IFOY MGZN 2024

www.ifoy.org 

IFOY 

MGZN 

May 2024 I issue 05 I ISSN 2700-0702 I 19 € 

EXCLUSIVE all about 

IFOY Nominees ´24 

28 

TEST REPORTS 

AND 

INNOVATION 

CHECKS 

IFOY@ 

TEST 

CAMP 

BEST OF 

Exclusive 61 

IFOY JURY 

Leading 

Logistics Media 

IFOY Audit 24 

TESTING 

What you 

should know 

Coming up 66 

IFOY 2025 

Apply right: 

Join in 2025 

Start-ups 52 

BEST OF 

Intralogistics 

Newcomer

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linkedin.com/ 

showcase/ifoy-award 

THE IFOY PARTNERS - A PERFECT NETWORK 

Messe Dortmund, Warsteiner, CHEP, Cascade, LTG and the HERMES.Wirtschafts.Forum 

have supported the IFOY AWARD 2024. Many thanks for that! 

They ensure that everything runs 

smoothly, that the TEST DAYS run perfectly 

and that our equipment finds its 

way safely from Bavaria to Dortmund: 

Our IFOY partners have once again 

made IFOY life a lot easier for us 

this year. Many thanks to our official 

partners Messe Dortmund, CHEP, 

Cascade, LTG, Warsteiner, the 

HERMES.Wirtschafts.Forum and also 

to SSI Schäfer, who supported TEST 

CAMP INTRALOGISTICS as a racking 

partner again in 2024. We look forward 

to continuing our good cooperation! 

Would you also like to become an IFOY 

partner? If you have any questions, 

please contact Anita Würmser by 

email at anita.wuermser@impact.mp. 

NEW IN THE JURY 

The IFOY organization announces the appointment of two new jurors to the IFOY 

AWARD jury. Christoph Scholze, Editor-in-Chief of the German trade magazine dhf 

Intralogistik, and David Maloney, Editorial Director of the US media DC Velocity and 

CSCMP’s Supply Chain Quarterly, have been elected to the panel, bringing the total 

number of editors-in-chief of leading logistics publications and experts from 

19 nations on the IFOY jury to 26. They are allowed to test the world’s best new 

intralogistics products and solutions and decide who will win an IFOY AWARD. 

3



Content. 

28 

at a glance 

All IFOY 

Nominees 

10 

24 

58 

20 

08 

10 

20 

22 

IFOY Inside: 

Backstage 

TEST CAMP 2024: 

The big review 

“Mobile Robotics” – 

the conference 

Visitor statements 

to the TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS 

24 “Best-in-Intralogistics”: 

The certificates 

28 

58 

61 

66 

The IFOY AWARD 

finalists 2024 

The IFOY testers 2024 

26 jurors from all 

over the world: 

The IFOY Jury 2024 

How to apply for the 

IFOY AWARD 2025 

61 

66 

66 

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INNOVATIONS 

FOR LOGISTICS 

PROPERTIES 

Messe Dortmund 

Germany 

19—21 

NOV 

2024 

www.buildin-x.com 

The business platform covering 

the entire value chain of innovative 

logistics and industrial real estate



Foreword 

Innovation 

hub 

by Mona Neubaur 

(Minister of Economic Affairs of 

North Rhine-Westphalia) 

The Olympic idea of letting the best one win is cultivated here 

in favour of pioneering technology. 

Enthusiastic about the TEST CAMP: Mona Neubaur, Minister of 

Economic Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia) 

Situated at the heart of Europe, North Rhine-Westphalia has 

a pivotal role in goods handling and innovation. With 24,000 individual 

businesses, 364,000 employees and an annual turnover 

of 68 billion euro, the logistics sector is one of the state’s leading 

growth industries. NRW is home to a multitude of distribution 

centres run by various global players. No less important are the 

smaller, often family-owned companies that cater to the needs 

of 150 million people within a 500-kilometre radius. 

The large concentration of logistics-related higher education and 

research facilities contributes to North Rhine-Westphalia’s reputation 

as a science hub. Our state boasts a considerable amount 

of expertise in a range of research sectors such as autonomous 

driving, real time IoT analytics, transport and traffic management, 

optimisation of inter- and intra-logistics systems as well as circular 

economy.So, it is only natural that TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS is 

held in Dortmund. After all, it is about hands-on implementation, 

specific areas of application and trailblazing performance. “Testing 

makes the difference” – the motto of TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 

and the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year 

(IFOY) AWARD tells you all you need to know. 

Winning this award is quite the achievement: The IFOY AWARD 

emphasises internationality and relies on a three-stage audit, 

which is a tough test for all nominated solutions and devices. 

This year, international manufacturers are meeting for the fourth 

time for TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS at the Messe Dortmund exhibition 

centre, home of IFOY TEST DAYS. Their innovative ideas and 

products have been scrutinised by testers, researchers and international 

jurors. Visitors, too, have been invited to follow the award’s 

motto and try their hand at testing more than 100 innovations. 

Stakeholders from industry, trade and logistics have been able 

to familiarize themselves with the latest standards in data 

communication and use the various sessions for active transfer 

of knowledge. That is a key aspect, given that innovation needs 

to to be widespread and shared in order to be effective. Many 

NRW-based visitors take the latest information on innovative 

solutions, automation trends and artificial intelligence back to 

their businessesto use it in an effort to – for example – make 

supply chains more robust and efficient. 

Important know-how is coming to TEST CAMP from the research 

community, notably the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and 

Logistics (IML), based in Dortmund. 

This logistics institute of European renown is working together 

with Dortmund Technical University to train urgently needed 

young experts.Whilst the transportation of goods – by ship, train 

or lorry – is visible to the consumer, the intralogistic processes 

usually remain hidden. Efficient logistic centres play a critical 

role in supply chains. 

Moreover, reliable intralogistics is the basis for the high-end 

logistics of the 21st century, which puts the enormous opportunities 

of digitalisation and automation to full use. So there 

are good reasons for remaining curious: let us look forward 

to seeing which innovations will be available for trial at TEST 

CAMP INTRALOGISTICS in 2025, when the motto will once again 

be: “Spot on innovations - testing makes the difference”. 

7



The Team. 

➡ Anita Würmser. 

IFOY founder, jury chairwoman and head 

of the IFOY: 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 sharpest 

weapon - apart from the “pen”: Her network. 

