

We had a lot of interesting discussions 

with specialists – not only with 

sales guys but with engineers and 

professional software developers. In 

total, it was a positive event for us. 

Intralogistics and IT Planning, 

Fraunhofer IML 

Linda Wings 

Country Manager Austria, Hungary and Switzerland, Cascade 

Bajtay Tamás 

Mainly the conversations are really deep and technical. For 

us it is important to see what is the future need of companies. 

And TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS is a really good 

place to get informations. 

Minister of Economics 

of North Rhine-Westphalia 

Mona Neubaur 

It makes a fundamental 

difference if devices are 

only visible, but can be tested 

themselves. This makes the 

TEST CAMP, which is taking 

place in Dortmund for the 

third time, unique. 

I really liked the last two 

days. We had good contact 

with new companies 

and also different sizes of 

companies. There are a lot 

of start-ups here at TEST 

CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 

and it’s a great chance to 

get in contact with different 

people and different 

technologies. 

And that’s where we are 

going deeper. 

22



General Manager, HWACHANG 

Sky Chen 

The atmosphere is really professional. 

It isn’t so noisy and crowded and 

a good background for people, to 

communicate with each other easily. 

Also the selected products are very 

interesting and innovative. This is less 

stressful for me because I can clearly 

see the different innovations in a very 

compact space. 

CPO and Co-Founder, Synaos 

Dr. Lennart 

Bochmann 

For me TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTCS 

is great, because I can talk to partners 

about important topics we 

have. We also invited customers and 

they can have a look at our partners. 

We can see where the businesses 

are developing. We also have 

prospects coming to TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS. So there are really 

good conversations. 

Technical Officer, 

ANIMA Confindustria 

Federico 

Lucarelli 

I’m very pleased to be here. 

The impression is that every 

year, the TEST CAMP is 

much more focused on the 

digital transformation of the 

machines. It’s a very nice 

experience. 

Productmanager, Bosch Rexroth 

Lukas Liebrenz 

For us it was the first TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS. We didn’t know, 

what to expect – but we had so many 

good level conversations and this is 

really important for our partnerships 

and for building up an ecosystem of 

contacts in this intralogistics area. 

Because of that we will be part in the 

AGV Mesh-Up next year for sure. 

Managing Director, 

Continua Systems 

Thomas 

Nagel 

It was a really great day 

and it was super exiting 

to see different AGV 

manufacturers together 

with companies that 

provide fleet management 

software working 

together. 

Head of Logistics, 

Reisenthel Accessoires 

Wolfgang 

Niedermeier 

I like coming here because it’s 

always exciting to see what’s new 

in logistics, what’s changing again 

every year, what the trends are 

– and above all, with what new 

ideas start-ups are coming onto 

the market. 

23



Sustainable? 

BY THILO JÖRGL 

Sure! 

With TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS, the organizers 

are setting new standards in terms of sustainability: 

fundamental measures reduce resource consumption 

and give rise to a new, environmentally friendly 

event format for the logistics industry. 

Focus on reusability and recycling: The modular stand system made of aluminum trusses can be used as often as desired and the red trade 

show carpet is completely granulated after use. It is then reused as a secondary raw material. 

For the third time, TEST 

CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 

has opened its doors at 

Messe Dortmund. With 

the testing event, which 

took place from March 29 to 30, 

2023, the organizers are breaking 

new ground in the event business. 

It is no longer just about 

hands-on testing of the best intralogistics 

innovations. The organizer 

has made sustainability a 

principle and taken a number of 

drastic measures to effectively 

conserve resources. The focus is 

on reusability and recycling, the 

use of regenerative energies, and 

above all the fundamental renunciation 

of equipment that is not 

absolutely necessary. The goal 

is to launch a new, sustainable 

event format in logistics. 

"Everyone knows that the material 

battles of the past no longer 

fit the times. We don't want to 

keep building for the dustbin, 

but create awareness that things 

can be done differently. That's 

why we are consistently moving 

in the direction of environmental 

sustainability and thus want 

to add a new, sustainable format 

to the event landscape. The focus 

of TEST CAMP INTRALOGIS- 

TICS is innovation, not decoration. 

I am convinced that we are 

preaching to the logistics industry 

with our focus on innovation 

and sustainability," emphasizes 

Anita Würmser, jury chairwoman 

of the IFOY AWARD, adding: "Both 

visitors and the exhibiting companies 

and service providers will 

benefit from our measures: they 

will improve their own environmental 

footprint and that of their 

companies." 

In the area of reusability and 

recycling, the organizer relies, 

among other things, on a modular 

reusable stand concept. Individual 

stand construction is not 

permitted and only technically 

necessary equipment is located 

on the test areas. Only reusable 

trusses made of aluminum are 

used for the standardized company 

boxes. The modular box 

system and its entire equipment, 

including LED lighting, company 

branding and rental furniture, is 

standardized and can be used 

as often as desired. Sturdy grids 

are used to demarcate the driving 

areas, and reusable Chep 

pallets and containers are available 

for test drives. The exhibition 

carpet is fully granulated 

after use and then reused as a 

secondary raw material. Truss- 

24



es are also used in the congress 

area on the Main Stage. 

The organization of event logistics 

from a single source ensures 

short distances and efficient 

transport, minimum water 

consumption and maximum conservation 

of resources. The central 

control of material logistics 

for the assembly of the test areas 

and boxes shortens the assembly 

in the 10,000 square meter 

hall, which is fully booked, 

to one and a half days, and the 

dismantling is completed in just 

four hours. 

A big plus is the accessibility of 

the location. The official Mercure 

event hotel on the exhibition 

grounds is within walking distance 

of the hall, as is the Westfalenhallen 

subway stop. The hotel 

also participates in the Planet 

21 sustainability program. In addition, 

100 percent of the energy 

for the TEST CAMP comes from 

green electricity. 

Even the choice of venue paid 

off in terms of the IFOY organization's 

environmental goals. As 

awarded the Westfalenhallen the 

European Solar Prize in 2005 in 

the category "Owner or operator 

of photovoltaic systems". 

In recent years, the Westfalenhallen 

Group has implemented 

numerous individual measures 

to use energy sparingly. These 

include: the installation of combined 

heat and power plants, the 

WE DON'T WANT TO KEEP BUILDING 

FOR THE DUSTBIN, BUT CREATE 

AWARENESS THAT THINGS CAN BE 

DONE DIFFERENTLY. 

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS is 

held as part of the IFOY TEST 

DAYS of the International Intralogistics 

and Forklift Truck of the 

Year (IFOY) AWARD. It enables intralogistics 

decision-makers to 

experience innovations live and 

test them themselves. In addition 

to the products and solutions of 

the IFOY finalists, a limited number 

of third-party exhibitors with 

innovations were admitted for 

the third time in 2023. The exhibitors 

cover the entire spectrum of 

in-plant logistics – from forklifts 

to autonomous mobile robots 

(AMR) and software to holistic 

automation projects for high-performance 

warehouses. 

Catering is also centrally organized. 

Exhibitors and guests use 

the hall restaurant for catering. 

Individual stand catering and disposable 

tableware are prohibited. 

early as 2006, the Westfalenhallen 

were certified as an environmentally 

friendly Ökoprofit 

company. Since 2014, they have 

also supported the sustainability 

code "fairpflichtet" of the German 

event industry. Four exhibition 

halls, including Hall 3 used by the 

TEST CAMP, are equipped with a 

photovoltaic system. Eurosolar 

installation and use of heat recovery 

systems, a roof renovation 

with thermal insulation and 

the conversion of the ventilation 

control in all halls to carbon dioxide 

sensor technology. 

The Westfalenhallen in 

Dortmund were already 

certified as an environmentally 

friendly 

Ökoprofit company in 

2006. Four halls, 

including Hall 3, where 

the TEST CAMP takes 

place, are equipped with 

a photovoltaic system. 

25



Stress Test 

for the 

VDA 5050 

Take 11 companies, 500 square 

meters of space, nine vehicles, a 5G campus 

network and mix it all together – the 

AGV Mesh-Up is ready. 

BY MELANIE WACK 

Successful live test: Nine vehicles from different manufacturers communicate with each other. 

With the largest 

and most complex 

scenario to 

date in Dortmund 

at the TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS 11 companies 

tested the VDA 5050 communication 

interface live in front 

of an audience. Given the short 

setup and commissioning time 

of just two days in Dortmund, this 

year's AGV Mesh-Up was a real 

stress test, which Bosch Rexroth, 

DS Automotion GmbH, ek robotics, 

Fraunhofer IML, Grenzebach, 

KINEXON, MLR System, Omron, 

SAFELOG, Siemens and STILL 

successfully took on. "The short 

commissioning phase on site 

was therefore preceded by all 

the more intensive preparation 

and coordination with all project 

participants," explains Hannes 

Bell, Project Manager at KINEXON, 

one of the software managers 

responsible for the AGV Mesh-Up. 

The AGV Mesh-Up took place 

for the third time as part of the 


Dortmund. The live test helps 

VDMA member companies and 

THE BACKGROUND TO THE EXPERIMENT IS, 

THAT IN THE SMART FACTORY OF THE FUTURE, 

MACHINES WILL COMMUNICATE WITH EACH 

OTHER WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. 

research institutes to test the 

practical implementation of the 

VDA 5050 communication interface 

and share the state of the 

art with customer industries. 

VDA 5050 ensures interoperability 

of Automated Guided Vehicles 

(AGVs) – regardless of vehicle 

design and manufacturer, the 

interface makes it possible to 

operate vehicles together under 

one master control. However, 

vehicle-specific features and 

software-side integration must 

be closely coordinated between 

the vehicle manufacturer and 

the master control provider. "A 

small comparison: if VDA 5050 

is the German language, there 

are still quite a few dialects and 

dialects that make common un- 

26



Minister Mona Neubauer at the Mesh-Up. 

derstanding difficult. That's why 

the close exchange and joint definition 

of properties are so important. 

With the AGV Mesh-Up, we have 

shown that 11 different suppliers 

can achieve this," emphasizes Bell. 

Coordination between automated 

guided vehicles (AGVs) in warehouses 

and production is becoming 

increasingly important. 

Because while the number of material 

transports is increasing, the 

available space is not. In addition, 

the complexity increases when 

different vehicles from different 

manufacturers are to be used in 

a fleet. 

The vehicle variety also increased 

the level of difficulty during the live 

test. In addition to five underride vehicles 

and a mobile robot, this time 

there were also three fork-lift devices 

on the common driving surface, 

demonstrating storage and 

retrieval processes on two racks 

installed for this purpose. The 

underride units operated various 

pick-up and unloading stations. In 

the process, all vehicles shared the 

routes and coordinated approach- 

Knowledge transfer: AGV experts talk shop at the Mesh-Up. 

27



es, turns, and load pick-up and 

drop-off with the master control 

system via VDA 5050. 

The AGV Mesh-Up celebrated 

another premiere with the 5G 

Campus network, which Nokia 

provided especially for the live 

test. With this, Nokia ensured the 

radio connection of the vehicles 

reliably and with short latency 

times. 

"All project stakeholders pulled 

together as a team to make the 

AGV Mesh-Up possible. Thanks 

to the great and open cooperation 

of the project teams involved, 

all vehicles were always 

reliably on the road in the end 

and provided the audience with 

the hoped-for glimpse of what is 

technically possible today," said 

a delighted Sascha Schmel, Managing 

Director of the VDMA Materials 

Handling and Intralogistics 

Association. 

For the first time, the AGV Mesh- 

Up 2021 demonstrated the implementation 

of the VDA 5050 

interface live, providing proof of 

its practicality. 2022 was tested 

with the latest version to date 

and more vehicles. 2023 marked 

the culmination of the previous 

test scenarios. The test was conducted 

with version 2.0.0 of VDA 

5050, which reflects the current 

development status. It was published 

in February 2022 and replaces 

version 1.1. 

The necessary and optional parameters 

for an automated guided 

vehicle (AGV) are now clearly 

defined. These must be communicated 

in advance by the FTF to 

the control system with the aid 

of a factsheet (part of VDA 5050 

V2.0.0). In addition to changes to 

the order acceptance logic and 

adjustments to the mandatory 

notation of enumerations, corrections 

to the permissible characters 

and field lengths have also 

been implemented, among other 

things. 

The increasing automation and 

networking of intralogistics solutions 

already led to the special 

collaboration between AGV users, 

control system providers and 

AGV manufacturers coordinated 

by the German Association of the 

Automotive Industry (VDA) and 

the VDMA Materials Handling and 

Intralogistics Association in 2017. 

The project team has since been 

working on the development of 

a communication interface. With 

VDA 5050, vehicles and control 

systems can communicate with 

each other regardless of manufacturer. 

Now, the German Association 

for Materials Handling and 

Intralogistics has also founded 

the Intralogistics-2X working 

group to develop interface topics 

in intralogistics with suppliers 

and users alike. Standardized 

interface protocols can support 

suppliers and users in making 

projects more flexible. The 

new Intralogistics-2X working 

group is dedicated to precisely 

these topics for intralogistics. 

"2X stands for the interoperability 

of automated guided vehicles 

(AGVs), mobile robots and other 

intralogistics systems with each 

other and with the application 

environment," explains Sascha 

Schmel, Managing Director of the 

VDMA trade association. 

Interview 

Andreas Drost, CEO MLR System GmbH 

How did the 

commissioning go? 

The commissioning went smoothly. 

We had the opportunity to test 

our software with the control station 

manufacturers in advance. 

And we had the additional advantage 

of already having VDA 5050 

in use in two plants. So we were 

well prepared. But the other participants 

were also well prepared. 

And from that point of view, it was 

actually a piece of cake. 

How has the demand situation 

developed with regard to 

VDA 5050? 

The customer spectrum has 

expanded significantly compared 

to when we started. When VDA 

5050 came up, it was mainly the 

automotive industry that asked 

questions, was the initiator and 

drove the development. In the 

meantime, however, we have 

reached the point where inquiries 

are coming from all industries 

and the regions from which the 

inquiries are coming are also 

becoming more diverse. Inquiries 

from Switzerland, Austria, and so 

on, are also normal. So it's not a 

German issue, but an international 

one. 

How does MLR proceed with 

the topic of VDA 5050? 

We are in continuous development 

and adaptation. But we 

have also changed our processes 

when we commission plants. 

This is a very important topic, 

because of course the distribution 

of roles and responsibilities has 

also changed. In this respect, we 

have not only made technological 

adjustments, but have also 

developed further as a company 

and adapted the processes. 

28

Working Group Intralogistics-2X 

It‘s up to you! 

vdma.org/intralogistics 

VDMA Working Group 

Intralogistics-2X 

2X stands for interoperability possibilities 

of AGV, AMR and other intralogistics 

systems with each other and with 

the application environment. This is 

exactly what we want to rethink and 

develop with you! 

VDMA DesignStudio Shutterstock 

Do you know the VDA 5050? How 

would it be if you could actively help 

shape this and other development 

topics? The working group is looking 

for participants from the fields of 

production logistics, e-commerce or 

logistics services. Your user expertise 

is in demand. 

For more information please contact 

intralogistics-2x@vdma.org or visit us 

online at vdma.org/intralogistics.



A 

Real 

Festival 

The IFOY AWARD is breaking new ground: 

For the first time, it is cooperating with the 

TRANSFER.FESTIVAL in Dortmund. Why this 

combination is a perfect match. 

BY THILO JÖRGL 

Premiere for the IFOY AWARD: The 

world’s largest intralogistics award 

cooperates with the TRANSFER.FES- 

TIVAL of the Digital.Hub Logistics and 

the Fraunhofer Institute for Logistics 

and Material Flow IML. Before the IFOY AWARD 

Night 2023 begins on June 22 at 6 p.m. in 

the Dortmunder U, IFOY AWARD finalists and 

festival participants will actively shape two 

sessions on the topics of automation and sustainability 

on the premises of Fraunhofer IML 

– freely following the festival motto “make, 

transfer, network.” 

Between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., festival participants 

can choose from a total of 14 sessions 

– including trend topics such as blockchain 

or open source in logistics. The special feature: 

Instead of PowerPoint slides and frontline 

PA, innovative, interactive formats such 

as debates or fish bowls await. “We want to 

inspire knowledge transfer from science to 

business and vice versa. That doesn’t work 

with a marathon lecture, but only interactively 

in discussion. Knowledge is required here, but 

also the courage to express an opinion,” emphasizes 

Anita Würmser, Executive Jury Chairwoman 

of the IFOY AWARD. The third edition of 

the TRANSFER.FESTIVAL will be enriched by 

lab tours that offer exclusive insights behind 

the scenes at Fraunhofer IML. Developments 

such as exoskeletons and autonomous mobile 

robots (AMR) will be demonstrated. During the 

lunch break with live music, there will be the 

opportunity for intensive networking. 

At 6 p.m., the festive IFOY AWARD Night will 

start at the Dortmunder U with the 2023 finalists 

and invited guests from business, science, 

politics and the media. More than 250 guests 

from seven countries are expected to attend 

the celebration in the historic former brewing 

tower of Dortmund’s Union Brewery. During the 

awards ceremony, the secret will be revealed 

as to which of the 23 nominated devices and 

solutions in a total of seven categories will 

receive the award. After dinner, the quartet 

“Endless – Unplugged & More” will warm up the 

audience with rock and pop classics until midnight. 

Weather permitting, visitors will have the 

opportunity to toast the nominees and winners 

with cool summer drinks on the terrace. 

TRANSFER.FESTIVAL: Two slots rock the 

IFOY AWARD 

Sustainability – the emperor’s green clothes? 

Time: 10.00 – 12.00, Format: Fish-Bowl, Moderation: 

Anita Würmser, Thilo Jörgl 

Automation – or what is the alternative? Time: 

14.45 – 16.45 Format: Fish Bowl: Moderation in 

English language: Jana Jost 

30



Interview 

Maria Beck, Managing Director 

Digital Hub Management GmbH 

Maria Beck, for the first time, the 

IFOY AWARD is cooperating with the 

TRANSFER.FESTIVAL, which is organized 

by the Digital Hub Logistics and 

Fraunhofer IML. Why was the former 

founded? 

Maria Beck: The Digital Hubs are based 

on an initiative of the industry association 

of the German information and 

telecommunications sector, bitkom for 

short. The Digital Hub Logistics was one 

of the first hubs announced in 2017. It is 

one of a total of a dozen digital hubs of 

the Federal Ministry of Economics and 

Technology. We network representatives 

from business, startups, scientists 

and multipliers to drive innovations in 

the fields of logistics, IT and production. 

To this end, we have developed various 

formats such as the TRANSFER.FESTI- 

VAL and the Start-In Factory. 

What has been the experience so far? 

The atmosphere was good – and that 

was not only due to the weather and 

the catering. The different target groups 

were happy to engage with the new format 

both times. 

Why should you definitely visit this 

year‘s festival – what content and highlights 

await visitors on June 22? 

We again have numerous partners and 

an exciting agenda with top topics such 

as artificial intelligence, circular economy, 

open source, agile working – and 

with the IFOY AWARD also automation 

and sustainability. 

Dortmund – that’s the home of the 

Fraunhofer IML, the Digital Hub Logistics 

and the Festival. In which areas is 

the city particularly innovative? 

In addition to the Max Planck Institute 

for Molecular Physiology and companies 

and institutes in the field of biotechnology, 

it’s the research and development 

activities in the areas of 

logistics, IT and production. The TU has 

a major focus here. In addition, there are 

the two Fraunhofer Institutes and, since 

2022, the Lamarr Institute for Machine 

Learning and Artificial Intelligence. 

Support for start-ups is also excellent: 

the TU’s Center for Entrepreneurship & 

Transfer, or CET for short, helps founders 

implement business ideas. 

Festival sounds like relaxed people, 

cool music and cool drinks. Does that 

also apply to this festival? 

Well, sure. We’ll also have a band performing 

– and cool drinks and food 

trucks on what we hope will be a sunny 

June day. But there’s more: the transfer 

of knowledge from many research projects. 

But we don’t want any long-winded 

PowerPoint presentations, so we’ve 

created the slogan: “no lectures, just 

workshops”. In the mornings and afternoons, 

visitors can choose one of seven 

parallel sessions – in the style of different 

stages and areas at a music festival. 

The festival at the Fraunhofer IML 

premises also offers the opportunity 

to come into the labs and the “sacred 

experimental halls“. What are the highlights 

from your point of view? 

Visitors will see what is at the forefront 

of logistics research: autonomous 

mobile robots of the LoadRunner type, 

the outdoor robot “Odyn” for automated 

pallet transport, virtual reality 

glasses, the Picking Lab and the Exoskeleton 

Lab. 

Research is one thing – but how strong 

is the logistics industry in Dortmund? 

There are more than 900 companies in 

the logistics sector in Dortmund, employing 

around 27,000 people. Wellknown 

companies such as IKEA, Amazon 

and Rhenus have settled here in 

the logistics sector. The hidden champion 

Wilo built its digital factory here. 

And Zalando has moved its data scientists 

into a building on Lake Phoenix. 

Leading companies in automation and 

intralogistics can also be found in Dortmund: 

Swisslog, SSI Schäfer, Vanderlande 

and PSI are examples. 

31

Developing solutions for tomorrow‘s logistics 

• Cutting-edge research in logistics 

• Innovative businesses 

• Substantial startup ecosystem

More Information!



IFOY TEST CERT 

IT IS NOT ONLY THE WORLD'S LARGEST INTRALOGISTICS TEST, BUT ALSO THE TOUGHEST. 

AT THE IFOY TEST DAYS AT THE DORTMUND EXHIBITION CENTER, 23 PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS 

FROM 21 IFOY FINALISTS UNDERWENT A MULTI-STAGE TEST PROCEDURE. STEFFEN BERSCH, 

CEO OF SSI SCHAEFER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE VDMA MATERIALS HANDLING 

AND INTRALOGISTICS ASSOCIATION, AND IFOY JURY CEO ANITA WÜRMSER PRESENTED THE 

AUDIT CERTIFICATES. 

34



Only those innovations that pass the IFOY Audit, 

are awarded the "Best Intralogistics" seal: AGILOX, Combilift, 

Continental, Crown, DS AUTOMOTION, HIKROBOT, 

IdentPro, Jungheinrich, Kemaro, Libiao Robotics, 

Mobile Easykey, NIMMSTA, Raymond, STILL, 

Volume Lagersysteme, Youibot Robotics 

as well the Start-Ups Loady, 

ff Fördersysteme, HUNIC, 

Predimo and Sentics. 

Congrats to all! 

35



Jury examines the nominees: 

5 minute presentation each, 

then individual 

testing. 

The IFOY Innovation 

Check team 

HOW IFOY TESTS 

Since 2013, products and solutions have been 

competing for the IFOY AWARD. The categories 

range from counterbalanced trucks and warehouse 

technology equipment to AGVs, robots and software 

for intralogistics. The path to an IFOY AWARD is 

arduous indeed. In a multi-stage process, applicants 

must first clear the nomination hurdle before they 

are admitted to the IFOY TEST DAYS, which take 

place at the Messe Dortmund exhibition center. 

There, the three-part IFOY Audit awaits the finalists. 

The jury of the 

IFOY AWARD on their 

highlight tour. 

1. THE IFOY TEST 

The audit starts with the practice-oriented IFOY 

Test, conducted by Dutch trade journalist Theo 

Egberts, who maintains the largest comparative 

database of independent test data in Europe. 

Regarded as the benchmark for industrial trucks, 

the test compares the nominees with their relevant 

competitors. The vehicles undergo individuallytailored 

driving or functional tests, including the 

IFOY Test protocol, which comprises around 

80 criteria and includes, among other things 

factors such as economy and energy efficiency, 

sustainability, safety and ergonomics of the 

nominated products and solutions. 

2. THE IFOY 

INNOVATION CHECK 

The innovation value is one of the essential 

evaluation criteria for the jurors. To assess the value 

of an innovation from the technological standpoint, 

a technology comparison with the market 

standards is necessary. 

Innovation checker 

Martin Anders (m.). 

36



Before TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 

For two days, the IFOY jurors from 

opens to visitors, entry is 

limited to the jury and 

test teams. 

19 countries inform and 

discuss with each other 

in the testing hall. 

The Best-in-Intralogistics 

certificate is the visible sign of 

the high degree of innovation of 

the nominated equipment and 

solutions. Only the innovations 

that have faced the IFOY Audit are 

allowed to carry the seal. 

3. THE JURY TEST 

The audit traditionally concludes with the evaluation 

of the finalists by the jurors and their approved 

advisors. The jury members, trade journalists from 

all over the world, are not only presented with all 

the results of the IFOY Test and the scientific IFOY 

Innovation Check for their voting, but also test them 

themselves. 

Jury session #3: The 

tester team presents the 

results. 

This is te content of the scientific IFOY Innovation 

Check, part two of the audit. Scientists from 

Fraunhofer IML and the Technical Universities 

in Dresden and Munich assessed the finalists in 

terms of market relevance, customer benefits, 

type of execution and degree of innovation. 

The innovations of the products mentioned 

by the manufacturers in their brochures and 

presentations are traced on site by means of visual 

inspections and with the aid of a functional test. 

IFOY test reporter 

and jury member 

Winfried Bauer (l.). 

37 

IFOY chief tester 

Theo Egberts.



Very Irish 

Articulated on top 

Name 

IFOY Category 

COMBILIFT, Aisle-Master OP 

Warehouse Truck "highlifter" 

TEST REPORT. Combilift is in the final of the IFOY AWARD 

with the Aisle-Master OP, in short AME-OP. The order picking 

truck with articulated mast has been developed for use 

in narrow aisles and is available with load capacities of 

1.5 to 2 tonnes and lift heights of up to 12.1 meters. 

The concept of the Aisle-Master is not new. The articulated mast 

truck was once introduced as an alternative to reach trucks. Thanks 

to its unique steering and drive system, its striking appearance is 

definitely advantageous in narrow aisles. Compared to the average 

reach truck, the aisle width can be as much as 80 centimeters 

narrower. In some cases, the Aisle-Master even performs its work in 

aisles no wider than 1.75 meters. The concept is particularly popular 

in the UK, but articulated mast trucks are also used elsewhere. 

With the Aisle-Master OP, Combilift offers a new application for this 

type of truck. OP stands for Order Picker, and this is exactly what 

the IFOY truck is designed for. Since the operator must get on and 

off the truck regularly to pick orders, the cab is equipped with a 

stand-up seat. A comfortable cushion supports the operator while 

38



VERDICT OF THE INNOVATION CHECK 

The Aisle-Master OP has a very robust and exemplary design 

and surprises with its high stability despite the articulated arm 

principle. An IFOY candidate that will inspire the target group in 

its market. The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free 

of charge at www.ifoy.org. 

Market relevance + 

Customer benefit ++ 

Novelty / Innovation 

Ø 

Functionality / Type of implementation + 

++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / - less / -- not available 

driving and the high position allows a good 

view of the load and direction of travel. 

During the test drive, it is evident that the 

operation of the Aisle-Master takes some 

getting used to. Loading and unloading 

pallets requires both steering and driving 

movements. Joystick operation for driving 

is a combination of moving the joystick 

and pressing “unlock” for driving. Steering 

is relatively predictable thanks to the new 

steering system, which uses a hydraulic 

cylinder and chains for overall control. 

of the truck. Picking works faster this 

way than if the operator has to hop on 

and off from a seated position. However, 

to enter and exit on the right side, the 

joystick controls must first be raised. 

This multifunctional, programmable 

joystick control for all hydraulic functions 

and traction replaces the mechanical 

levers of the “normal” Aisle-Master. 

The joystick is adjustable and allows 

a comfortable and ergonomic working 

position for operators of all sizes. 

IFOY test verdict: The Aisle-Master OP 

is the first stand-up order picker with an 

articulated mast. The stacker can also be 

used as a high lift truck or reach truck in 

narrow aisles. However, smooth operation 

requires an experienced operator. In this 

case, effective pallet handling in very narrow 

aisles can be achieved with the Aisle-Master. 

The low, obstacle-free entry and exit of 

only 280 millimeters allows easy and 

safe entry with one step on either side 

The display is also different. The touch 

display of the Aisle-Master OP shows all 

important forklift information briefly. 

39



Name Crown, SP 1500 



With its SP 1500, 

Crown is setting new 

standards in order 

picking applications. 

Bench 

MARK 

40




Crown's SP 1500 convinces in every respect and 

is ahead in the market comparison. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available 

free of charge at www.ifoy.org. 



Novelty / Innovation + 

Functionality / Type of implementation ++ 

++ very good / + good / Ø balanced/ - less / -- not available 

TEST REPORT. The SP 1500 is Crown's latest 

high-lift order picker. It offers a load capacity 

of up to 1,250 kilograms, driving speeds of 

up to 12 km/h and a maximum lift speed of 

0.71 m/s at lift heights of up to 11.2 meters. 

To meet market demands, Crown redesigned 

the entire platform based on feedback from 

250 customer surveys worldwide. The result 

is greater comfort, better handling, and more 

customization options for users. The only 

element in the cab that has not changed 

is the Gena system, although the display 

now runs a new generation of software. 

Thanks to the Work Assist Rail, numerous 

customized solutions allow the operator to 

set up the workstation entirely as desired. 

In the current configuration, however, this 

is only possible with tools. The safety 

doors that provide access to the booth 

have been renewed and are now easier to 

operate. The cab itself is 150 millimeters 

higher so that even tall operators do not feel 

trapped as quickly or hindered by peripheral 

equipment attached to the Work Assist. 

For the first time in high lift trucks, Crown 

offers the option of a dual configuration that 

allows the operator to control the truck from 

either side of the cab. The controls feature 

active sensing: When the right-hand control 

unit is gripped, the left-hand unit will be 

automatically activated. Thanks to the clever 

positioning of the controls, all hydraulic 

functions can be operated in a single movement. 

The steering wheel is tiltable and can 

be adjusted and operated in both horizontal 

(European) and vertical position (standard in 

the USA). The two control units on the mast 

side are also height-adjustable. Also new 

are the bright LED lights on the sides of the 

cabin contours. These illuminate the picking 

positions in the often dark aisles and give the 

operator an even better view of the goods. 

During the IFOY test drive, it is obvious that 

visibility is optimized to an unprecedented 

degree on the SP 1500. A standard center 

window, unique to these trucks, provides 

unsurpassed downward visibility even from 

great heights. Two large viewing windows 

are also present on the fork side, while the 

cab floor features grilles that provide optimal 

visibility without requiring the operator to 

leave the safe contours of the truck. For the 

first time on high-lift order pickers, Crown 

has also included a panoramic skylight 

that also optimizes upward visibility. 

The IFOY test team would have liked to have 

seen the central lift cylinder also replaced 

with two cylinders recessed into the mast 

for even better visibility during the extensive 

visibility optimization. According to 

Crown, this will be considered in a future 

optimization. In addition, a central cylinder 

that is up to 100 millimetres shorter than 

the previous one would be sufficient now. 

Another improvement expected in future 

forklift models, especially in Europe, is 

a footplate that acts as a dead man's 

switch as a whole. At present, the SP 

1500 is equipped with a large dead man's 

button, which is also much more convenient 

than that of its predecessor. 

Another innovation is found under the battery 

cover. In addition to 24-volt units, Crown now 

supplies the SP 1500 with 48-volt batteries 

(from 432 Ah to 960 Ah). For example, for 

application situations where a higher residual 

capacity is required or a longer operating 

time is needed. The 48-volt batteries significantly 

increase the truck's performance 

and enable, among other things, high-performance 

lifting. Here, the lifting speed 

increases to up to 0.71 m/s. The standard 

lifting speed is already 0.58 m/s, which is 

well above the market average. Another 

standard feature is regenerative lowering 

of the mast for greater energy efficiency. 