Welcome to our IFOY MGZN 2024. 

2023 has been a year of IFOY 

superlatives. Between January 

and December, coverage on 

the 23 IFOY AWARD finalists 

reached a peak of 4,664 articles 

in 823 media publications 

from 46 countries. The organic 

online media reach reached 

1.6 billion people. 

This year, only 16 of the 36 

applicants made it to the final, 

all of them first class (p. 28ff.). 

They underwent the IFOY Audit 

in April (p. 24ff.) and were once 

again the stars of the TEST 

CAMP INTRALOGISTICS (p. 10). 

Anita Würmser. 

the world were on display for 

self-testing - in line with the 

second CAMP motto “TESTING 

MAKES THE DIFFERENCE”. 

And the 1,200 invited participants 

didn’t need to be asked 

twice. The eight highlight tours 

(p. 10ff.), the driving areas of the 

test arena and the stands, the 

congress and the premiere of 

the Mobile Robotics Conference, 

not forgetting the IFOY Nominee 

Dinner and the TEST CAMP party 

were extremely popular. 

Fancy a TEST CAMP? 

Next opportunity 2025! 

➡ 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. 

Logistics journalist, host of IFOY panels and 

long-distance runner. Serves cake in the 

hall with the WAVE. Always in a good mood, 

unless she has to spend a night in a hotel 

room with a view of the BVB stadium. View of 

the rose garden is ok. Nice as well. 

➡ Susanne Roser. 

She’s only been in the team for a few 

weeks and yet she’s already in the thick of 

things. Our event manager felt like she was 

everywhere in the test hall at the same time. 

And she counted the steps every day - there 

were more than 12,000 on the set-up day. 

Respect! 

➡ Theo, Mark, Bernd. 

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. Another helper in the team: test reporter and IFOY 

juror Bernd Maienschein 

In line with the first CAMP motto 

“SPOT ON INNOVATION”, around 

100 innovations from all over 

My personal MGZN 

recommendation: 

Read from page 3. 

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: Nicole de Jong (njo), Thilo 

Jörgl (jö), Bernd Maienschein (bm), 

Stefanie Nonnenmann (sno) 

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, Karl-Josef Hildenbrand, 

Oliver Lang, Messe Dortmund, 

MLR, Still, Marcus Vetter, company 

pictures, Chep, LTG, Stephan Schütze, 

Thomas Willemsen. IFOY 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 2024 

➡ Prof. Dr.-Ing. 

Alice Kirchheim. 

On April 1, she took over from 

logistics scientist Prof. Dr. 

Dr. h.c. Michael ten Hompel 

at the Fraunhofer IML. She 

gave her first keynote speech 

in her new position at TEST 

CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. 

Heja, wonderful home game! 

Page 20. 

➡ Jan Drömer. 

He was familiar with TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS from the AGV 

Mesh-Up. At the fourth edition of 

the event, Jan Drömer was able 

to present the “Best in Intralogistics” 

certificate for the first time 

in his new role as Chairman of 

the VDMA Materials Handling 

and Intralogistics Association. 

He is looking forward to the 

IFOY AWARD Night. Page 24. 

➡ Emil H. Jensen. 

If there was an award for the 

longest journey to TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS, it would have 

gone to the Danish-born expert. 

The well-known mobile robotics 

expert traveled all the way from 

Shanghai. In return, he took part 

in two sessions. Page 20. 

Another great TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. I enjoyed 

 

it very much! 

Patrick Schwarzkpf, VDMA 

As every year, it was great fun and of course there 

 

were numerous innovations on site again. 

Fabian Mütherich, Sparck Technologies 

Good event, good moderation, good questions and 

 

good discussion partners! It was a lot of fun. 

Jan-Hinrich Brumloop, BLG Handelslogistik 

The whole TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS team did a 

 

great job! 

Daniel Brandt, Innok Robotics 

We are delighted to be part of the TEST CAMP 

 

INTRALOGISTICS this year. It was a great first day with 

good discussions and innovative insights. I’m already 

looking forward to day two. 

Andreas Stöckl, Exotec 

➡ 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 foamy 

German beers. Page 16. 

We thank you for your support. 

the USUAL 

suspects. 

3. News 7. Foreword 8. Imprint 

9



EST CA 

By Nicole de Jong, Thilo Jörgl and Peter MacLeod 

Testing forklifts, interacting with robots, steering industrial 

trucks remotely, inspecting the latest mobile robots: The fourth 

edition of TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS came to an end with 

numerous highlights. In total, more than 1,200 participants 

came to the fully booked test hall 4 at Messe Dortmund to test 

a selection of the best innovations and new developments in 

intralogistics. This means that roughly the same number of 

interested experts traveled to the Ruhr metropolis as last year 

to be part of the unique test event on April 10 and 11. 

Including the finalists of the International Intralogistics and 

Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) AWARD 2024, test sets with 

more than 100 innovations were set up on around 10,000 

square meters. B2B visitors once again had a wide range of 

Tested: 5G MIPS set-up from NAiSE 

Clear message: The motto of the TEST CAMP 

10



MP 2024 

EXCURSION TO AMAZON 

For the first time, TEST CAMP organized an 

excursion with two groups – to Amazon. 

“Steel goes digital” – this was the motto under 

which Amazon moved into the logistics center 

on the site of the former Westfalenhütte in 

Dortmund in 2017. The site is called DTM2 

internally at Amazon, and it has a special 

feature: the employees ensure that goods from 

manufacturers are distributed to other logistics 

locations – supported by robotics. 

Perfectly stored: original parts by Still Relaxed atmosphere: the get-together on April 10 

11



Concentrated: jurors at work 

AGV Mesh-Up: a magnet for visitors 

Men in green: testers & innovation checkers 

16 innovative products and solutions went through the 

three-stage IFOY Audit in Dortmund in 2024 

products and solutions for their in-house 

logistics at their disposal. 

TEST DRIVES AND 

INTENSIVE TALKS 

The organizers recorded strong demand 

for places on the eight guided 

highlight tours, in which exhibitors presented 

their innovations in three-minute 

presentations. One of the special 

features of this event format is that B2B 

visitors are guided to all exhibitors in 

highlight tours. Suppliers of intralogistics 

solutions are increasingly using the 

focused event format to demonstrate 

their innovations to invited guests from 

contract logistics, industry and retail. 

Numerous delegations from Germany 

and neighboring countries such as the 

Netherlands and the Czech Republic 

were also present. 

The new special test area “Mobile Robotics” 

with the associated “Mobile Robotics 

Conference” proved to be a magnet for 

visitors. Participants were particularly 

interested in best-practice examples 

from companies such as Dresselhaus 

and DB Schenker as well as the forecasts 

presented by renowned scientists 

from Fraunhofer IML, the University of 

Stuttgart and ETH Zurich. At the fourth 

edition of the TEST CAMPS, visitors 

once again had the opportunity to test 

the finalists of the global IFOY AWARD. 

They included new developments from 

AGILOX, Crown, GLOBE Fuel Cell Systems, 

HWArobotics, Innok Robotics, 

Jungheinrich, MEYSENS, RAVAS, SAFE- 

LOG, SSI SCHÄFER and STILL. Test setups 

from BOX ID Systems, Brightpick, CYBRID 

and MOCCI were available for the “IFOY 

Start-up of the Year” spin-off award. 

A total of 16 products and solutions 

from 15 manufacturers underwent the 

three-stage IFOY audit on site, consisting 

of driving and functional tests, including 

the IFOY test protocol comprising 80 

criteria, the scientific IFOY Innovation 

Check and the assessment by the 26 

jurors - trade journalists from all continents. 

After passing the IFOY audit, the 

representatives of 15 manufacturers 

accepted the “Best in Intralogistics” 

certificates for their nominees from Jan 

Drömer, the new Chairman of the Board 

of the VDMA Materials Handling and 

Full conference cube: welcome speech by Anita Würmser 

Black meets yellow: VIPs from Dortmund and jurors 

12



Top networking: a dinner with IFOY nominees 

Wow effect: Remote-controlled forklift by enabl 

IFOY dinner: a big and yummy buffet 

Intralogistics Association. The new head 

of the Institute for Material Flow Systems 

at the Fraunhofer IML in Dortmund, 

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alice Kirchheim, also 

made her first public appearance at the 

TEST CAMP opening. 

EIGHT HIGHLIGHT TOURS 

AND 32 SPEAKERS 

The winner of an IFOY AWARD 2024 

will remain under wraps until the award 

ceremony. The jury’s vote will only be 

announced by the laudators during the 

IFOY AWARD Night. It will take place on 

June 14, 2024 at the Congress Center 

Baden near Vienna. 

The accompanying congress focused 

on current trend topics such as digitalization, 

artificial intelligence, resilience, 

sustainability and process cost reduction. 

Visitors gained food for thought in 

the 18 sessions and panel discussions 

with 32 top-class experts from Europe, 

the USA and China. 

Thematically, the sequences revolved 

around special topics such as automation, 

hydrogen, start-ups and mobile 

robotics. Providers of intralogistics 

solutions, their users and renowned 

researchers engaged in intensive discussions, 

making the event an industry 

highlight of the year. 

A world premiere also took place in the 

test hall this year: The demonstration 

of the 5G Mobile Robots Interoperability 

Partner Solution Live Test (5G 

MIPS) in the Mobile Robotics special 

test area. On 120 square meters, the 

Stuttgart-based technology company 

DIGITAL 

CONCEPT 

The IFOY AWARD achieves a high 

organic reach worldwide. Online 

alone, it amounted to 1.6 billion in the 

previous year. News about the award 

is not only distributed in a 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 worked in Dortmund. 

Hundreds of images can be 

found in galleries on the website, and 

several videos were uploaded to the 

IFOY AWARD channel on YouTube. A 

special highlight: each of the 16 IFOY 

finalists is presented in a video. 

Talking, wine, pasta, DJ: the get-together ended at 11 p.m. 

Well-known manufacturer from North Rhine-Westphalia: VIPs at SSI SCHAEFER 

13



Practical infos: Highlight Tour at Jungheinrich Impulses from Dortmund: Thomas Albrecht Made in Ireland: innovations by Moffett 

NAiSE demonstrated cooperation in 

mixed robot fleets with manually operated 

vehicles and humans without safety 

fences for the first time in public. The 

holistic automation solution, which realistically 

depicted the typical challenges 

of material flow automation, integrated 

both vehicles in accordance with the 

VDA5050 interface standard and non- 

VDA5050 robots. 

WORLD PREMIERE 

OF 5G MIPS 

With its intralogistics software, NAiSE 

provided the basis for traffic control, order 

management and traffic analysis for 

all parties involved. Omron and Bosch 

Rexroth provided the state-of-the-art 

robot systems and cobots and WAITKUS 

was responsible for the project concept 

and presentation. 

The AGV Mesh-Up, which had its world 

premiere four years ago at TEST CAMP, 

was also staged again in Dortmund: 

500 square meters of driving area, 

eight mobile robots integrated under a 

master controller with the help of VDA 

5050, routes with oncoming traffic and 

intersection situations, a driving area for 

autonomously operating mobile robots 

and only three days for assembly and 

commissioning. 

Bosch Rexroth, dpm - Daum + Partner 

Maschinenbau, Fraunhofer IML, Jungheinrich, 

KUKA, Omron, SAFELOG, 

Siemens, STILL and SYNAOS successfully 

met this challenge. Despite weeks of 

intensive preparation by all those involved, 

the commissioning in the hall 

was a thrill and a few aha moments. 

“The VDA 5050 communication interface 

is ready for practical use and 

no longer requires any fundamental 

testing. However, the combination of 

so many different vehicle types and 

the short implementation period of a 

heterogeneous fleet creates a complexity 

from which the companies 

involved can gain important experience 

and knowledge,” emphasized Andreas 

Scherb, project manager in charge of 

the AGV Mesh-Up and responsible for 

the Mobile Robots department in the 

VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics 

Association. 

In the run-up to the event, the participating 

companies had come up with a 

scenario consisting of processes from 

warehouse and production logistics 

that were as realistic as possible and 

which were implemented as examples 

in the AGV Mesh-Up. These included 

intersection and two-way traffic, where 

the strengths of VDA 5050 come into 

play when different vehicles are controlled 

via a guidance system and 

share routes. 