IFOY test verdict: The SP 1500 high-lift 

order picker is the new standard for efficient 

order picking. Visibility and clarity 

are industry-leading and bring the greatest 

benefits. But the numerous customization 

options to configure the workstation entirely 

according to your needs are also unique. 

41



Name 


STILL PXV 


The new generation of 

STILL´s high-lift order 

pickers goes up 14.5 

meters: an increase of 

two rack levels. 

High end 

at 2+ 

42




An order picker with new maxima that can compete 

at the top of this category. 








TEST REPORT. With its PXV, STILL launches a 

new generation of high-lift order pickers that 

fits into the current development. Megatrends 

such as urbanization, increasing e-commerce 

and retail logistics require more storage 

space, but there is no room to expand warehouses. 

The gain lies in storage densification, 

i.e., narrower aisles and higher storage. 

With the successor to the EK-X, STILL is 

literally reaching for higher ground. With a 

reach height of 14.5 meters, the new highlift 

order picker makes it 2.5 meters higher 

than its predecessor. A plus that in practice 

corresponds to two storage levels. To enable 

this gripping height, the chassis has been 

modified. The design is much stiffer and 

features stronger profiles. The new, V-shaped 

chassis can be better adapted to the width 

of the cab and improves steering behavior. 

In addition to more efficient use of space 

and higher storage density, STILL engineers 

have addressed ergonomics and operator 

comfort. A significant improvement can 

be found in the lift mast. There, the central 

free-lift cylinder has been replaced by 

two cylinders positioned behind the mast 

profiles. The operator's view is thus significantly 

better. As an option, the free stroke 

can even be dispensed with. With this unique 

option, a triple mast reaches the highest 

position much faster without interruptions 

and with significantly more comfort for the 

operator. Especially in combination with the 

iGo pilot navigation assistance system, this 

can provide significant benefits in practice. 

The display is also new, at least for the 

high-lift order pickers. STILL has already 

used it on the MX-X and RX series, increasing 

uniformity and ease of use. In the IFOY 

test, the display is mounted on the mast 

side of the truck. If desired, the display 

can also be mounted on the fork side. 

During the driving impression, the IFOY test 

team noticed that the PXV is much smoother 

to operate compared to the EK-X. The truck 

vibrates less, is quieter and this gives additional 

safety during operation. In addition, 

the truck lifts faster and is easier to position. 

The new silver-grey color scheme of the 

cabin also makes the workplace seem much 

more spacious. The PXV is faster and easier 

to position on the induction wire. The display 

helps with color coding and good signaling. 

Lifting and lowering speeds are higher. 

The IFOY truck has a Li-ion battery and the 

integrated easy charging system for quick and 

easy connection of the stacker to the charger. 

Compared to the previous model, the number 

of practical storage options has increased. 

There is even an integrated trash bin. The outward-sloping 

doors, already familiar from the 

EK-X, make it easier for order pickers to pick 

deeper into the racks. On the PXV, the doors 

are reinforced and available for retrofitting. 

Unique to this type of truck is the ability to 

activate the main and initial strokes simultaneously. 

This allows for higher throughput. 

Thanks to the easy-touch function, the 

initial lift can be activated with just one 

touch of a button. The fork then automatically 

lowers to a pre-set level while the 

picker is already picking the next order. 

IFOY test verdict: The STILL PXV is a comfortable 

truck that can be easily adapted to 

changing conditions. The truck is quieter, 

more powerful and offers a more comfortable 

workplace than its predecessor. 

The improved visibility on the mast side is 

unique for high-lift order pickers, while the 

free-lift models provide faster and jerkfree 

operation without mast transitions. 

43



THE TILLER 

MATTERS! 

Name 


STILL, EXH-16 

Warehouse Truck "lowlifter" 

EST REPORT. With the EXH 14-20 

Plus series, STILL introduces the 

latest edition of its electric pallet 

truck range. The development 

of the new series was focused 

Ton the operator. The operating 

concept is completely 

revised and the EXH 14-20 Plus series now features 

a unique tiller head with integrated display 

in two versions. The so-called MMI (Man-Machine-Interface) 

is the interface between the 

operator and the truck and thus the linchpin in 

daily operation. 

The EXH 14-20 Plus series includes several pedestrian 

stackers with a load capacity of 1.4 to 2.0 

tonnes. The IFOY stacker is an EXH 16 with a load 

capacity of 1.6 tonnes. The integrated lithium-ion 

battery enables up to 80 millimeters shorter front 

dimensions and significantly smaller turning radii 

and aisle widths. The L2 dimension is just 429 

millimeters. Thanks to the compact dimensions, 

the driver retains optimum visibility. Even in confined 

spaces, such as retail stores. In addition, 

the compact dimensions improve the maneuverability 

of the truck, which is now even easier to 

operate. 

EXH forklifts are equipped with mechanical steering 

as standard. Despite this mechanical steering, 

the long and low-lying tiller enable easy operation. 

During the IFOY Test, the power and speed 

of the newcomer were convincing. The truck has 

a high acceleration capacity, both without and 

with load. The driving speed is quite snappy at 6.1 

km/h. Those who want to work more quietly and 

economically can double-click the turtle button 

to select turtle mode or STILL's Blue-Q optimization 

program. 

The unique design of the tiller head is a true 

eye-catcher. The operating elements have been 

given a new and modern design. Extra-large 

buttons support intuitive operation, no matter 

how big one's hands are. Even when wearing 

work gloves, simple and effective one-handed 

operation remains a breeze for both left- and 

right-handed operators. STILL plans to use the 

new controls in future trucks as well. There, the 

concept will bring additional benefits, such as 

even better proportional control. This is less relevant 

for electric pallet trucks. 

The EXH 16 has three driving modes as standard: 

turtle mode, Blue Q and high performance. 

44



For each mode, the most important information 

is automatically displayed on the brand-new 

color display integrated into the tiller head. This 

means that the display follows the driver at 

every turn and provides a clear view of all important 

data under all conditions. This means 

that the driver is always informed about the battery 

charge status, the operating hours or the 

respective driving program. The optional touch 

display (not available on the IFOY test truck) revolutionizes 

operation. Drivers are used to operating 

smartphones by touch these days, and the 

touch display now bridges the gap to equipment 

with stock technology. 

Smart fork markings make forklift positioning 

easier and contribute to high productivity. For 

even smoother operation also on uneven floors 

and around obstacles the pallet truck can be 

equipped with three running wheels in the fork 

tip. In doing so, OptiSpeed automatically adjusts 

the truck's speed to the angle of the tiller. Safe 

maneuvering is thus possible under all conditions. 

The standard crawl speed button also enables 

safe operation even in the tightest of spaces. 

An active optional foot stop ensures that the pallet 

truck automatically changes direction on contact 

with the feet. This means that the operator 

always remains unharmed. 

IFOY test verdict: The EXH 14-20 Plus series 

features a unique tiller head with integrated display 

in two versions. The special design of the 

tiller head enables intuitive operation for any 

operator. Numerous small innovations combine 

to bring great progress. The compact truck is 

immensely powerful, fast and quiet. It is also 

easy to recharge between uses thanks to Li-ion 

technology. 


The EXH 16 impresses with its outstanding 

further development in this vehicle class. 

Its market lead is significant. 








It stands to reason 

that the EXH is the 

primary alternative in 

the market for new and 

replacement purchases. 

45



Name 


Raymond, 8910 End Rider pallet truck 

Warehouse Trucks "lowlifter" 

With its new generation 

Raymond 8910 

electric pallet truck, 

the U.S. manufacturer 

offers a stand-up pallet 

truck for intensive use. 

HARDCORE 

46




The overall impression of the Raymond ® 8910 

pallet truck undoubtedly makes it a worthy nominee 

for the IFOY AWARD, promising a pleasant increase 

in pallet handling output for the user. The detailed 

IFOY Innovation Check is available free of charge 

at www.ifoy.org. 


Customer benefit + 


Ø 



TEST REPORT. The stacker has been completely 

redeveloped based on its predecessor 

(8900). Due to intensive use, Raymond has 

paid particular attention to ergonomics. The 

cabin is 20 percent roomier than its predecessor. 

In addition, the workplace can be set up 

flexibly. The entire console can be moved to 

adapt to the operator's position. The console 

cannot yet be moved by the operator, which is 

a disadvantage when working multiple shifts. 

This is coming in the new versions of the lift 

truck, according to Raymond. For operators 

who require more space, Raymond offers a 

smaller steering concept with an additional 

more than three centimeters of extra space. 

For intensive use, the IFOY testers are still 

missing a seat option in the backrest, which 

has also been announced. The pallet trolley 

is equipped with a vibration-damping base 

plate. The dead man's switch integrated into 

the base plate requires 61 percent less effort. 

The toolbar has been moved from the battery 

side behind the steering console. This 

makes it easier to read terminals and other 

peripherals, and they are no longer in view 

of the direction of driving. The controls are 

intuitive and known from the manufacturer's 

order picking portfolio. However, this is 

the first time that this control system has 

been used by Raymond on a lift truck. 

Raymond has also introduced some innovations 

in the technical area. For example, 

sensors have been built into the chassis 

to constantly check that the operator is 

within the safe contours of the truck. If this 

is not the case, the truck's speed is greatly 

reduced and an acoustic warning signal 

sounds. Once both feet are back within the 

work area, the truck automatically returns 

to normal settings. In addition, the 8910 

features automatic steering centering when 

the truck is started another novelty for this 

type of truck from the U.S. manufacturer. 

According to Raymond, the energy consumption 

of the truck is 24 percent lower than that of 

its predecessor. This is mainly due to the electric 

steering system, which replaces the hydraulic 

steering. In addition, the new steering 

system enables a shorter turning radius and 

thus better maneuverability in tight spaces. 

Another advantage: thanks to the new steering 

system, the pallet truck is more silent. 

The IFOY stacker is equipped with a conventional 

lead-acid battery. On request, Raymond 

can also supply the 8910 with a Li battery. 

The forklift could not be fully tested by the 

IFOY test team because the forks commonly 

used in the U.S. do not fit under the available 

test weights. However, the test team did test 

drive the truck. By European standards, the 

steering needs to get used to. The steering 

works exactly opposite to what the driver expects. 

However, the steering character setting 

can be adjusted via service if necessary. 

IFOY test verdict: The truck offers a spacious 

operator's cab for added comfort and is 

equipped with intuitive, user-friendly controls. 

For the U.S. market, this is a significant improvement; 

by European standards, the improvements 

are somewhat less innovative. The 

controls require adaptability from operators 

who are not used to the U.S. steering system. 

47



Intelligent robot 

Plug & Perform 

TEST REPORT. The AGILOX ODM, an intelligent logistics robot 

for small load carriers, ensures the production supply 

of small parts. Users can transport small load carriers 

such as containers or dollies with dimensions of 600 x 

400 millimeters and a maximum weight of 300 kilograms 

from one station to the next. As with other products in the AGILOX 

range, there is no need for additional infrastructure or navigation 

aids such as magnetic strips on the hall floor. Freely navigating and 

autonomous, the ODM makes it possible to supply production lines 

flexibly. With its omnidirectional system, the AGILOX ODM can easily 

navigate through narrow aisles, and it can also turn on the spot or 

Name 


AGILOX ODM 

AGV / AMR 

48




Vehicles like the ODM have a market but transports with floor rollers 

in the 400 x 600 mm or 60 x 800 mm format are far from being used 

in all companies. The high maneuverability of the vehicle and the 

software, which is designed for easy operation, deliver a high benefit 

for users. In this extremely compact form combined with the surface 

maneuverability, the vehicle is new and offers relevant functions for 

the user. The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of charge 


Market relevance 

Ø 





travel in parallel. Numerous safety sensors 

ensure 360 degree personal protection. 

The new AGILOX ODM is part of a product 

group, which means that it can be driven 

in combination with other vehicle types 

in the AGILOX family. Compared to alternative 

AMR, neither additional infrastructure 

nor navigation aids are required. 

The AGILOX ODM is of great relevance mainly 

to the pharmaceutical and electronics 

industries. Monotonous tasks no longer 

have to be carried out by (over)qualified 

employees but can henceforth be handed 

over to the intelligent logistics robot. The 

company thus aims to close the gap from 

partial automation to full automation. The 

manufacturer puts the market potential for 

its own company at around €30 million. 

The manufacturer relies on the motto 

"plug & perform". The first AGILOX can be 

put into operation in less than 12 hours, 

each additional vehicle in 15 minutes. 

Increasing demand should be child's play 

for the intelligent intralogistics robot. 

The name says it all: AGILOX takes changing 

environmental or process conditions in this 

stride. The manufacturer relies on multi-level 

operation. Sounds exciting, and it is. After 

all, an AGILOX can also operate on different 

building levels if it is connected via a lift. 

IFOY test verdict: The new AGILOX ODM 

omnidirectional dolly mover is an intelligent 

logistics robot for transporting small load 

carriers. With the help of the field-proven 

X-Swarm Technology integrated in the 

vehicle, the device independently finds the 

fastest route through the production or 

logistics environment in real time. Thanks 

to the omnidirectional drive concept, the 

dolly mover can enter rack aisles crosswise 

and turn on the spot, enabling it to 

maneuver even in the tightest of spaces. 

The lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO 4 

) 

creates the conditions for short charging 

times and long operating cycles. 

49



HEAVY 

ON 

DUTY 

Name Continental Automotive Technologies, AMR IL 1200 


AGV / AMR 

TEST REPORT. The AMR IL 1200 automates the flow of materials in production 

plants, warehouses or logistics centers. The robust industrial truck is equipped 

with field-proven technologies: Lidar sensors for 360 degree detection of the 

environment, 3D camera systems, intelligent software and an optional ultra-wideband 

(UWB) transmitter for precise live tracking of the industrial truck 

in the fleet make the AMR a valuable device. The vehicle autonomously executes 

transport orders, can avoid obstacles and calculate alternative routes. 

An optional fleet management system can coordinate a larger fleet of AMRs. 

The most important innovations of the AMR Il 1200 compared to its predecessor 

include an increase in travel speed to up to 2 m/s, which enables even faster 

transport while maintaining the same level of safety. The prerequisites 

for this safety are created by an optimized sensor concept, which 

leads to an improvement in all-round protection. The optimized 

drive components and a reduction in the turning circle make 

the AMR IL 1200 even more agile and powerful than its 

predecessor. 

The company’s signature robustness and 

durability of the hardware combined with 

several new superstructures, including 

Cart, Load Module and Top Roller, 

ensure that unlike its predecessor, 

the AMR IL 1200 

50



“The maneuverability of the vehicle 

enables good user benefits. In addition, 

the user benefits from the vehicle’s 

extensive sensory equipment, which 

leads to the expectation of robust and 

trouble-free operation, as the impressive 

demonstration on the IFOY TEST DAYS 

exhibition floor showed.“ 


Vehicles like the IL 1200 have a market but 

transports with floor rollers in the 1200x800 mm 

format are by far not used in all companies. 

The maneuverability of the vehicle provides good 

benefits for the users. In this flat form combined 

with the good maneuverability, the vehicle is 

new and offers good functions for the user. 




Ø 




++very good / + good / Ø balanced / - less / -- not available 

can be used for multiple applications. Other features of the industrial truck 

include a compact design and integrated lifting system for loads up to 

1.2 tonnes. 

On the course set up for the IFOY TEST DAYS, the Continental team deliberately 

kept the distance between the side walls at one of the transfer stations 

for the floor rollers (dimensions: 1,200 x 800 millimeters), which serve 

as transport aids, small. In this way, the manufacturer wanted to show how 

precisely the autonomous industrial truck can drive into such stations. 

IFOY test verdict: The AMR IL 1200 is designed for transporting loading 

aids in the manufacturing industry and logistics. The focus is on production 

logistics with heavy pallets, such as those found in the automotive 

industry. To broaden the application portfolio for the vehicle, 

various superstructures and load handling attachments are 

available. The compact and modern design should also 

be emphasized. The technical equipment allows 

mixed traffic with other industrial trucks and people. 

Calculations by the manufacturer show 

that the efficiency gains achieved by using 

the AMR IL 1200 result in savings of up 

to 80 percent of operational costs 

in terms of in-house transport 

of loading equipment. 

51



SUPER 

PRICE 

SUPER 

POWER 

Name 


HIKROBOT, F4-1000C 

AGV / AMR 

52



TEST REPORT. Hikrobot introduces the F4-1000C, or F4 for 

short, a super-compact AGV designed specifically for use in 

narrow aisles or confined spaces. It can be used in a variety 

of conditions, from logistics to production environments. With 

a chassis of just 400 millimeters (1,600 millimeters including 

forks) and a width of 800 millimeters, the IFOY nominee appears 

extremely slim. Despite its compact size, the AGV with 

forks can effortlessly transport and lift loads of 1,000 kilograms 

up to a height of 1.3 meters. At the maximum lifting height 

of 3 meters, the residual load capacity is 600 kilograms. 

With travel speeds of 1.8 m/s (without load) and 1.2 m/s 

(with load), the robot is faster than many competitors. 

Lifting speed is 0.5 m/s (unloaded) and 0.3 m/s (loaded). 

Lifting accuracy is ±2 millimeters. 

The CE-certified F4-1000C is equipped with numerous safety 

features that ensure safe cooperation between man and machine. 

It operates precisely and reliably with a positioning accuracy 

of ±5 millimeters. At the IFOY presentation, the F4 detected 

pallets that were not fully in position thanks to the camera in 

the fork carriage. If a pallet deviates by up to 10 degrees, the 

AGV detects this and independently corrects its position. 

IFOY test verdict: Thanks to its compact size, the independent 

F4-1000C maximizes the use of storage space. Its maneuverability 

gives users a great advantage in both logistics and industry. 


Vehicles like the F4 1000C have a very large market, as the 1200 x 

800 millimeter pallet format is used in very many companies. The 

maneuverability of the vehicle enables good benefits for the users. 

Even in this compact design, the vehicle is not exceptionally new, 

but offers good functions and features for the user. 


free of charge at www.ifoy.org 

Market relevance ++ 



Ø 


++ very good/ + good/ Ø balanced / - less / - - not available 

Hikrobot‘s in-house fleet management system can also 

be easily adapted to the requirements and systems of 

customers in different industries. No third party is required 

for this, eliminating additional work and costs. 

The F4-1000C is controlled by Hikrobot‘s robot control 

system (RCS). This system optimizes routes and avoids 

congestion and traffic delays. According to Hikrobot, 

this increases efficiency by two to three times. 

The F4 navigates with SLAM technology. The 48V/70Ah 

lithium-ion battery is sufficient for eight hours of 

use on a full charge, according to Hikrobot. 

Regardless of the workflow or deployment situation, the F4- 

1000C ensures a smooth flow of goods. The F4 is one of the 

few robots that can operate in both logistics environments and 

industrial deployment situations. The F4‘s „mother tongue“ is 

Italian, but it can provide feedback in all European languages. 

The manufacturer considers the attractive price to be a major 

plus point. Since the Chinese manufacturer with the exception 

of the SICK sensor develops and produces all components 

in-house, Hikrobot retains maximum control over the supply 

chain. In addition, this allows the manufacturer to respond to a 

wide variety of customer requests and requirements. In other 

words, maximum flexibility at a competitive price. By its own 

account, Hikrobot delivers the F4 at a price that is at least 30 

percent lower than any competitor. To maintain control of the 

supply chain after delivery, Hikrobot has a European headquarters 

and spare parts center in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. 

53



You, I 

and a 

Bot 

Name 


Youibot Robotics, AT100 

AGV / AMR 

TEST REPORT. Youibot‘s Automatic Trolley (AT) solutions are an 

automated alternative to manual picking on trolleys. Depending 

on the use and height of the order totes, the number of platforms 

on the trolley can be adjusted. The AT100, nominated for the IFOY 

AWARD, has a load capacity of 100 kilograms. 

While manual picking involves pushing the heavy trolleys 

through the warehouse by hand which often results in lost time 

due to the partly long walking distances, the Youibot concept 

works on the principle of zone picking. Each picker has his own 

picking zone, which the automated trolley passes when one or 

more order lines for the respective orders on the trolley need to 

be picked in that zone. 

The orders on the trolley are grouped by Youibot‘s Robot 

Picking System (RPS), which is connected to the customer‘s 

WMS. The RPS also controls the robots in a facility. By using 

a central fleet management system (YOUIFleet), the risk of 

congestion and waiting times is minimized. YOUIFleet supports 

a maximum fleet size of 150 robots at one location. 

For safe navigation through the warehouse, the AT100 uses 

the latest SLAM laser navigation technology. Because the 

AT100 knows the warehouse better than any employee, the 

robot always chooses the most efficient route to the next 

picking zone. One employee looks at the touch display to see 

how many items are to be picked at which location, scans those 

items with the trolley-mounted scanner, and then the display 

shows which order bin the goods are destined for. Once all orders 

in a zone have been picked, the operator confirms this via the 

display and the robot continues on its way to the next picking zone. 

54



If the multisensor system detects an obstacle or a person, the robot stops 

automatically and the green light (ready for operation) changes to yellow. The 

standard safety distance is 300 millimeters, but if a higher travel speed is 

desired, this distance can be adjusted. The maximum travel speed 

of the AT100 is 1.5 m/s. 

The system is CE certified and also complies with the latest 

US standard (ANSI/RIA R1508). This makes it one of the safest 

systems in its class. 

The AT100 is equipped with a Li-ion battery that when the robot is fully 

loaded is good for up to nine hours of use. Incidentally, the battery is fully 

recharged within one hour. This enables trouble-free 24/7 use. 

The very good 

design, versatile 

adjustable shelves and 

the robust design, make the 

AT100 stand out its 

market segment. 

In addition, the AT100 provides an efficient and error-free picking process. With 

the same number of pickers, up to three times as many orders can be picked. For 

the pickers, walking distances are significantly reduced. In addition, working with 

the robots is more pleasant and less tiring. 

IFOY test verdict: With the AT100, Youibot offers a good example of how “You, 

I and a robot“ can work together harmoniously and effectively. Its load capacity 

of 100 kilograms is one of the highest on the market. The AT100 minimizes 

walking distances and human errors. It offers higher efficiency and accuracy and 

guarantees a lower ROI. 


Picking support vehicles have a large market as they can be used in many 

businesses. The vehicle is robustly built for this task and promises very good 

benefits for users. The structure and compact design with adjustable shelves is 

not exceptionally new but offers good functions and features for the user 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of charge at www.ifoy.org. 




Ø 

Functionality / Quality of implementation + 


55



CLIMBING 

ROBOT 

TAKES OVER 

Name 


Libiao Robotics, Airrob 

Intralogistics Robot 

The frame is flexible and automatically adjusts to the position of the 

robot. This ensures high reliability and fast, trouble-free and stable 

transport of the boxes. 

Libiao Robotics has been nominated for an IFOY 

AWARD with its Airrob, a “climbing” container robot. 

Its maximum load capacity is 25 kilograms. 

The system is suitable for the vast majority of all 

containers in this weight class, about 95 percent according 

to the manufacturer, and virtually all racks. 

It allows a quick and easy installation, even when 

retrofitting existing warehouses. Adjustments to 

the floor are not required. However, horizontal rails 

must be attached to the rack, over which the Airrob 

travels along the rack. The maximum speed of the robot is 2 m/s. 

The Airrob is attached to a lightweight frame that moves along the 

horizontal rails through the aisle. This design allows the robot to 

“climb” up the shelves and store or retrieve the correct container 

on the shelf at any desired location. Each bin is thus directly 

accessible at all times. 

The system is suitable for racks up to 14 meters high. In this case, 

however, Libiao mounts two Airrobs on top of each other, as this 

requires less adjustment. 

A unique feature is the hook system used to move the crates in and 

out of the racks. The hook moves within the contours of the robot, 

which does not penetrate the shelves. This allows the boxes to be 

stored extremely compact. The hook system is suitable for handling 

totes on both sides of an aisle. This limits the aisle width to about 

85 centimeters. 

The concept is lighter than a miniload, a multishuttle or an autonomous 

case robot (ACR). This is one of the reasons why energy 

consumption is low. Consumption could not be measured by the IFOY 

test team, but according to the manufacturer, the savings compared to 

competing solutions is more than 30 percent. The battery built into the 

Airrob is maintenance-free and is charged when the tablet is switched 

on and off; according to the non-sliding touch charging principle. The 

rack on which the Airrob is mounted is powered by mains electricity. 

56




With Airrob, existing rack storage systems for any standard 

containers can be automated very cost-effectively. The easily 

retrofittable and technically minimalist solution for removing 

totes from heights of up to 14 meters, in conjunction with a fleet 

of mobile transport robots, enables significant efficiency gains 

compared to manual warehouse management. Technical 

highlights include the simple but universal gripper for crate 

removal and return, adaptivity to typical real-world conditions 

such as sloping shelf layers, and a fast-charging function for 24/7 

operation. 

In the Pick&Go setups during IFOY TEST DAYS, the Airrob worked 

with the manufacturer’s AMRs, but other configurations are also 

conceivable. 






The concept is particularly suitable for micro-fulfillment centers and 

can also be used in ambient temperatures as low as -20 degrees 

Celsius, for example in cold stores. 

IFOY test verdict: The Libiao Airrob container handling system can 

set a new standard for mobile robots and fundamentally change 

existing solutions. The Airrob is cost-effective, scalable, and efficient. 

The system saves space and labor. The unique hook system guarantees 

high storage density. 

57



BETTER 

STORE! 

Name 


Jungheinrich, PowerCube 

Intralogistics Robots 

Tit, the height of the individual 

tote stacks can be easily 

adapted to the respective building infrastructure. 

Accordingly, it is possible to react to obstacles 

and, for example, adapt sloping roof 

EST REPORT. Since the storage and 

retrieval units of the PowerCube 

automatic compact tote storage 

system do not drive on top of 

the tote rack but underneath 

shapes to the racking system, which can be up 

to 12 meters high. 

Another important feature results from the 2D 

track system on which the shuttles perform 

their service. The system can be installed on 

standard industrial floors in accordance with 

DIN 18202, and floor unevenness can be leveled 

with leveling feet according to standards. 

The maximum load of a container stack is 750 

kilograms. Containers designed for the application 

are used, which can take a load of up to 

50 kilograms. The maximum interior size of the 

containers is designed to allow the transport 

of standard KLTs (length x width x height: 600 x 

400 x 290 millimeters). Jungheinrich might roll 

out further container dimensions in the future. 

The PowerCube system containers are compatible 

with other automation solutions from 

the manufacturer and can also be used outside 

the compact storage system with the help 

of externally connected conveyor technology. 

Storage and retrieval stations or picking workstations 

have been implemented accordingly, 

but could only be visually inspected during the 

IFOY TEST DAYS, as could the entire system. 

The newly developed shuttles move through 

the plant at a maximum speed of 4 m/s and 

an acceleration of up to 2 m/s². The vehicles 

are designed for the simultaneous transport of 

two containers. In doing so, the shuttles are 

able to move automatically at the level below 

the rack. Since the shuttles operate at floor 

level, no platform is required to perform maintenance 

work. 

With the help of appropriate relocations, the 

shuttles reach the containers required to process 

an order. During the relocations, which 

are limited due to the storage strategies used, 

another feature comes into play: The potential 

energy of the lifted container stacks is used for 

shuttle recuperation. 

58



Shuttle charging stations are located at the workstations, 

but can also be installed at other locations 

within the plant. A fast-charging function 

creates the conditions for 24/7 operation of the 

warehouse system. A central element of the vehicles, 

the number of which can be adapted to the 

throughput requirements of the respective operator 

due to their scalability, is the lifting platform. 

This is shaped in such a way that the container 

is picked up positively and safely. Any positioning 

tolerances of the shuttle in both directions of 

transport can be compensated for by means of 

a compensation mechanism. As a result, reliable 

container handling is guaranteed at all times. 

IFOY test verdict: Perfect use of space and time: 

This is how Jungheinrich defines the demands 

placed on the automated, compact and scalable 

PowerCube system. The pilot application, a retail 

company from Switzerland, will show whether 

the expectations are met. In any case, the potential 

is there. 


The PowerCube vertical storage system, 

which has been implemented to a very high 

standard of quality, impresses with the 

possibility of flexible use of space thanks 

to variable heights of up to 12 meters and 

the use of the robots underneath the 

storage area, which results in easier 

maintenance and many options for 

dispensing goods from the system as well 

as a connection option to conveyor 

technology. A high throughput is achieved 

by the simultaneous pick-up of up to two 

totes with a load of 50 kilograms each by 

one robot and its high speed. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is 

available free of charge at www.ifoy.org. 





++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / 

- less / -- not available 

PowerCube is a 

well thought out 

and high-quality 

solution with many 

potentials beyond 

the capabilities of 

competitors. 

59



FROM MINI 

TO MAXI 

Name 


VOLUME, Volume DIVE 

Intralogistics Robot 

TEST REPORT: Volume DIVE is a newly 

developed storage and picking system for 

urban retail and delivery services. Despite its 

compactness, fast access to each container 

is possible with minimal restacking. This 

creates the conditions for a throughput of 

up to 4,000 totes per hour. This makes the 

development suitable for quick-commerce 

applications, but also an alternative for 

e-commerce and classic miniload applications. 

The system consists of the mobile robot 

(Snapper), the rack (Speedrack) and the load carriers (standard 

euro containers or beverage crates). 

The Speedrack is made up of several modules of 48 small containers 

each and can be extended as required. Heights of up to 14 

meters are possible. Fire protection can be ensured by sprinklers 

on the moving levels. Levelling via adjustable feet allows the 

system to be erected on any floor. The lithium-ion snapper – the 

60



battery supplied with power without contact at charging stations – 

travels at up to 3 m/s and can store and retrieve containers across 

the entire level. With the aid of a 360 degree rotating gripper unit, 

the robot can pick up or deliver totes with or without recessed 

grips on all four sides, at any position including the floor. Due to the 

stacking height of three load carriers, stock is only transferred once 

on average. 

Standard beverage crates and euro containers in sizes 300 x 200, 

400 x 300 millimeters (weight: up to 25 kilograms) and 600 x 400 

millimeters (weight: up to 35 kilograms) can be used as load carriers. 

Containers of different heights can be stocked within a tower, 

as can loading aids already available to the operator. There are no 

restrictions due to picking ports, as containers can be loaded and 

unloaded at any balcony position in the warehouse. Transfer to conveyor 

systems is possible, but not necessary. Volume DIVE can be 

used as a small parts storage and picking system for slow-moving 

C-items up to the handling of A-items. This makes the new development 

an alternative to miniloads with stacker cranes or shuttles. 

The integration into containers enables further applications. 

An extension in length, width and height can be realized. The 

performance can be scaled by the number of snappers. Due to the 

access times, Volume DIVE is The suitable storage system when 

a C-item seasonally becomes an A-item. The setup is simple. The 

material can be brought in through normal doors, so Volume DIVE 

can be used in existing retail stores, for example. Due to the startup 

on a weekend, for example, the future operator is not impaired in 

their regular operations. 

IFOY test verdict: Volume DIVE is a patented robotics-based 

storage and picking system for standard euro containers and beverage 

crates. Throughput can be scaled up to 4,000 totes per hour. 

Three totes are stacked on top of each other on one shelf level. 

This eliminates time-consuming restacking of the totes. Lifters 

are not required, as the robots can place the totes directly on the 

floor. In the smallest version, Volume DIVE occupies an area of just 

16 square meters. The modules fit through any normal store door. 

Existing standard containers can be used and are allowed to leave 

the system. 


A challenge of picking large and at the same time carton-packed 

packages has long been known in logistics. As a rule, teams of 

two order pickers or one order picker with a mechanical lifting aid, 

such as a balancer, must be used for this. The solution presented 

is very attractive for this market segment. However, an essential 

prerequisite for successful use is reliable and stable carton 

packaging to implement the gripping process with vacuum suction 

pads. The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of 

charge at www.ifoy.org. 