The AGV Mesh-Up for autonomously 

navigating mobile robots provided a 

preview of version 2.1.0, which will be 

released in the summer. In a separate 

area of the driving surface, there was no 

course layout for technologically suitable 

vehicles, just a corridor with various 

obstacles that the devices navigated 

around independently. The obstacles 

were moved several times to show visitors 

this dynamic. 

AGV MESH-UP ON MORE 

THAN 500 SQUARE METERS 

The participants not only had many 

working discussions, but also enjoyed 

themselves in a relaxed atmosphere. The 

organizer of the get-together on the first 

day of the event expanded on this: the 

caterer served pasta with various sauces 

and salmon with matching Italian wines, 

DJ XMBA from Augsburg provided a 

good groove and guests were able to 

show how they can achieve success at 

the table football tables. As a memento 

of the entertaining evening, participants 

stood in groups in front of the photo box 

and took a souvenir home with them. 

After the event, the organizer drew a 

positive balance and already announced 

the next date for the TEST CAMP 

INTRA LOGISTICS: It will take place on 

March 26 and 27, 2025 - again at Messe 

Dortmund. 

14



Gimme facts: Experts from Mercedes at Safelog The cycling juror: Jarlath Sweeney Exhibitor presentation: Dr Wolfgang Hackenberg 

UP HIGH: 

SSI SCHAEFER SUPPLIES TEST RACKS 

As in the previous year, intralogistics 

provider SSI SCHAEFER was the racking 

partner for TEST CAMP INTRALO- 

GISTICS. The company supplied four 

racking complexes for the test event. 

containers on a shelf - without human 

assistance. 

The third racking complex was the 

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS tower 

at the entrance to the test hall, which 

served as a central meeting point 

for visitors. The guided highlight 

tours in German and English also 

started there. 

The advantage for B2B visitors: 

handling tests with pallets, totes and 

parcels could be carried out on the 

racks under the same conditions as in 

a logistics center. 

In the special test area Order Picker 

Safari, visitors were able to load 

goods from a 13.5 meter long rack 

onto order picking devices. In the 

VDMA’s AGV Mesh-Up, Automated 

Guided Vehicles carried out automatic 

storage and retrieval processes with 

Highly visible: the TEST CAMP rack tower 

No wobbling at height: mast tester at Crown 

Three-minute intro: Highlight Tour at MEYSENS 

15



Host Peter MacLeod (Logistics Business) Dr Florian Heydenreich (STILL) Prof Dr Johannes Fottner (TU München) 

PANEL DISCUSSION: WAREHOUSE TRUCKS 

Hydrogen has been talked about as 

an energy source in intralogistics for 

many years – decades – and whilst 

many sites already boast successful 

hydrogen-fueled materials handling 

fleets, the technology is still to become 

widely adopted. 

To discuss hydrogen’s future as a viable 

clean energy source that could replace 

batteries in logistics operations, a distinguished 

panel of experts was assembled 

comprizing Florian Kraus, Head of Segment 

Energy Systems, Jungheinrich, Dr. 

Florian Heydenreich, EVP Sales & Service, 

STILL EMEA, Dr Johannes Fottner, 

Professor for Logistics Engineering at 

the Technical University of Munich and 

Dr Bernhard Wienk-Borgert, Co-Founder 

and CTO, Globe Fuel Cell Systems. 

Fottner started off by declaring that “it’s 

not something which is the next solution 

for everything, but it’s a very nice 

technology for specific applications”. 

Jungheinrich’s Kraus said the technology 

becomes a convincing argument 

where subsidies are in place. But he 

also stated the production, distribution 

and storage of hydrogen remain 

a challenge: 

“We are not in a robust situation regarding 

its supply chain. It’s a major, 

major hurdle”. Heydenreich underlined 

that as a major player in an in innovation-hungry 

industry, STILL is helping 

to drive up adoption rates. Whilst he 

believes that hydrogen right now is a 

niche application for specific applications, 

he said: “We are seeing in the 

mid term and long term that there will 

be an increase in applications where 

fuel cells can make sense”. 

GOOD USE CASE IN 

THREE-SHIFT OPERATION 

Leaving a senior role at Mercedes 

to set up Global Fuel Cell Systems, 

Wienk-Borgert has gone all-in on the 

technology and sees it “a little bit 

bigger than a niche”. 

He believes the greatest rate of adoption 

will come where hydrogen is 

required not only for intralogistics, but, 

for example, at airports where there 

will be multiple opportunities to use 

the technology. 

Fottner agrees that 

a critical mass of 

use cases must be 

achieved to justify 

the cost of the 

additional required 

infrastructure. In 

intralogistics, he 

says only threeshift 

24/7 operations 

would currently support a switch 

to fuel cells thanks largely to its fast 

refuelling time. 

The production of hydrogen remains 

a sticky topic, with moderator 

Peter Mac-Leod suggesting that in 

some cases, hydrogen is produced 

by burning fossil fuels. The need to 

generate green hydrogen was extensively 

discussed, with an ideal situation 

portrayed whereby a facility would be 

self-sufficient in hydrogen by generating 

it on-site from solar panels or 

windmills. 

Kraus believes that lithium ion or any 

ion-based battery solution will be 

cheaper for the foreseeable future, 

given the rapid rate of progress in 

battery manufacture and intelligent 

charger technology. 

Panel discussion about warehouse trucks 

16



Alwin Heerklotz (Innok Robotics) 

Martin Lippitz (HWArobotics) 

Prof Dr Johannes Fottner (TU München) 

PANEL DISCUSSION: AI 

Under the title of ‘Automation with AI: 

where do we go from here?’, Dr. Johannes 

Fottner, Professor for Logistics 

Engineering at the Technical University 

of Munich, was joined on stage by 

Martin Lippitz, HWArobotics’ Director 

of Sales and Business Development for 

Europe, and Alwin Heerklotz, founder 

and CEO of Innok Robotics, helped 

shed some light on this misunderstood 

topic. 

Asked to define what is meant by AI, 

Fottner said: “There are a lot of different 

understandings, but AI is where 

you communicate with a machine and 

use statistical methods to teach it to 

be smarter than it was before.” Lippitz 

added that AI enables a human to 

be more effective by supporting the 

machines they’re working with to be 

more effective. “It should never be the 

decision-making part, only the supportive 

part.” 

AI SUPPORTS QUICK 

DECISIONS 

Fottner pointed out that whilst AI is 

widely deployed in functions such as 

mobile robot picking, it has the potential 

to help control more complex 

processes. “In intralogistics, we have 

very complex processes which are not 

always controllable. One of the best 

uses we could have is to quickly solve 

surprising problems that show up where 

there has been disruption to a process.” 

The best example of this was the supply 

chain chaos caused by the pandemic. 

Whilst Fottner believes AI couldn’t have 

predicted such an event, he said that it 

would help us steer through such choppy 

waters in the future: “In the future, the 

reaction time for changing processes, 

demands and procedures will be done 

by AI in a more efficient way. Decisions 

will still be made by humans, but the 

controlling processes will be done by AI 

to support those decisions. It will give us 

more flexibility and more adaptive behavior 

in dynamic environments.” 

Despite AI’s obvious benefits, there 

remains a mistrust of it, with people 

expressing a fear that it’s going to take 

their jobs. 

“Just because there 

is something that 

supports you in 

decision making, 

in being more effective 

in repetitive 

tasks, in demand 

forecasting – you 

don’t have to be 

afraid of that,” believes 

Lippitz. “Using 

AI as a supporting 

tool, you still have to make the decision 

in the end. But when you’re switching 

off your brain – that’s when you have to 

be afraid.” 

Heerklotz added: “I think AI is necessary 

for the whole of society. In the future, 

we need to do the same work with less 

people through automation with machines. 

AI will help us to make decisions 

with less time and effort.” 

Panel discussion about AI 

17



Dr. Wolfgang Vogl (Box ID Systems) Well-filled event cube Andrey Bakholdin (Brightpick) 

PANEL DISCUSSION: START-UPS 

Representatives of three start-ups nominated 

for the IFOY AWARD discussed 

the hurdles and challenges that startups 

have to overcome in order to gain a 

foothold in the economic environment 

of the DACH region. On stage were 

Dr Wolfgang Vogl, Executive Partner 

at BOX ID Systems, Andrey Bakholdin, 

Vice President of Growth and Marketing 

at Brightpick, and Ralf Busse, Executive 

Director Commercial at MOCCI/CIP 

Mobility. 

The three young companies recognized 

that large companies have long 

decision-making processes in terms 

of investment and flexibility, which 

can make collaboration more difficult. 

It is also not easy to gain the trust of 

customers, especially when it comes 

to business-critical processes. “Many 

prefer to stick with tried-and-tested 

solutions rather than work with new 

companies,” said Bakholdin, whose 

company builds mobile robots that 

automate the entire fulfillment process, 

including picking and shipping, as well 

as replenishing stocks. 

CONTACT WITH 

INVESTORS IS IMPORTANT 

And how can investors be found? 

Although it has always been easier 

for digital start-ups to acquire capital, 

the current difficult economic market 

environment has made it more difficult 

to raise money and convince potential 

investors. This makes it all the more 

important to connect start-ups with 

investors. 

“We know both sides and can bring 

them together in a more targeted way,” 

emphasized Johannes Franke, another 

panelist and Managing Director of Startport, 

an innovation platform for logistics 

that supports and promotes start-ups. 

In order to gain the trust of customers, 

it makes sense to realize pilot projects 

with a manageable financial outlay. This 

allows experience to be gathered and 

the product to be adapted accordingly. 

If installations are then carried out 

with customers, it is easier to convince 

other customers of the reliability of the 

new product. “Many make the mistake 

of focusing solely on the competition,” 

said Vogl, whose company automates 

container flows and enables them to 

be tracked in real time using IoT data. 

However, it is crucial to focus on your 

own strengths and unique selling 

points. 

“Listening is very important. But 

you can’t get too specific so as not 

to become dependent on a single 

customer,” explained Busse, Executive 

Director Commercial at MOCCI/CIP 

Mobility, which has dedicated itself to 

micromobility with the MOCCI brand. 

For start-ups, it is also an advantage 

to have a broad-based team of founders 

who contribute different skills and 

perspectives. 

Attentive audience 

Host Stefanie Nonnenmann (impact media projects) 

18

HERMES 

WIRTSCHAFTS FORUM 

Under the patronage of the 

www.hermes-wirtschafts-forum.at



Helper 

of the 

Future 

For the first time, the conference program 

dedicated one day entirely to the trend topic 

of "Mobile Robotics" 

BY NICOLE DE JONG 

Technological innovations, double-digit 

growth forecasts, dozens of new players: 

the prospects for manufacturers of mobile 

robots are rosy. Because more and more 

companies are switching to mobile robots 

due to the shortage of skilled workers and 

the risk of injury from industrial trucks, TEST 

CAMP dedicated an entire day to the topic at 

the Mobile Robotics Conference. A total of 

15 experts gave presentations or discussed 

current trends in the panels with hosts Thilo 

Jörgl (TEST CAMP) and Juliane Kluge (VDMA). 

And they spared no effort. Emil Hauch 

Jensen, Business Development Manager for 

the AMR division at Intel from Shanghai, had 

the longest journey. 

When putting together the program, the organizers 

made sure to focus on practical examples. 

The visitors took advantage of this opportunity 

and asked the experts on the podium numerous 

detailed questions. In addition, the presentations 

and films by researchers from Fraunhofer IML 

and ETZ Zurich gave them an outlook on how 

the industry will develop in the future. 

The fact that processes can be optimized 

through the use of automation and robotics 

is nothing new. However, the implementation 

of robotic systems requires careful planning 

in order to ensure smooth integration and 

maximum efficiency. James Bailey, Director 

Global Center of Excellence at DB Schenker, 

and Wolfgang Hillinger AMR/AGV Spokesman 

VDMA and CEO DS Automotion, discussed what 

needs to be taken into account together with 

Emil Hauch Jensen, Business Development 

Manager at Intel in Shanghai. 

According to the experts, it is initially important 

to find a trustworthy partner. Internally, 

a project manager should keep track of all 

issues, and it also makes sense to appoint an 

implementation manager. "You should ensure 

that you have a good project plan and make 

regular phone calls so that everyone involved 

is always up to date," said Bailey from DB 

Schenker. The employees affected should be 

involved as early as possible. 

20



Prof. Dr. Alice Kirchheim: The keynote 

speech at TEST CAMP was her first public 

presentation in her new role as Institute 

Director at the Fraunhofer IML in Dortmund. 

Everyone should do their homework in 

advance and analyze their own processes. 