61



THE CHOICE IS 

YOURS 

Name 


DS AUTOMOTION, ARCOS 

Intralogistics Software 

Tthe respective transport 

loads to their destinations. 

Each lane, curve or intersection is carefully planned 

to realize the highest possible efficiency 

of the system. Mutual obstruction of the vehicles 

or even blocking is thereby ruled out. 

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), on the other 

hand, are responsible for reaching their destinations 

themselves. They are often only provided 

with the target and a map of the operational 

environment. With the help of sensors, they 

then continuously record their environment and 

can react independently to changes. Planning 

their paths independently allows them to avoid 

obstacles, but carries the risk that decisions 

made may negatively affect the efficiency of the 

overall system. The individual vehicles can interfere 

with or even block each other. 

EST REPORT: Automated Guided 

Vehicles (AGV) are known for the 

tireless execution of their transport 

orders. They travel rigidly 

predefined routes and deliver 

It is understandable that for plant operators it 

is tempting to use the positive features of both 

worlds. Therefore, the DS AUTOMOTION company 

has combined the strengths of both worlds 

(AMR and AGV), setting a milestone in the industry. 

According to the operator's requirements, 

vehicles can act autonomously and avoid 

obstacles without blocking, but also follow preplanned 

lanes. 

The innovations are not only characterized by 

the coining of the terms "plannable autonomy" 

and "cooperative navigation", as new core functions 

of the vehicle software. Conformity with 

the VDA-5050 interface, which is used across 

fleets, is also worth highlighting. 

"schedulable autonomy" is a way to navigate vehicles 

both "virtually lane-guided" and autonomously. 

The basic building blocks for this are the 

autonomy zones in which vehicles move freely. 

"cooperative navigation" describes the ability 

of autonomously navigating vehicles to work 

together to find solutions to problematic situ- 

62



ations. For example, the vehicles independently 

clarify the right of way between vehicles at intersections 

or bottlenecks. 

IFOY test verdict: With the new software, DS AU- 

TOMOTION vehicles can be quickly and easily integrated 

into production or logistics processes. In 

combination with the fleet manager NAVIOS, the 

planning and integration effort is reduced via the 

web-based interface. The zone-based planning 

and transport flow editor included in it enable the 

operator to adapt and expand the system. Transportation 

systems that use AMR with full autonomy 

typically have limited ability to intervene in 

the process. Here, the "schedulable autonomy" 

functions offer the possibility to define the behavior 

of the vehicles more precisely. As in the case 

of virtual lane-guided AGVs, complex systems are 

thus realized with the highest possible efficiency. 

Due to the standardized interface, the operator 

can integrate the system into an already existing 

plant with VDA-5050 interface and also expand it 

at any time. 


For the first time, ARCOS enables AGV and 

AMR fleets to drive variably, but zone-based 

between fixed lane guidance, lane guidance 

with flexible evasion, and free navigation 

(plannable autonomy) with a single flexible 

vehicle software. In combination with 

cooperative navigation, which enables the 

robots to avoid each other in a coordinated 

manner, a very efficient, powerful, and 

high-quality solution is offered that can 

also integrate vehicles from other 

manufacturers via VDA 5050. 





Novelty / Innovation ++ 



The functionalities of 

plannable autonomy 

as well as collaborative 

navigation were 

shown to be of high 

quality and robust in 

several tests, some 

of which were very 

demanding. 

63



Digital twin 

Realtime 

with IoT 

Name 


IdentPro, Warehouse Execution System 


TEST REPORT. Not only the increasing shortage of employees, but 

also the global challenges of the supply chain are increasing the 

pressure on automation in intralogistics. While significant levels of 

automation have already been achieved in the production processes, 

there is still great potential in the connected warehouses. The 

IdentPro digitization solution creates the necessary prerequisite 

for this. A digital twin is created in real time (RTLS), in which every 

single transport of a good is consistently and automatically tracked 

to the centimeter using Lidar technology. For this purpose, all 

existing vehicles (manned, automated, manufacturer-independent) 

are equipped with IoT sensor technology, which thus permanently 

record up-to-date 3D information about the movement of 

the stored goods as well as the surrounding spatial geometry. 

Via Wifi or LTE, the system is in constant exchange with all the 

industrial trucks in use. This allows empty runs, search times and 

64



inefficient storage scenarios to be analyzed. This data 

forms the input for intelligent algorithms. Intelligent 

allocation of driving jobs in real time with efficiency 

increases of between 20 and 30 percent are the result. 

The IoT solution has several USPs that stand out in 

interaction with each other: real-time digital twin of 

the warehouse (RTLS), centimeter-precise localization 

(+/-10 cm) of goods and vehicles, collaborative use 

of autonomous and manned industrial trucks, and 

smart distribution of driving orders (SLS). All this is 

combined in the software solution, which ensures 

transparency and overall system effectiveness in 

intralogistics through interfaces and standards (such 

as omlox and VDA 5050). Connections to ERP systems 

or WMS are additionally possible at any time. 

IFOY test verdict: With the digital twin in real time, 

the company IdentPro sustainably increases the 

overall system effectiveness of intralogistics. The 

warehouse execution system creates full transparency, 

ensures inventory security and error-free deliveries, 

increases efficiency, navigates loaded and unloaded 

vehicles in collaborative use, and can be used indoors 

and outdoors. Based on the complete data situation, 

not only does productivity increase, but the basis 

for smart automation is also created. Only with the 

twin technology can both unmanned and manned 

vehicles be orchestrated and controlled from one 

system. The supplier‘s Warehouse Execution System 

fits seamlessly into the user‘s circumstances and 

leads to efficiency increases of up to 30 percent. 

The Warehouse Execution System, in combination 

with reliable laser technology, generates complete 

transparency in real time. In contrast to other solutions 

via RFID, UWB or camera, the IdentPro solution 

is characterized by the centimeter and millisecond 

accurate creation of the digital twin. The use in open 

areas can be realized without further ado. Furthermore, 

the solution does not require any change in the infrastructure 

of the warehouse. Only the existing industrial 

trucks need to be equipped with IoT sensor technology. 

The software can be used directly in the inventory. 


The system’s processes were impressively 

demonstrated. A worthy IFOY nominee with 

a clear market lead. 






Functionality / Tye of implementation ++ 


„The utilization of a digital twin in this practiceoriented 

manner, with the implementation of 

a wide variety of material handling equipment 

and warehouse management, undoubtedly 

has a high degree of innovation.“ 

65



TRANSPARENCY 

PURE! 

Name 


Mobile Easykey, FFZ-KPI 


TEST REPORT. The Industrial Truck, 

in German Flurförderzeug (FFZ), 

Key Performance Indicator, or 

FFZ-KPI for short, from the 

company Mobile Easykey enables 

the fleet efficiency of 

the intralogistics fleet to 

be determined at a glance. The prerequisites for 

this are a clear key figure and the easy-to-read 

visual traffic light system. 

The FFZ-KPI is made up of four measurement 

parameters that are calculated together in 

an algorithm. The following are taken into account: 

the industrial truck is powered up, the industrial 

truck is logged on, the industrial truck 

is in use and the industrial truck is being driven 

with a load. 

Fifty percent of logistics costs are based on the 

processes in a warehouse, and thus the industrial 

truck fleet also contributes a large share of 

the costs incurred there. The FFZ-KPI provides a 

manufacturer-neutral view of the performance 

of the fleet. It is manufacturer-independent, 

comparable and can be calculated on variable 

requirement parameters. When collecting 

the analysis data, the industry and the cycles 

of the processes on site are taken into account 

– because the process flows of a warehouse 

created on the drawing board vary greatly from 

warehouses that have grown organically. Reliable 

data can be collected per shift, per month, 

per fleet and also per vehicle or vehicle type. 

From the collected data, clear conclusions can 

be drawn for fleet optimization and future fleet 

deployment. Fleet managers and those responsible 

for the fleet can thus see the overall performance 

of the fleet at a glance. This is an important 

building block for making optimum use 

of the existing intralogistics fleet. 

The FFZ KPI is based on the cross-industry OEE 

figure. This reflects the overall equipment effectiveness 

as a key business figure. The OEE figure 

is based on immobile plant and machinery. 

The FFZ-KPI adds further calculation parameters 

to the OEE key figure, which makes the key 

figure calculable for mobile plants. 

IFOY test verdict: Intralogistics account for 

half of logistics costs and almost no warehouse 

can do without industrial trucks. However, the 

costs within intralogistics outside of the supply 

chain are often neglected because meaningful 

66



and clearly assignable data are missing. Consequently, 

there is great potential for savings in 

modern and efficient fleet management. 

The main advantages of the Industrial Truck 

Key Performance Indicator are the manufacturer-independent 

data and the possibility of 

cross-manufacturer data analysis. In addition, 

the KPI is easy to read due to the visual traffic 

light system. This makes the time-consuming 

analysis of Excel tables and individual parameters 

a thing of the past. The FFZ KPI is based on 

the OEE as an industry indicator for production 

plants. With the hardware and software developed, 

Mobile Easykey has expanded this industry 

indicator for mobile machines and created a 

novelty in intralogistics analysis with the KPI. 

Another important component is the cross-industry 

use of the KPI. 


Mobile Easykey has been offering the core 

functionality of the Easykey software for 

more than 20 years, so it is not new or 

innovative in the strictest sense. However, 

the software is up to date and can be well 

adapted to the needs of different user 

characteristics and needs. 





Novelty / Innovation - 




The vendorneutral 

look at 

fleet performance. 

67



THE 

MAGIC 

EYE 

Name 


JUNGHEINRICH, addedVIEW fork 

camera with barcode scanning 

Special of the Year 

68



TEST REPORT. In technical terms, the device is the first fully 

digital fork camera in series production, with full HD resolution, 

broadband automotive Ethernet data transmission and software 

for transferring the results to any WMS. For the Jungheinrich 

WMS, the product is equipped with additional intelligence 

that, with the help of colored overlays in the camera image, 

makes it possible to recognize whether the correct or incorrect 

barcode is located in front of the fork as it passes by. In addition, 

an acknowledgement button is located near the steering 

wheel. This keeps the forklift driver‘s hands on the controls of 

the industrial truck. The driver does not have to reach for the 

scanner, scan and put the mobile device back every time. 

IFOY test verdict: The integrated series solution is unique on 

the market, because the addedVIEW fork camera with barcode 

scanning gets to the root of a previously unsolvable basic 

problem in logistics and offers a practical and effective solution. 

The previously described problem of incorrect storage is 

particularly pronounced in reach trucks, as mix-ups can occur 

in high-bay warehouses due to the large number of uniform 

storage locations and the low clarity in the upper rack levels. 

Depending on the type, 20 to 40 percent of reach trucks have 

tine cameras, are connected to a WMS via a radio data terminal 

and use handheld scanners for posting. These industrial 

truck operators will benefit from the innovation. But forklift 

drivers will also benefit from the image quality and the ergonomic 

acknowledgement function on the steering wheel. 

Scanning on-site at the storage compartment and/or the 

goods avoids scanning incorrect barcodes from a list at the 

rack foot, ensuring the WMS always receives correct data 

and avoiding incorrect deliveries. The high-resolution, digitally 

enhanced image allows labels to be read at high altitudes, 

bypassing the need to unstack incorrect merchandise. 

By scanning with the fork-mounted camera, the location of the 

goods movement and the location of the scan coincide. This 

drastically reduces putaway/retrieval errors. Examples include 

putting away wrong goods but scanning the “right“ barcode 

expected by the WMS, or taking out wrong goods but scanning 

the “right“ barcode expected by the WMS. The camera, data 

transmission, image processing, forwarding to the WMS and, 

as in the case of Jungheinrich, the WMS itself were all newly 

developed or expanded – into an integrated series solution. 


The addedVIEW fork camera is convincing in every respect. 

Its market lead is clear. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of charge 






++ very good/ + good/ Ø balanced / - less / - - not available 

THE INTEGRATED SOLUTION OF A 

DIGITAL CAMERA PRESENTED BY 

JUNGHEINRICH COMBINES VISUAL USE 

WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF SCANNING 

BARCODES AND PROCESSING THEM 

IN THE WMS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 

THE FIELD OF MATERIAL HANDLING 

EQUIPMENT. ALTHOUGH THE INDIVIDUAL 

TECHNOLOGIES DO NOT REPRESENT 

A NOVELTY IN THEMSELVES. THE 

COMBINATION IN THIS EXEMPLARY 

IMPLEMENTATION IS TO BE REGARDED 

AS HIGHLY INNOVATIVE. 

69



Fully autonomous dry cleaning 

100% clean, 

70% saved 

Name 


Kemaro, K900 


TEST REPORT. Many companies too rarely scrutinize ongoing 

processes and procedures. Especially in the area of automated 

cleaning, there is a need to catch up in this matter. Many companies 

have to spend horrendous amounts on cleaning their warehouses 

and production halls. According to figures from Kemaro, 

the average cleaning costs for a company that has a logistics 

area of 10,000 square meters and cleans it manually amount to 

US-$ 37,000 per year. This amount is based on the assumption of 

an annual cleaning cost of approximately US-$ 5.60 per square 

meter. Not to be underestimated in the case of manual cleaning are 

the potential health hazards to employees from fine dust and dirt 

deposits on the goods and the conveyor and storage equipment. 

The maintenance costs of machines and systems rise accordingly. 

Kemaro’s solution provides a remedy: With the help of the fully 

autonomous K900 dry cleaning robot, more than 70 percent of 

cleaning costs can be saved. The robot can also clean hard-toreach 

areas underneath conveyor or production systems. 

70



The robot detects its surroundings with the aid of lidar 

and 3D sensors. Lidar is used to detect small objects 

in the immediate vicinity and distant, larger obstacles. 

To support the lidar sensor in detecting obstacles, the 

K900 has a 3D sensor. Unlike a conventional camera, it 

does not detect colors, but the reflectivity and relative 

distance (3D points) of the environment to the robot. 

The technical challenge in developing the K900 

navigation system was rapid data processing with 

real-time requirements. As the robot moves rapidly, the 

computing unit must process the constant stream of 

measurement data from the lidar and camera in order 

to derive control commands for its undercarriage. 

Cleaning large storage areas is the main discipline of 

the K900. In this application, it is superior to humans 

or conventional ride-on sweepers. If one wants to 

exclude certain areas from cleaning, this is possible 

either physically via pylons or virtually via software. A 

sophisticated Simultaneous Localization and Mapping 

(SLAM) algorithm can be used for this purpose. The 

robot cleans in a structured manner and independently 

divides the entire area into individual zones. But 

even hazardous areas do not pose any problems for 

the machine. The robot’s hardware and software are 

protected against numerous hazards – including theft. 

IFOY test verdict: The fully autonomous K900 

dry-cleaning robot, which requires no chemicals or 

water to operate, is technically mature and user-friendly. 

No pre-installation is required, rather the machine 

can be put into operation via plug & play. Against this 

background, the market potential appears to be high. In 

any case, the waste draped on the demonstration area 

at the IFOY TEST DAYS, such as plastic bottles and wood 

splinters, disappeared completely into the machine’s 

dirt bin: The brushes function like a kind of whiskers 

and detect obstacles (3D environment perception). 


Kemaro’s K900 is a unique, high-quality, user-friendly, 

and technically advanced cleaning robot. It provides 

reliable, economical cleanliness in the warehouse 

for the benefit of machines and people. Due to 

the very short payback time and the uniqueness 

on the market, the market potential is estimated to 

be very high. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free 

of charge at www.ifoy.org. 






Noteworthy is the solution’s high 

degree of autonomy even in 

demanding environments. 

Its suitability for use in highly 

dynamic block storage systems 

has been proven. 

71



Wearables 

Speedy 

Picking 

Name 


NIMMSTA, Light Tags 


TEST REPORT. NIMMSTA had set up a shelf at its booth where 

visitors to IFOY TEST DAYS could try their hand as a picker. So 

what could be more natural than putting on one of the company’s 

hand straps and getting started? The task for visitors was to pick 

five products. Without assistance from NIMMSTA’s system, it took 

the tester 112 seconds. But it can be even better. With support 

from the Light Tags, the time could be reduced to 74 seconds. 