"The supplier can't offer a good solution if 

they don't know the material flow in detail," 

said Hillinger from DS Automotion. Sometimes 

it even makes sense to bring in a 

consultant who is familiar with the topic. 

There is no one technology that is suitable 

for everything. A stable process is necessary. 

Processes that cause problems will 

not work even if they are automated. It is 

very important to evaluate which technology 

is state of the art and who offers the right 

robot for your own application. It should also 

be checked whether the network is sufficient 

for the system to function smoothly. "Start 

small, even if you have big dreams," said 

Emil Hauch Jensen from Intel. The project 

should not become too complex, otherwise 

it can quickly cost a lot of time and money. If 

an application works, it can be scaled up. 

It was her first official public appearance 

since taking over from Prof Dr Dr h.c. 

Michael ten Hompel as Director of the 

Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow 

and Logistics IML in Dortmund. For Prof 

Dr Alice Kirchheim, renowned scientist 

for automation in intralogistics, the TEST 

CAMP was therefore a home game and 

the ideal stage to talk about her favorite 

topic - mobile robotics. In her presentation, 

she emphasized that the global 

market for autonomous mobile robots 

(AMR) is expected to grow by 430 percent 

between 2021 and 2028. 

"Our slogan is 100 per cent logistics. It 

takes place at the interfaces of the information 

and material flow between companies, 

but also in global supply chains, 

so it is not surprising that our players 

today often meet on digital platforms," 

said the IT engineer. 

Digital platforms emerged from B2C 

commerce at the beginning of the century 

and the internet has made shopping 

effortless. Now it is time for the B2B segment 

in the logistics industry to catch up, 

and she emphasized that mobile robotics 

plays a crucial role in this. 

The Fraunhofer IML wants to help shape 

this process and has launched Silicon 

Economy, a project that is developing an 

open source infrastructure for the platform 

economy of the future with the support 

of the German logistics industry. In 

the course of her presentation, Kirchheim 

cited three examples that describe the 

entire process from the idea to the concept 

and prototype development through 

to market launch, which have different 

levels of safety and are operated from 

different perspectives. "Greif and Drive", 

for example, an AMR-based solution to 

improve automated order picking, was 

developed to optimize logistics processes 

in distribution centers. 

The "evoBOT", which has just achieved 

prototype status and can perform 

human-like tasks, is intended to drive 

the trend towards humanoid robots. 

Finally, there is the "LoadRunner", which 

Fraunhofer IML is currently planning to 

launch on the market with its partner and 

which has been tested for its practical 

suitability by parcel service provider DPD. 

It has an omnidirectional chassis that is 

based on the idea of autonomous robot 

football teams. 

Without being permanently installed 

in the building infrastructure, the robot 

can whizz freely across the hall floor at 

speeds of up to ten meters per second. 

"Innovations made in Germany," summarized 

Kirchheim, impressively demonstrating 

how the challenges of intralogistics 

can be mastered. 

21



TESTCAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS INNOVATIONS TO TOUCH 

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 

Consultant, 

Innovation Promotion Agency NRW 

Dr. Sebastian 

Leendertz 

At this event I get in touch with 

a lot of innovative companies. 

It is impressive that everything 

is demonstrated live. I will come 

back. professional software 

developers. In total, it was a 

positive event for us. 

Research Associate, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, 

TU Dortmund 

Sven Franke 

Compared to big fairs the experts here have a lot 

of time for deep conversations and they know what 

they are talking about. I enjoyed it very much. 

Director Global Center of Excellence, 

DB Schenker 

James Baily 

I want to see here what is on 

the market, what is new. We 

want to make sure to incorporate 

new technologies to help 

us become more efficient. 

Business Development Manager, 

Intel 

Emil Hauch 

Jensen 

I was really impressed 

by the high quality of 

the conversations at the 

TEST CAMP as well 

as the showcase of the 

AGV Mesh-Up. 

22



Director Institute of Material Flow Systems, 

Fraunhofer IML 

Prof. Dr. Alice 

Kirchheim 

Fraunhofer IML has been a partner of 

the event since the beginning. I like 

this event very much – it is a hands-on 

event, which is really good. 

Head of Marketing, 

Innok Robotics 

Daniel Brandt 

For us as first time attendee it is very 

interesting to see how professional 

it is organized. Before the event, we 

had a lot of questions because we 

are here for the first time and they 

were all answered super quickly. 

Head of Warehouse Automation & 

Intralogistics, Bosch Rexroth 

Mark 

Grötzinger 

A great place to be. As Bosch 

Rexroth, we can demonstrate 

our performance here with 

our active shuttle, based on 

the VDA 5050 connections. 

EVP Sales & Service, STILL EMEA 

Dr. Florian 

Heydenreich 

On the one hand, it’s a lot of fun to 

talk to customers, but the camp is 

also a great opportunity for us to 

show customers our innovations, 

our products live, so that they can 

see, touch and feel them. 

Project Manager Technical Sales, 

Jungheinrich Logistiksysteme 

Dirk 

Vatareck 

The TEST CAMP IN- 

TRALOGISTICS is a very 

important event for us 

because we are tested 

together with many other 

trucks. 

Vice President Business Unit AMR, 

KUKA 

Dr. Michael 

Jürgens 

Those days at TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS were pretty 

valuable for us. There we have 

gained broad experience. 

23



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. JAM DRÖMER, 

CIO OF EK-ROBOTICS AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE VDMA MATERIALS HANDLING 

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

AUDIT CERTIFICATES (PHOTO RIGHT SIDE).. 

24



Only those innovations that pass the IFOY Audit, 

are awarded the "Best in Intralogistics" seal: 

Agilox, BOX ID Systems, Brightpick, Crown, 

CYBRID, GLOBE Fuel Cell Systems, HWArobotics, 

Innok Robotics, Jungheinrich, MEYSENS, 

MOCCI, RAVAS Europe, SAFELOG, 

SSI Schäfer and STILL. 

Congrats to all! 

25



The Jury examines the nominees: 

5 minute presentation each, 

then individual 

testing. 

IFOY judges 

Peter Mac Leod (left) 

and Christoph Scholze 

guiding the 

jury Highlight 

Tour. 

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. There, the 

three-part IFOY Audit awaits the finalists. Those who 

have passed the audit are entitled to use the “Best in 

Intralogistics“ certificate. 