The approach to the solution is completely new, because 

the “Light Tags” contain only battery-powered LEDs (battery 

life: three to five years) that light up in different colors 

and patterns. All the logic is in the NIMMSTA wearable, which 

personnel wear directly on their bodies. This combination makes 

all intralogistics processes digital and more efficient. 

Via Bluetooth, a position is assigned once to each light tag 

in the NIMMSTA app. The light tag is then attached to the 

corresponding storage location with an adhesive strip. As 

soon as the picker is sent to position 1 via the NIMMSTA 

smart watch and the picker approaches position 1 within 

a radius of 10 meters, the smart watch and the light tag 

light up in the same color and pattern. Based on the Freehand 

workflows and the pick-by-light solution with the light 

tags, the processes run up to 80 percent more efficiently, 

because the storage location is additionally immediately visually 

recognizable for the personnel. In the process, the wearable 

creates the conditions for up to a 50 percent increase 

in efficiency and the light tags contribute up to 30 percent. 

72



Remarkably, no integration effort is required to use the system. 

Alternative pick-by-light systems are complex and costly to 

implement, both on the software side and the electronics 

or wiring at the racks. NIMMSTA’s pick-by-light solution 

is simple and smart: the intelligence is not in the display 

system, but in the industrial smart watch, which only addresses 

the corresponding light tag. With the help of this 

solution, processes can be transformed into freehand workflows. 

To the point: 

user-centric, 

easy to use, 

highly efficient. 

IFOY test verdict: The potential for the solution in intralogistics and production 

is considerable. The provider’s goal is to optimize not just one process step, but 

the entire value chain. The focus is on creating more efficiency for the user, increasing 

process quality, and consequently securing the user’s productivity and 

growth. At the same time, however, the working environment of the personnel in 

intralogistics and production is to be improved. 


The NIMMSTA pick-by-light solution enables a significant increase in efficiency 

of manual picking and putting processes, innovatively implemented through 

a technically simple display technology for the shelves in the warehouse that 

can be easily integrated by sticking and scanning. Due to the high level of 

user-friendliness, the comprehensive connection to a wide range of 

warehouse management systems and the very short 

payback period of usually a few months, the 

system is considered to have very high 

market potential. 









73



Startups 

2023 

» 

The IFOY AWARD has been giving 

start-ups a chance since 2019. This 

year, five new comers are competing 

for the attention of the 

international jury. 

BY STEFANIE NONNENMANN 

The “Start-up of the 

Year” category of the 

IFOY AWARD, which 

has been in existence 

since 2019, has 

already proven to be a 

springboard for newly 

founded companies 

on several occasions 

in the past. Not only 

winning the title, but 

also successfully reaching the finals and 

passing the three-stage IFOY Audit ensure 

that intralogistics newbies can showcase 

the special qualities of their own product and 

achieve international recognition. 

However, in order to stand a chance in this 

category, numerous conditions must be met. 

Companies must not have been in existence 

for more than three years at the time of 

application, must not employ more than 30 

people and must not exceed an annual turnover 

of five million euros. For many, however, 

the most important criterion is the most 

difficult entry hurdle: Anyone who wants to 

win an IFOY AWARD must be able to present 

a functioning prototype – and thus much 

more than a formulated concept on a piece of 

paper. Among all applications, five companies 

managed this year to convince the jury 

with their performance for a nomination and 

to pass the audit. 

Whether a three-dimensionally moving drive 

chain for conveyor systems, software and 

hardware for easier lifting of heavy loads or 

more safety in the warehouse: This year, ff 

Fördersysteme, Hunic, Loady, Predimo and 

Sentics have reached the finals for the IFOY 

AWARD, also known as the “Oscar of intralogistics”. 

But even those new to the market 

are not spared the rigors of the multi-stage 

testing process. The five start-up companies 

underwent intensive tests in Dortmund, 

presented themselves to the scientists at 

the Innovation Check and, at the end, to the 

critical eyes of the international jury of trade 

journalists, who did not miss even the smallest 

detail of the innovation. 

An important IFOY principle also applies in 

the start-up category: Who wins the race 

remains a secret until the awards ceremony. 

But even those who do not come out on top in 

the end can be sure of a high level of global 

attention. 

On the following pages, we present the five 

finalists in the “Start-up of the Year” category 

in more detail. 

74



ff Fördersysteme 

The basis of the conveyor system 

is a patented, threedimensionally 

moving drive 

chain. 

The conveyor lines of the 

start-up ff Fördersysteme 

consist of a single 

drive train, which can 

be designed three-dimensionally 

in space 

as desired and can 

be linked with various 

transport attachments. 

Whether transporting, 

tilting, swiveling or 

rotating - various tasks can be solved in one 

track. 3D systems offered on the market do 

not offer full freedom of movement and are 

also mostly designed for a specific application. 

ff conveyor systems open up new 

possibilities in plant design. An example 

application could be a spiral conveyor that 

can travel once up a transport path and then 

back down in the same piece. This endless 

loop allows such a system to serve once as 

a buffer, packages can be fed in, but also 

removed again. This results in enormous 

space savings. 

The 3D chain drive offers a technical and economical 

alternative in many areas. The system 

can be used in the industrial sector, but 

also in passenger transportation. In the field 

of passenger transportation, this technology 

» 

ff Fördersysteme offers a flexible basic system 

for conveyor and transport systems of any kind. On 

the basis of a three-dimensionally movable chain, 

conveyor lines precisely adapted to the respective 

requirements can be realized in the tightest of spaces 

without interfaces. « 

can be used as a new drive technology for a 

three-dimensional escalator. 

ff Fördersysteme offers a basic system for 

installations that are not only designed and 

built for a specific purpose. Flexible adaptation 

means that they can be modified to 

meet a wide range of requirements. The 

possibility of new routing additionally offers 

space advantages. Last but not least, the 

assembly, installation and maintenance 

effort is low. 


Nice, purely mechanical idea that can certainly offer great advantages for specific 

applications due to the very flexible geometry. The detailed IFOY Innovation Check 

is available free of charge at www.ifoy.org. 


Ø 





75



HUNIC 

The exoskeleton supports the 

musculature during lifting and 

sensitizes towards an 

ergonomic movement. 

High and prolonged 

stress, for example 

due to repeated lifting 

of heavy objects, 

poses a health 

risk for employees 

in production and 

logistics, which in 

the worst case can 

lead to an inability to 

work. According to 

the German Trade Association, every tenth 

day of incapacity to work in Germany is due 

to back pain. 

This is precisely where the assistance 

system from HUNIC can provide preventive 

relief. The passive exoskeleton uses a spring 

principle to support the leg and back muscles 

when lifting loads and sensitizes the user to 

» 

It is a completely passive exoskeleton that also has 

few solid areas that would negatively affect comfort 

and thus be detrimental to acceptance. « 


This start-up takes up the exoskeleton theme, in a novel, soft version. 

Assistance with certain movements is available, but not the main focus. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of charge at 

www.ifoy.org. 


Ø 




++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / -less / -- not available 

ergonomic movement. Due to the adjustment 

options, the system can be worn by persons 

weighing from 50 kilograms up to 140 kilograms, 

regardless of gender. In addition, all 

modules can be easily exchanged, cleaned 

in the washing machine and easily replaced 

when worn out. By optimizing the working 

posture, the forces acting on the back are 

reduced by up to 50 percent and distributed 

evenly. In this way, the SoftExo Lift permanently 

relieves and protects the spine, joints 

and muscles of the wearer. 

Wearing the exoskeleton from HUNIC on a 

regular basis leads to a lasting improvement 

in the individual’s working posture, resulting 

in a more ergonomically favorable posture. 

This creates the conditions for more comfortable 

work and ultimately for a better quality 

of life. Especially towards the end of the work 

shift, a reduced fatigue of the users can be 

observed. 

Due to reduced downtime and more motivated 

employees, the company gains an 

economic advantage. Consequently, the 

investment of 1,000 euros per exoskeleton is 

well worth it. 

76



Loady 

The Software as a Service 

solution helps shippers and 

consignees to enter all 

information and requests. 

Loady is a Software as a 

Service (SaaS) solution and 

industry-wide reference 

source (single source of 

truth) for loading and unloading 

requirements that 

all logistics partners in the 

supply chain can refer to. 

For the first time, shippers 

and consignees can enter 

all the information and 

» 

requirements that need to be considered for 

loading and unloading a truck at their location 

and for specific products into a standardized 

data structure. 

Standardized data storage and maintenance are 

already an enormous lever for error prevention. If 

necessary, this data is then also exchanged automatically 

and standardized on a case-dependent basis. 

This eliminates significant causes of errors. « 


This start-up is positioned at the interface between supply chain and intralogistics 

in the loading area. "The future standard" (own statement) offers a structured 

linking of data. The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of charge 






The software includes a modular data model 

that can be used for complex, large sites 

and hazardous goods, as well as smaller and 

simpler goods deliveries. By assigning transport 

lanes, data can be shared with business 

and logistics partners for the respective operational 

processes. Data changes are tracked 

in the software, and there is a data history. 

This means that it is always possible to see 

which data status was valid at which point 

in time. Authorized business and logistics 

partners can be informed directly in the event 

of changes to relevant data fields. The data is 

used in the company applications via API, and 

there is also a mobile, multilingual interface 

for drivers. 

There is no predecessor, just a long-standing 

breaking point that can be overcome with 

the software. Loady is the first solution on 

the market to manage loading and unloading 

requirements in a structured data model and 

be a reliable source for all logistics partners. 

The software is also the first central preproduct 

database. 

Loady thus offers a meaningful alternative to 

free-text fields, in which companies currently 

try to track their requirements for loading 

– but also for unloading at their customers 

– in continuous text format, laboriously and 

sometimes incorrectly. In SAP, this mainly 

concerns the fields G12 and G14 in the 

forwarding orders. The software can also be 

used to replace manually compiled Excel 

files for logistics tenders, cleaning requirements 

and preliminary products. 


77



Predimo 

Based on motion data, Predimo 

calculates activity and load on 

muscles and joints. 

ComputedMyoGraphy 

is composed of a 

hardware part and 

a software part. The 

hardware part consists 

of 17 IoT sensors that 

are worn over the work 

clothes with Velcro 

straps. These sensors 

are needed to record 

the movement of the 

worker. Based on the data thus obtained, a 

cloud application calculates the activity of 

each muscle and the load on the joints. In 

the visualization software, these loads can 

be analyzed to derive ergonomic recommendations. 

In combination with fully automated 

process and material flow tools or simple 

productivity verifications, precise key figures 

for ergonomics and productivity can thus be 

defined. 

Due to the amount of data, ergonomics can 

also be correlated with productivity for the 

first time and it is shown that ergonomic 

» 

workplaces automatically lead to personnel 

working faster. In intralogistics, the application 

is particularly useful in picking or 

packing areas. 

Previous ergonomics analyses are based on 

a view of the human body and cannot look 


Predimo's product is primarily a newly constructed digital twin of the human 

bone and muscle apparatus. This in turn is linked to movement data. 


inside the body. This means that they cannot 

describe the overload as a key figure, but 

only approximately. With the help of certain 

In the area of process analysis, state-of-the-art 

tools are used that can be used without integration 

into the IT structure. This gives Predimo a unique selling 

proposition in the field of health/ergonomics that 

is unique worldwide. « 

joint angles, an attempt is made to describe 

this key figure – for example, working above 

shoulder height is bad, an inclination of 

the upper body of more than 30 degrees is 

unergonomic. However, according to the current 

state of science, it is known that these 

currently common findings do not correspond 

to the real load. As a result, it often happened 

that previous ergonomic workplace optimizations 

did not lead to a reduction in lost work 

days, but rather increased process efficiency 

or reduced picking errors, for example. 


Ø 




++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / -less / -- not available 

78



Sentics 

The system recognizes 

relevant objects and makes 

the information available for 

numerous applications. 

The supplier‘s optical 

real-time localization 

system is based on 

infrastructure sensors 

installed in the 

industrial environment. 

The sensor system 

detects and localizes 

relevant objects such 

as forklifts, people or 

machines and makes 

» 

this information available for numerous 

applications. Real-time analysis of the locations 

and movement profiles of people and 

industrial trucks enables critical situations to 

be detected at an early stage and accidents 

to be prevented by means of warnings and 

automated reduction of travel speed. With the 

help of a targeted configuration of the driving 

strategy, users can also preventively reduce 

the driving speed in hazardous areas. Conversely, 

industrial trucks can continue to operate 

The integration of automated technology and 

manual process participants into a closed system 

shows very good potential for implementation and is 

an important step into the future world of networked 

Industry 4.0. « 


Nice application for camera-based detection and localization of moving objects. 

Can neatly increase security, but can also be used for rule-based actions for control. 






with high productivity if there are no people 

or other obstacles in the travel area. 

The localization system can also be used for 

autonomous transport systems, which can 

currently only be operated with limited productivity 

due to the challenges of mixed traffic 

with manual vehicles and people. For this 

purpose, information about all driving areas 

is provided in real time and made available 

to the fleet managers of the autonomous 

transport vehicles. An analysis of historical 

movement profiles also enables safety and 

productivity to be increased. 

Alternative real-time localization systems 

are based on additional technical devices 

(transponders) that must be worn by people 

or installed on industrial trucks. Besides the 

administration and maintenance effort (issuing 

to employees and visitors, recharging 

batteries, replacing defective devices, etc.), 

these systems have a disadvantage for security 

applications. If a person is not wearing 

the transponder or if it is defective, then that 

person cannot be protected. The Sentics system 

does not require any additional technical 

equipment. 


79



THE 


TESTERS 

When they enter the test hall, it gets quiet at 

the finalists' booths. The IFOY AWARD testers 

are feared, because their judgment counts. 

Innovation checkers 

and material handling specialists at the 

Chair of Technical Logistics at TU 

Dresden: Prof. Dr. Thorsten Schmidt (r.) 

and Martin Anders. 

BY ANITA WÜRMSER 

Is it a real innovation or a successful 

development? How do the performance 

values compare to the 

competition? What about customer 

benefits, manufacturing details and 

features? Nowhere is there more 

testing and inspecting than at the 

IFOY AWARD. Those nominated for 

the final must undergo a three-stage 

audit. The results give the jurors important 

clues for their vote. 

This year, five logistics scientists and 

three IFOY testers put the finalists through 

their paces in Hall 3 of IFOY partner Messe 

Dortmund. In total, the experts examined 

and tested 23 devices and solutions 

from 21 manufacturers over four days. 

Part 1 of the IFOY Audit is the practice-oriented 

IFOY Test by Dutch trade journalist 

Theo Egberts. This measures the hard 

facts in the vehicle categories and compares 

them with the relevant competitive 

equipment. The vehicles undergo individually 

tailored driving or functional tests, 

including the IFOY test protocol, which 

comprises around 80 criteria and determines, 

among other things, the economy 

and energy efficiency, sustainability, safety 

and ergonomics of the equipment. In 

addition to Egberts, juror Winfried Bauer 

was also responsible for the test reports. 

The second part of the IFOY Audit is the scientific 

Innovation Check. It is carried out by 

the Dortmund Fraunhofer 

Institute for Material 

Flow and Logistics 

(IML), the Stuttgart 

Fraunhofer Institute 

for Manufacturing Engineering 

and Automation 

(IPA), the Chair 

of Technical Logistics 

at the University of 

Dresden and the Chair 

of Materials Handling 

Material Flow Logistics 

at the Technical University 

of Munich. 

The IFOY Innovation 

Prof. Dr. Johannes Fottner, Chair of 

Check team checked 

the nominees on the 

spot in the hall in terms 

of market relevance, 

Materials Handling, Material Flow 

Logistics at the Technical 

University of Munich. Expert 

for AGV and Robots. 

customer benefits, 

type of execution and 

degree of innovation. In 

addition, the scientists verified the innovations 

stated by the manufacturers and evaluate 

in a technology comparison whether 

they are innovative further developments, 

successful new developments or genuine 

innovations. A five-point rating scale is 

used as a guide: "non-existent," "less," "balanced," 

"good" and "very good". 

Test reporter Winfried Bauer 

is one of the authors of the 

test report. 

80



The IFOY 

test team 

(l. to r.): 

Egberts, 

Rothmeyer, 

Bormann, Schmidt, 

Anders and Follert. 

IFOY tester Theo Egberts, 

logistics journalist and 

the number 1 forklift 

tester. 

Also to the 

Innovation Check 

team: Richard Bormann, 

robotics expert at the 

Fraunhofer IPA. 

Guido Follert, 

Head of the Machines and Systems 

Department at Fraunhofer IML. He is an 

expert for many intralogistics innovations. 

81

We enable the logistics of the future by 

providing the most flexible & scalable 

robotics ecosystem. 

Optimizing workflows through 

autonomous solutions. 

PLATFORM 

AnyFleet 

Fleet orchestration managed 

by one central fleet management 

system 

HARDWARE 

iw.hub 

Autonomous mobile robot 

(AMR) to create smart transport 

teamwork 

SOFTWARE 

iw.os 

Operating system of mobile 

robots, consisting of a highly 

scalable robotics software 

CONTACT US 

idealworks.com 

sales@idealworks.com 

idealworks 

Riesstraße 22 

80992 München



2023JURY 

23 JURORS FROM 19 NATIONS 

SPECIALISED, HIGHLY MOTIVATED, CRITICAL WITH PASSION. WWW.IFOY.ORG 

The IFOY Judges 

The winners of the IFOY AWARD are chosen by a jury. Its members are 

renowned trade journalists from leading logistics media worldwide. 

The jury decides independently, according to transparent criteria and 

on the basis of professional expertise. 

The jury is chaired by Anita Würmser, logistics journalist and managing 

director of impact media projects GmbH. 

SWITZERLAND 

Klaus Koch 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

“LOGISTICSINNOVATION.ORG“ 

GERMANY 

Anita Würmser 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ”IFOY MGZN“, 

“LOGISTICS HALL OF FAME MAGAZIN“ 

The journalist and publicist is the 

founder of the IFOY AWARD, executive 

chair of the IFOY Jury and the 

Logistics Hall of Fame. The online 

reach of the IFOY AWARD is 

1.5 billion people worldwide. 

ifoy.org; logisticshalloffame.net 

The internationally positioned online 

magazine LogisticsInnovation, based 

in Rupperswil, was founded in 2020. 

The bi-weekly newsletter has 

almost 1,000 subscribers, 

the website 95,000 PIs/month. 

logisticsinnovation.org 

CZECH REPUBLIC 

Michal Stengl 

GERMANY 

Sascha Schmel 

MANAGING DIRECTOR VDMA 

MATERIALS HANDLING 

AND INTRALOGISTICS 

ASSOCIATION 

As a permanent member of the 

jury (without voting rights), 

Sascha Schmel represents the 

idealistic sponsor of the IFOY 

AWARD. 

foerd.vdma.org 

GERMANY 

Bernd Maienschein 

SPECIALISED LOGISTICS EDITOR 

“VOGEL COMMUNICATIONS” 

Among other things, he writes for MM Logistik, which is 

published six times a year with a circulation of 15,000 copies. 

The daily newsletter has 8,000 readers, the website 80,000 PIs. 

maschinenmarkt.de; www.mm-logistik.de 

THE NETHERLANDS 

Theo Egberts 

BURO ANDERSOM 

The IFOY Chief Tester 

is a juror (without voting 

rights) and has been 

assessing the IFOY 

finalists since the 

beginning. 

logisticsinside.eu 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “TRANS- 

PORT A LOGISTICA CZ” 

Michal Stengl has been 

working as a journalist in the 

field of transport and logistics 

since 2002 and has been an 

editor at the magazines 

“Svět motorů“, “Auto Tip“ and 

“Auto 7“, among others. 

www.transport-logistika.cz; 

www.transport.sk 

83



NORWAY 

Øyvind Ludt 


“MODERNE TRANSPORT“ 

“Moderne Transport” is 

published 10 times a year with 

a circulation of 6,500 copies. 

The weekly newsletter 

reaches 3,000 recipients. 

mtlogistikk.no 

BRAZIL 

Edson Carillo 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BEI 

“CONNEXXION BRAZIL | SUPPLY 

CHAIN ENGINEERING“ 

The Brazilian logistics magazine and 

portal “LOGWEB“ is considered 

Brazil‘s most important logistics 

medium. It is published 10 times a 

year with a circulation of 10,000 

copies, the bi-weekly newsletter has 

13,000 recipients and the news 

portal 40,000 PIs. Edson Carillo 

represents the editor Valeria Lima. 

logweb.com.br 

GREAT BRITAIN 

Peter MacLeod 

EDITOR “LOGISTICS 

BUSINESS MAGAZINE“ 

Logistics Business is published 

four times a year with a 

circulation of 10,000 copies. 

The newsletter reaches 19,000 

recipients each week. 

www.logisticsbusiness.com 

HUNGARY 

Szilvia 

Rapi-Jaubert 

PUBLISHER 

“SUPPLY CHAIN MONITOR“ 

Supply Chain Monitor is 

published in digital form and 

is considered the leading 

Hungarian trade journal in 

the field of logistics and 

SCM. The monthly 

magazine is sent out 

as a newsletter to 

more than 8,500 

readers. 

scmonitor.hu 

ITALY 

Romi Cherubini 

EDITOR “IL GIORNALE 

DELLA LOGISTICA“ 

“Il Giornale della Logistica” is published 10 

times a year with a circulation of 18,200 

copies. The weekly newsletter has 11,300 

recipients, the homepage has 16,000 users 

per month. 

ilgiornaledellalogistica.it 

FRANCE 

Gilles Solard 


“STRATÉGIES LOGISTIQUE“ 

“Stratégies Logistique” is published bimonthly with a 

circulation of 2,300 copies. The target group is managers 

in logistics and supply chain management. The weekly 

newsletter reaches 6,000 readers and the website 

generates 40,000 PIs per month from around 25,000 

users. 

strategieslogistique.com 

ITALY 

Cecilia Biondi 


“LOGISTICA MANAGEMENT“ 

The magazine is published monthly with 

a circulation of 8,000 copies per month 

and 10 issues per year. “Logistica 

Management” is aimed at logistics 

managers in industry and logistics 

service providers. The website reaches 

150,000 users every month, the 

newsletter 30,000 readers weekly. 

logisticamanagement.it 

IMPRESSIONS 

84



SPAIN 

Isabel Rodrigo Fernández 


“CUADERNOS DE LOGÍSTICA“ 

The magazine is published six times a year 

with a circulation of 3,000 copies. In addition, 

there is a daily newsletter with almost 4,000 

subscribers. 

logistica.cdecomunicacion.es 

GERMANY 

Winfried Bauer 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “F+H“ 

“f+h– Fördertechnik, Materialfluss, 

Logistik 4.0” is published 10 times a 

year with a circulation of around 

15,000 copies. The weekly newsletter 


foerdern-und-heben.de 

SPAIN 

Alejandra Cabornero 

DIRECTOR “LOGÍSTICA 

PROFESIONAL“ 

“Logística Profesional” magazine 

pays special attention to specials 

on Africa, Germany, Asia, France 

and Latin America. The magazine 

publishes nine issues a year and 

has a daily newsletter with nearly 

94,000 subscribers. 

www.logisticaprofesional.com 

SOUTH AFRICA 

Charleen Clarke 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “FOCUS 

ON TRANSPORT& LOGISTICS“ 

“Focus on Transport & Logistics” is one 

of the leading magazines on the 

African continent specializing in 

transport and logistics. The monthly 

magazine reaches over 20,000 

readers, and the bi-weekly newsletter 

has a circulation of 7,235. 

focusontransport.co.za 

GERMANY 

Matthias Rathmann 


“TRANS AKTUELL“, 

“EUROTRANSPORT.DE“ 

“trans aktuell” is published fortnightly 

with a circulation of 50,000 copies 

and is aimed at logistics companies. 

The newsletter reaches 5,000 

readers three times a week. 

eurotransport.de generates up to 

700,000 PIs per month. 

transaktuell.de; eurotransport.de 

POLAND 

Sebastian 

Śliwieński 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “WAREHOUSE MONITOR“ 

“Warehouse Monitor” is published quarterly with a 

circulation of 3,500 copies. The newsletter is published 

80 times a year and reaches 10,000 recipients. 

warehouse-monitor.pl 

JURY MEETINGS 

The jury traditionally holds 

intensive discussions at 

the TEST DAYS. Voting 

does not take place until 

two weeks later – plenty 

of time to get to grips with 

the tester‘s findings. 

85



IRELAND 

Jalath Sweeney 


“FLEET TRANSPORT“, 

“HANDLING NETWORK“ 

The “Fleet Transport” and 

“Handling Network” magazines 

are each published 10 times a 

year with a circulation of 8,500 

copies. The websites achieve 

around 20,000 PIs per month. The 

weekly newsletter reaches 15,000 

recipients. 

fleet.ie, handling-network.com 

GERMANY 

Matthias Pieringer 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “LOGISTIK HEUTE“ 

“Logistik Heute” is one of the leading German 

logistics magazines for decision-makers in 

industry, trade and logistics services. It is 

published 10 times a year with a circulation of 

32,000 copies per month. The weekly newsletter 


logistik-heute.de 

AUSTRIA 

Hans-Joachim Schlobach 

PUBLISHER “BUSINESS+LOGISTIC“ 

“BUSINESS+LOGISTIC” is published six times 

a year with a circulation of 2,000 copies. 

The online portal blogistic.net has 

6,000 readers per month. 

blogistic.net 

ROMANIA 

Marilena Matei 

MANAGING EDITOR 

“TRANZIT“ AND 

“TRANZIT LOGISTICA“ 

“Tranzit Logistica” is published 

annually with eight issues and has a 

circulation of 8,300 copies. A daily 

newsletter is sent to currently 8,500 

recipients. The magazine is 

accompanied by a website with 

80,000 monthly users, generating a 

total of over 200,000 PIs. 

traficmedia.ro 

CHINA 

Ying (Chrystal) Xu 

DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

“CHINA INDUSTRIAL NEWS NETWORK“ 

“China Industrial News” is focused on Chinese 

industry and for industrial enterprises and 

managers. 

www.dzb.cinn.cn 

BULGARIA 

Snejina Badjeva 

PUBLISHER “LOGISTIKA“ 

The monthly magazine has a 

circulation of 5,000 copies. The 

newsletter, which is also 

published monthly, reaches 

12,000 readers. The digital version 

of the magazine can be found at: 

www.transport-press.bg. 

logistika.bg 

IMPRESSIONS 

JURY AT WORK 

Two days full of 

testing, discussing 

and reporting. 

86



On the edge 

JURY ON SITE 

Three jury sessions – one remote 

– one Highlight Tour, the 

report of the IFOY testers and 

innovation checkers, various 

manufacturer presentations and 

individual live testing. The jury‘s 

schedule is packed before the 

journalists cast their vote. 

87



IFOY AWARD NIGHT 

L 

ooking back to 2022: Representatives of 

Jungheinrich, Locus Robotics, Noyes Technologies, 

robominds, SSI SCHÄFER and 

SYNAOS accepted the award, also known as 

the “Oscar of intralogistics,” from six laudators 

at the award ceremony at BMW Welt in Munich. A 

laudatory speech was given by Steffen Bersch (Chairman 

of the Board of the VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics 

Association), Andre Kranke (Head of Corporate 

Research & Development, Dachser), Raimund Paetzmann 

(Vice President Real Estate & Logistics Network Expansion 

at Zalando), Julia Jocher (Project Management Group7), 

Udo Schmidt (Managing Director Cascade Europe) and 

Dr. Michael Nikolaides (Senior Vice President Production 

IFOY AWARD winners 2022 (from left): Jungheinrich, Locus Robotics, Noyes Technologies, ... 

88



2022 

Network, Logistics, BMW Group). 12 international 

companies with 14 products and solutions made it 

to the finals in the tenth round of the award. 

The winners of 

the IFOY AWARD 

2022 have once 

again demonstrated 

impressingly that the 

Intralogistics sector 

is innovative and 

forward-thinking. 

Respect! 

... robominds, SSI SCHÄFER and SYNAOS 

89



Dresscode Black Tie. 

IFOY partner BMW: 

Jürgen Maidl (l.) and 

Dr. Michael Nikolaides 

IMPRESSIONS 

A birthday cake: 

10 year anniversary 

IFOY AWARD. 

Cheers among the 

the winners. 

Beste atmosphere Stimmung bei at 

der the After-Show-Party. 

after-show party. 

The 


trophies 

were “delivered” 

by last year’s winner 

idealworks. 

ON THE 

IFOY AWARD 

NIGHT 

90



Power of IFOY on stage: 

Sascha Schmel (l.), Patrick 

Schwarzkopf (both 

VDMA). 

The IFOY AWARD stage 

in the grand auditorium 

of BMW Welt. 

BMW Welt, which is visited by twice as 

many people as Neuschwanstein Castle 

every year, is not the first time that it 

has been the spectacular stage for the 

awards ceremony. In 2017, the trophies 

were awarded in the so called Double 

Cone. This time, the 1,000-squaremeter 

auditorium was the venue for 

Award Night. 

AT THE 

BMW WORLD 

IN MUNICH 

2022 

And once again: 

cheers. 

Before the awards ceremony, 

the focus was on other 

highlights. 

Thilo Jörgl (l.) moderated 

the evening. 

91



HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NEXT 

IFOY AWARD NOW 

The reach of the IFOY AWARD stands out: online coverage peaked at 4,012 articles in 

963 media channels and 79 countries around the world in 2022. The reach was 1.5 billion 

readers. Whoever makes it to the final is world-famous in the logistics scene from one 

day to the next. But how do you get to the finals? First, you have to apply, and that goes 

quickly. Here are the most important tips and steps. 

By Anita Würmser 

THE MOST 

IMPORTANT 

STEPS AT A 

GLANCE 

1Application 

(August – October) 

Takes 5 minutes 

Manufacturers of materials 

handling technology, robotics, intralogistics 

and software providers as well as 

start-ups with any number of products or 

solutions can apply for an IFOY AWARD. 

Anyone who wants to take part must 

first register an application at www.ifoy. 

org. This requires contact details as well 

as the type and name of the product or 

solution. This registration is necessary because 

an individual input mask is created 

for each application, in which the required 

data can be entered individually. 

When registering an application, one 

has the choice of specifying one or more 

categories. In the case of a nomination, 

the IFOY organization decides on 

the final assignment to a category. 

At the latest 24 hours after the application 

registration, the access data to the 

entry form will be sent by e-mail, and you 

can start. 

Important: 

Once an application 

has been submitted, it cannot be withdrawn 

by the applicant. Only the jury can 

withdraw a nomination in exceptional 

cases and upon request if there are 

serious reasons. These include insolvency 

of the applicant, patent disputes, quality 

problems or inability to deliver. 

2Enter application 

data (August – 

October) 

With the access data, 

one can log into the 

applicant portal and fill 

out the input form. At this stage, the form 

is only visible to the respective applicant, 

who is free to change the content at any 

time. 

While entering data, applicants can 

already see how their application looks 

in the front end of the website. This view 

is later made available to the jury and is 

public 

in the event 

of a nomination. The application 

form is kept short and the text input is 

limited. An application must be entered in 

German and also in English. Essentially, 

the following contents are the main focus 

of an application: 

Striking headline 

Meaningful summary 

Clear description of the innovation and 

the customer benefits 

Technical data, videos and images 

In the case of a solution, a case study 

with a maximum of 7,000 characters is 

required. 