The IFOY AWARD 

test team. 

1. THE IFOY TEST 

The audit starts with the practice-oriented test 

reports by juror Bernd Maienschein and Dutch 

journalist Theo Egberts. Theo maintains a unique 

comparative database of independent test data in 

Europe. Regarded as the benchmark for industrial 

trucks, the test compares the nominees with their 

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. 

The IFOY Jury 

from 19 countries. 

26



Before TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 

opens to visitors, entry is 

limited to the jury and 

test teams. 

Jury session #3: 

The tester team 

presents 

the results. 

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. 

The jury on their 

Highlight Tour. 

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. 

The Best-in-Intralogistics 

Certificates. 

27 

IFOY chief tester 

Theo Egberts.



Mobile Robotics 

The swarm at BMW 

Name 

IFOY Category 

AGILOX, AGILOX AMR fleet at BMW 

Integrated Customer Solution 

TEST REPORT: At the BMW plant in Regensburg, 1300 premium 

vehicles roll off the production line every day. 

To supply the body shop with raw materials, 27 AGILOX ONE autonomous 

mobile robots are at work. Over the course of time, the handling 

of empties in the body shop has been added, including the complete 

supply and disposal of load carriers. 

AGILOX´s roots are in the software industry − the company used to 

develop and sell warehouse management software (WMS) − and has 

now moved into hardware production without neglecting the software. 

AGILOX has its roots in the software industry − the company used to 

develop and sell warehouse management software (WMS) − and has 

meanwhile switched to hardware production without neglecting the 

software. Five of the six founders, who started the first major pilot 

project at the premium car manufacturer in 2017 after winning a BMW 

tender, are still on board. As befits pioneers, only one device from the 

Austrians was initially used at the BMW plant in Regensburg. A special 

feature of the integrated customer project is that BMW has independently 

carried out all expansions of the AMR fleet from “AGILOX #1” 

to the 27 devices mentioned above by the end of 2023. 

28



VERDICT OF THE INNOVATION CHECK 

Overall, the commissioning project is only of average innovative 

strength due to the long ramp-up phase, the limited involvement 

of the AMR manufacturer and the use of standard vehicles with 

functions already known on the market. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free 

of charge at www.ifoy.org. 

Functionality / Type of implementation 

Ø 

Novelty / Innovation - 

Customer benefit + 

Market relevance ++ 

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

BMW now operates the largest AGILOX fleet in 

the German-speaking region. All devices are 

networked with each other, can rotate omnidirectionally 

when stationary and use swarm 

intelligence to ensure the reliable supply of 

the body component area. Instead of a central 

control system, each vehicle has more or 

less its own master computer. “Classic” AMRs 

are not known to exchange their orders and 

each operator, in this case BMW, would have 

to develop an emergency concept. With the 

AGILOX fleet, this is not necessary. Should 

any obstacles arise, the other AGILOX AMRs 

are informed. 

At the BMW plant in Regensburg, where the 

1 Series, X1 and X2 roll off the production 

line, the AMR swarm moves an average of 

2,624 tons of material in a week, covering 

around 3,294 kilometers. Before AGILOX 

deployed its equipment there, BMW supplied 

its production lines cyclically using classic 

tugger trains. The buffer stores were loaded 

manually, and workstations could only be 

approached and loaded as part of a fixed 

cycle. 

In total, AGILOX now has over 1400 AMRs 

in use at its customers and provides its 

customers with a range of tools to map their 

workflow. Due to their omnidirectionality, the 

AMR from AGILOX are particularly interesting 

for existing brownfield systems. The delivery 

time for the devices is currently six to eight 

weeks. In 80 percent of cases, the commissioning 

time for the system is just one week. 

If an AGILOX must be plugged in, three minutes 

charging time is sufficient for another 

hour's drive afterwards. 

IFOY verdict: In the automotive industry, 

where availability and adherence to cycle 

times are always important due to extremely 

expensive line downtimes, the use 

of AMR from AGILOX allows material flows 

to be adapted flexibly and independently 

- so no AGILOX employee has to travel 

to Regensburg. Innovative mechanisms 

ensure that goods can reach the workstations 

for body component production safely 

and without interruption at any time. 

29



Name Crown, ESR 1200 


Warehouse Truck "highlifter" 

With the ESR 

1200, Crown 

creates stability 

at height. 

A new 

benchmark 

for masts. 

HighEND 

30




Crown's ESR 1200 avoids mast vibrations thanks to its precise 

design and therefore offers high functional benefits for users 

without active vibration damping. The resulting reduction in 

process times and the increased comfort for users justify a 

high level of customer benefit for a wide range of applications. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of charge 

at www.ifoy.org. 

Functionality / Type of implementation ++ 

Novelty / Innovation + 

Customer benefit 

Ø 

Market relevance + 

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

TEST REPORT: Crown is expanding its 

successful ESR 1000 reach truck series 

with the ESR 1200 series. This extension 

represents a holistic concept designed to 

increase both robustness and productivity. 

An outstanding feature of the ESR 1200 

is its innovative mast design. The new, 

compact mast offers improved stability 

and optimized visibility for the operator. In 

addition, mast vibrations have been further 

reduced. Compared to the previous model, 

the new mast has up to 36 percent less 

elastic deflection. In combination with a more 

powerful lift pump motor (for the ESR 1240), 

the new mast design enables a maximum 

lift height of up to 14,205 mm. By reducing 

mast vibrations, the driver retains precise 

control of the truck even at great heights, 

which increases productivity and safety. 

The basis for the innovative mast design 

is a new type of mast profile that is manufactured 

exclusively for Crown in Germany. 

In contrast to the old profile, which consisted 

of welded parts, the new profiles 

are manufactured in one piece, resulting 

in a mast that is up to 36 percent stiffer 

and offers a residual load-bearing capacity 

of up to 21 percent without seams. 

Another innovation is the patented mast 

damping system, which reduces the impact 

of the load on the ground during mast 

changes. Although the system still has 

room for improvement at ground level, 

it made a positive impression in the test 

and contributes to the safety of the truck. 

The optional Xpress Lower mechanism 

doubles the lowering speed and shows 

above-average performance compared 

to the market average in this segment. 

Thanks to the use of lithium-ion batteries 

and optional regenerative lowering, the new 

reach truck consumes around 30 percent 

less energy compared to the market average. 