It is advisable to answer the questions as 

briefly, comprehensibly and strikingly as 

possible. It is not important that a lot of 

text is written. On the contrary, it is crucial 

that the texts are clearly structured, 

for example by points, and that the jury 

recognizes the innovation and its value 

for the users at first glance. 

92



* 


AWARD 

----------- 

www.ifoy.org 

IFOY AWARD 2024 

APPLY NOW 

3Nomination 

(November – 

December) 

On October 30, all entry masks 

are locked and the jurors and test 

teams are given access to the data. 

After a formal and technical preliminary review, the 

jury nominates about 15 products and solutions from 

all valid applications for the finals. Only these finalists 

are publicly announced in January and have to appear for 

the IFOY Audit in Dortmund (step 4). Applications that are 

not nominated will be treated confidentially in order not to 

make a negative selection. Each applicant will be informed 

in writing before publication whether the jury has made a 

nomination. 

August 1 – October 30, 2023 

Application registration at 

www.ifoy.org 

and entering the application data 

November 1 – December 31, 2023 

The finalists 2024 are nominated 

March / April 2024 

IFOY TEST DAYS / IFOY AUDIT 

Election of the winners 

Summer 2024 

IFOY AWARD NIGHT 

and award ceremony 

93

At a glance 

The IFOY AWARD 

Categories 



4 

IFOY TEST DAYS 

IFOY Audit 

TEST CAMP 

Intralogistics 

(March/April) 

The IFOY TEST 

DAYS with the IFOY Audit will take 

place within the framework of the 


Dortmund. 

IFOY AUDIT 

All nominated equipment and all 

nominated devices and solutions 

have to undergo the IFOY Audit 

as part of the IFOY TEST DAYS. It 

consists of the IFOY Test, the scientific 

innovation check and the jury 

test. The devices and solutions 

undergo various 

assessments and driving or 

functional tests, including the IFOY 

Test protocol comprising around 80 

criteria. The decisive factor is that 

the nominees are not compared with 

each other, but with their competitor 

devices on the market. 

Besides the testers, the judges – 

all well-known trade editors from 

leading logistics media around the 

world – and their advisors will travel 

to test the equipment and solutions 

themselves. 

All finalists who pass the IFOY Audit 

receive the Best-in-Intralogistics 

certificate at an on-site award 

ceremony, along with a communications 

package consisting of a press 

release and certificate, e-mail binder 

and graphic files for embedding the 

certificate in documents. 

If a nominee does not show up for 

the audit, the device or solution 

will be disqualified. 

Counter Balanced Truck: Counterbalanced 

trucks of all weight classes. 

Heavy Load Forklift: Container forklift, heavy-duty 

forklift with more than eight tonnes. 

Special Vehicle: Forklifts and vehicles for special tasks, 

special vehicle manufacturing, drones, cargo bicycles, 

truck-mounted forklifts. 

Warehouse Truck lowlifter/highlifter: Warehouse technology 

equipment. 

Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) / Shuttle: Shuttle (systems), 

driverless transport systems, automated or predominantly automated 

industrial trucks. 

Intralogistics Robot: Robots or robot-based solutions for intralogistics 

applications such as picking robots, palletising and depalletising robots, 

cobots, robots for the automatic unloading and loading of trucks, etc. 

Intralogistics Software: Apps and intralogistics system or software solutions 

in the context of the application possibilities, such as warehouse management 

systems, forklift control systems, driver assistance systems, fleet management 

systems, etc. 

Integrated Warehouse Solution: A holistic warehouse concept successfully 

implemented for a customer. 

Special of the Year: Components or technical details that significantly improve economics 

or environment, the physical or psychological conditions of the user, such as ergonomic 

innovations, safety assistance solutions, automation solutions, drive technologies, warehouse 

aids, forklift attachments, etc. 

Crane and Lifting Appliance: Cranes for various applications, such as portal and bridge cranes, 

bracket and wall-mounted cranes, slewing cranes, suspension cranes, light cranes, etc., lifting 

technology for various applications, such as chain and wire rope hoists, winches, magnetic and 

vacuum lifters, lifting table and working platforms, etc. 

Start-up: Innovative prototypes or functional developments, intralogistics products, software, vehicles or 

components. 

* 

--------- 

IFOY AW 

Applicat 

1. August – 30 

2023 

94



TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 

"SPOT ON INNOVATION": This is not only 

what everything revolves around at the 

IFOY AWARD, but also at the TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS. This is the fourth time 

that the testing event will provide the 

framework for the IFOY TEST DAYS. 

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS is not a classic 

trade show. Those who want to exhibit 

there must show an innovation, a new or 

a unique product. The invited B2B guests 

from industry, trade and logistics services 

can thus experience the selected innovations 

live and get an idea of their practicability 

before making a purchasing decision, 

as well as a practical market overview in 

terms of future technologies. 

IFOY finalists are automatically admitted 

as exhibitors and are among the visitor 

magnets at CAMP. 

5The Voting 

(April/May) 

After the IFOY Tests, the 

jury votes on the winners. 

For this purpose, 

each juror assigns a 

ranking in each category and justifies the 

decision. Each rank is assigned a point 

value, whereby the candidate with the 

highest number of points is automatically 

calculated as the winner. The voting takes 

place online and database-supported on 

the jury portal. 

6IFOY AWARD Night – 

award ceremony 

(Summer) 

The highlight of the IFOY 

AWARD is the announcement 

of the winners 

and the award ceremony at a festive gala. 

However, it remains exciting until the very 

end, because neither the nominees nor the 

award winners are informed in advance. 

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION 

FOR TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS 

AS WELL AS CONDITIONS 

OF PARTICIPATION AND 

CURRENT FEES CAN BE 

REQUESTED FROM THE 

IFOY OFFICE. 

Anita Würmser 

Managing Jury Chairwoman of the IFOY 

AWARD 

T +49 (0)89 251384611 

E-mail: anita.wuermser@ifoy.org 

Apply at: www.ifoy.org 

IFOY AWARD FEES 

Companies around the globe apply with their 

new developments for participation in the 

final round and compete in the IFOY Audit 

during the IFOY TEST DAYS. 

In order to guarantee neutrality, quality and 

independence of the organization as well as 

the exorbitant marketing value, participation 

in the IFOY AWARD is subject to fees. 

The application is basically free of charge. 

If an application is nominated for the final, 

nomination fees are payable. 

Start-ups receive special conditions. 

Booking a stand at TEST CAMP INTRALO- 

GISTICS is optional and not included in the 

IFOY AWARD nomination fees. However, IFOY 

Nominees will receive special conditions and 

free space for their nominated products. 

-- 

ARD 

ions 

. October 

95



The IFOY PR-Effect 

Reach, reach, reach – or how to increase your own 

awareness with the IFOY AWARD 

By Stefanie Nonnenmann 

1.5 billion is a number that first has to roll off the tongue. This was 

the reach of all online articles published via the IFOY AWARD in 2022 

(2021: 921 million). The benefits of the high international media 

reach are so considerable even with a nomination that many brands 

have achieved a major international breakthrough in combination 

with the IFOY AWARD in the past. 

The coverage is remarkable: In 2022, a total of 963 different media 

from 79 countries published news, reports and features about the 

IFOY AWARD. Key factors in this reach include the international 

IFOY jury’s extensive coverage of each nominee, the IFOY TEST 

DAYS, the three-stage IFOY audit on site, the awards ceremony 

and, of course, the winners. The jury currently comprises 25 

editors-in-chief from the world’s most important intralogistics 

magazines. Together, they represent a reach of more than 400,000 

print readers, plus almost 280,000 newsletter recipients (as 

of 2022) - not only throughout Europe, but all over the world. 

For the annual press clipping, analysis tools were also used to 

determine the total number of all articles that were created 

via the IFOY AWARD. This was 4,012 (2022: 3,424). Around half 

a million people were also reached via social networks such 

as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube, as well as via various blogs. 

The reach via social business networks such as LinkedIn or 

Xing cannot be measured exactly. Here, however, the number of 

followers of the IFOY appearance alone increased significantly 

and the use of the hashtags #ifoy, #ifoyaward, #ifoyrocks 

and #ifoyjury, which were established in connection with 

the reporting that took place here, developed in an almost 

inflationary way. 

NIMMSTA was nominated for an IFOY 

AWARD in the Start-up of the Year category 

in 2021. What did this nomination 

mean for your company? 

Yes, it was unbelievable - we were completely 

out of our minds. At that point, we were still 

pretty much at the beginning of NIMMSTA, so 

the nomination was a real booster for us. The 

reach of the IFOY Award is enormous throughout 

the logistics industry. 

How can a company benefit from an IFOY 

nomination - whether as a start-up or a 

well-known brand? 

In many ways, there is nothing to lose. As I said 

before, the enormous reach, the nomination 

causes a trust of the customers in the product, 

the contacts that are made through it and in 

addition, the events, both the Test Days and the 

IFOY Award Night, are a great happening and 

excellent events. You just want to be there. 

Andreas Funkenhauser 

CEO/Founder NIMMSTA. The company 

was nominated for an IFOY AWARD in 

the category “Start-up of the Year” for 

the first time in 2021. 

What has happened after participating in 

IFOY TEST DAYS? How has the focus of 

attention changed? 

That was definitely a door opener. On the one 

hand, we made important contacts in logistics 

and met great people who have accompanied 

and supported us to this day. We also met our 

first business angel there. On the other hand, 

the strong presence in all media has increased 

the awareness of NIMMSTA extremely. 

What tip would you like to give to potential 

applicants? 

Our motto at NIMMSTA is ‘just do it‘. I can only 

recommend this to every company: Just try it, 

apply. There is nothing to lose, you only learn the 

maximum. When applying, I think it‘s important 

that the solution is immediately clear and that 

everyone understands what the innovation is. 

It‘s better to write less and instead have absolute 

clarity and focus. 

96



Nominees who want to use the IFOY PR effect effectively have 

numerous options for integrating the nomination or the win into 

their own press work. Own press releases or social media posts 

belong to the basic work. For further press releases, a mention of 

the nomination, the IFOY certificate “Best in Intralogistics” or the win 

in the boilerplate of a press release is a good idea. 

In social media, an IFOY nomination can be promoted by sharing 

posts from the IFOY organization, together with a reference to 

your own nomination - a simple but effective step. On LinkedIn, 

for example, the IFOY AWARD presents itself with regular postings, 

videos and images. Sharing these posts on the individual company 

page not only brings one’s own participation at the award into the 

spotlight, but at the same time contributes to further increasing the 

reach of the IFOY AWARD itself in the social networks. 

As part of the IFOY TEST DAYS, the IFOY team creates a professional 

video of each nominee, which is published on the IFOY homepage 

as well as on LinkedIn. Nominated companies can use the video 

content and the extensive photo material free of charge. In addition, 

the integration of videos on the homepage or in the social networks 

increases the attention and the international reach. 

The IFOY TEST DAYS as well as the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS offer 

further opportunities to present oneself not only with a booth but 

also in reporting. The TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS offer includes 

panel discussions as part of the congress program, which give the 

nominees, and here especially the start-ups, a chance to participate 

and present themselves to an international audience of experts. 

The results of the IFOY audit with its test series and the expertise 

of the Innovation Check, which are available to the nominees free 

of charge, have a lasting PR and above all sales effect. The “Best in 

Intralogistics” certificate awarded after successful completion of the 

audit can also be used permanently for PR purposes, for example 

on the homepage or as an imprint on the nominated equipment. 

The quality seal is technically established and stands for innovation, 

it sets visual stimuli and is perceived positively by potential new 

customers. 

“Anyone who is nominated has actually already won,” a nominee 

once said. That’s right, because the IFOY AWARD is more than just an 

award and, with its marketing power, offers an ideal platform - well 

before and after the award ceremony: conservatively calculated, 

the marketing value of the company that simply enjoyed the 

nomination in 2022 was 367,000 euros. A nominee who put the tips 

into action generated a total of 4.4 million euros. 

The bottom line: with a little initiative, an IFOY nomination can turn 

into a real fireworks show. #ifoyrocks 

Dr. Michael Baumgartner is 

Founder and Managing 

Director of CARGOMETER 

GmbH. In 2019, the 

company won an IFOY 

in the category 

“Software”. 

You won the IFOY AWARD 

in the “Software“ category 

in 2019. What happened 

after that? 

The IFOY AWARD made us 

known worldwide quasi overnight. 

After we won the award, 

the number of inquiries we 

received about our products 

skyrocketed. To this day, we 

are still receiving inquiries 

referring to the IFOY win. 

Why did you decide to 

apply in 2019? 

It was simply the right time 

for us. Our product was ready 

- and the IFOY AWARD was 

very well known. However, the 

decisive factor for our application 

was that the IFOY AWARD 

is not just about submitting 

a comprehensive application 

paper, but the competition 

also includes the real test - 

we wanted to be put through 

our paces, we were prepared 

to do so. 

Independent of winning - 

why was it worthwhile for 

you to apply for the IFOY 

AWARD? 

Those who apply for the IFOY 

AWARD benefit from a great 

international reach for a 

comparatively small budget. If 

you would try to get this reach 

some other way, the costs 

would be significantly higher. 

Why would you especially 

recommend smaller 

companies to apply for 

the IFOY AWARD? 

The IFOY is simply perfect - it 

makes no distinction between 

large and small, the only 

thing that counts here is 

innovation and practicality. 

It doesn‘t matter whether a 

large corporation, a small, 

long-established family business 

or a start-up is behind 

this innovation, all are treated 

in the same way and get the 

same international reach. 

That is why the cost-benefit 

ratio of the IFOY AWARD is 

outstanding. 

97



5 tips for #ifoyrocks 

01 

#ifoyrocks – also in press relations 

Use your nomination for an IFOY AWARD 

proactively for your press work from the 

moment it is announced! Write your own 

press release, integrate the nomination 

into your boilerplate. 

Facts, facts, facts – 

out with it to the public! 

02 

All results of the IFOY Audit with its test series 

and expert assessments are available 

to the nominees free of charge. Anyone 

who uses these results along with the extensive 

image and video material for their 

communication generates gigantic added 

value for PR and sales. 

03 

Sharing is caring – reach also rocks! 

The IFOY organization publishes regularly 

posts on LinkedIn in German and English 

language. Share these posts on your 

own channels! Make potential customers 

aware of your nomination and increase 

your international visibility! 

Success sealed! 

04 

For successfully passing the three-stage 

IFOY Audit, all nominees receive the “Best 

in Intralogistics” seal. This seal can be 

used not only for communication purposes, 

but also digitally on the company’s own 

website or as a sticker on the nominated 

equipment, setting more than just visual 

stimuli. Make use of it! 

Make use of networks! 

05 

The TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS, in which 

the IFOY TEST DAYS take place, is characterized 

by a high international profile, especially 

at C-level. Decision-makers are 

often on site themselves to check out the 

IFOY Nominees and other innovations for 

investment decisions. Awareness of one’s 

own brand is increased by those who specifically 

use the camp as an advertising 

platform. In addition, there is the opportunity 

to participate in panel discussions 

as part of the congress program and thus 

also draw attention to oneself. 

98

Landauer Transportgesellschaft Doll KG 

LOGISTICS 

distribution and 

procurement logistics 

chemical logistics 

beverage logistics 

industrial and 

commercial logistics 

logistics analyses 

FORWARDING 

FTL and LTL transports 

local forwarding 

shuttle traffic 

project management 

intermodal transports 

PROPERTIES 

7 sites 

> 180.000 sqm of 

logistics space 

warehousing 

renting 

WWW.LTG.EU 

LANDAUER TRANSPORTGESELLSCHAFT DOLL KG

ds-automotion.com 

ARCOS combines AGV and AMR 

With ARCOS, all types of transport vehicles can operate not only as AGV (Automated Guided 

Vehicle) but also as AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot). For our customers this means highest 

flexibility as well as maximum efficiency with only one transport system in the same plant. 

The innovative ARCOS vehicle software has been nominated for the IFOY AWARD 2023 and, 

like all DS Automotion products, is VDA 5050 compliant. 

A Company of 

ssi-schaefer.com

IFOY MGZN 2023 EN

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