Crown is also focusing on sustainability 

in manufacturing by selecting local suppliers 

and implementing new production 

technologies, resulting in shorter transportation 

distances, a higher recycling rate 

and a reduced environmental footprint. 

The launch of the ESR 1200 includes an update 

of the entire reach truck range of Crown 

to offer the right truck for every application. 

For example, the ESR 1240 is now also 

available for lift heights of more than 9.5 

meters and load capacities of two tons, 

resulting in more efficient energy utilization. 

The ESR 1200 series is equipped with the 

proven Gena control system and can be 

networked with the Crown Info-Link fleet 

management system. 

IFOY verdict: The new mast design offers 

increased residual load capacity, stability and 

contributes to a lower carbon footprint. During 

the standard performance test, the mast 

could not be extended to the maximum to 

check the effect of reduced mast sway at a 

height of 14 meters. Nevertheless, the static 

IFOY test up to a height of ten meters confirmed 

the outstanding stability of the truck 

and the almost complete absence of mast 

oscillation during the extension movements, 

giving an extremely safe driving experience. 

The testers found the steering to be too 

light at high speeds, which can affect the 

predictability of the truck. Overall, the truck 

offers above-average performance and the 

improved carbon footprint is an added bonus. 

31



H 

INSIDE 

Name 


GLOBE Fuel Cell Systems, GLOBE XLP80 

Special of the Year 

TEST REPORT: Globe Fuel Cell Systems has developed the Globe 

XLP80 hydrogen-powered fuel cell device for use in the 80-volt 

class, especially for forklift trucks with a load capacity of 3.5 to 

5 tons. 

The Globe XLP80 was designed as a sustainable alternative to 

lead-acid and lithium-ion battery systems or combustion engines in 

this class. According to the manufacturer, the system is also more 

economical than conventional systems for multi-shift operations 

and fleets of 15 to 20 trucks or more, as no battery charging or 

changing stations are required. It also enables more efficient use of 

space, but requires space for the hydrogen refueling station. 

The battery container of the Globe XLP80 corresponds in size to a 

775 Ah battery and, with a weight of 1,863 kilograms, serves as an 

ideal counterweight. According to the manufacturer, the 68-litre 

tank, which holds 1.8 kilograms of hydrogen, should be sufficient 

for an eight-hour shift, even with intensive use. The system is 

designed for an effective operating time of 20,000 hours. 

32



The integrated fuel cell storage system with 11 kW, the integrated 

lithium-ion battery with 12 kWh and a peak output of more than 

60 kW make the Globe XLP80 a real powerhouse in its class. The 

hydrogen tank can be filled and the water drained in around three 

minutes. Hours of charging the battery or peak loads when charging 

lithium-ion batteries are no longer necessary and the operating 

time of the vehicle is increased. 

IFOY verdict: The Globe XLP80 is a successful alternative for 

replacing lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries with an environmentally 

friendly and, above all, continuously operating system. The truck 

works with a fuel cell comparable to a conventional truck and is 

quickly ready for use after refueling. It can be easily replaced with 

a conventional battery and can be used in a similar way to a forklift 

truck with a combustion engine. 

The IFOY test team did not have a specific protocol for testing such 

systems, but the truck was found to drive and feel like an ordinary 

electric forklift. The fuel cell system only produces a low fan noise, 

which is relatively quiet compared to other systems. According to 

the manufacturer, the noise reduction compared to the competition 

is up to 50 per cent, which is made possible by air filters and 

specially adapted designs. 

The use of hydrogen stands for sustainability and reduced carbon 

dioxide emissions compared to combustion engines, especially 

when green hydrogen is used. The Globe XLP80 also has a high 

recycling rate of over 95 per cent. 

With a large number of integrated sensors, the Globe XLP80 sends 

over 1,000 signals per second to the Globe DataCore Manager cloud 

base to inform users promptly about upcoming maintenance work, 

truck deployment data and the condition of the cells. 


The fuel cell system impresses with its targeted implementation 

as a replacement for a traction battery. With its compact design, 

it replaces a conventional battery in the same installation space 

with a hydrogen-based refueling solution. The product shows a 

high degree of maturity in the application. 




Novelty / Innovation 

Ø 




33



LOW 

COST 

HIGH 

TECH 

Name 


HWArobotics, SLS600 shuttle robot system 

Stationary Robot 

TEST REPORT: HWArobotics specializes exclusively in the production 

of shuttles. Its latest product, the SLS600 3D shuttle system 

with aisle changing, is designed for low-throughput, high-density 

scenarios and is therefore particularly suitable for industries such as 

e-commerce, electronics and media. 

Instead of concentrating on spectacular innovations, HWArobotics 

focuses on continuous further development. The first series from 

2003, the SLS300, was a classic, level-bound shuttle. The successor, 

the SLS400, a shuttle with variable container handling, offered a further 

development with flexible load handling devices. The “500”, on 

the other hand, partially automates manual buffering and sorting and 

is used to operate flow racks. The latest development, the SLS600 

shuttle robot system from 2022, consists of a racking system, a 

goods lift, an elevator for changing levels of the shuttles (a unique 

function compared to its predecessors), the actual shuttle robot, the 

control system, and other modules. 

Despite its novelties, the SLS600 system is by no means elitist. The 

3D shuttles with variable size and fixed width can share the rail with 

other shuttles or two-way shuttles, which can be a decisive advantage 

when retrofitting existing systems or building new warehouses. 

The cost efficiency of the system is outstanding. It is cheaper to have 

the steel construction done directly in China. German products are 

34



also “Made in China” and purchased there to be installed in Europe or 

Germany. In cooperation with Voest Alpine, a manufacturing process 

has also been developed that has reduced the cost of only the guideway 

by around 10 percent. According to HWArobotics, many years of 

further development of the shuttle portfolio has led to an overall cost 

advantage of around 30 percent compared to Europe. 

The SLS600 system not only offers cost benefits, but also technical 

sophistication. Patented swivel forks enable precise pulling and 

pushing of goods, which extends the service life of the shuttles and 

significantly reduces downtime and maintenance costs. The combination 

of a high-speed goods lift and a multi-layer shuttle robot 

helps to effectively reduce goods jams on the conveyor belt and 

speeds up order throughput. 

With its unique lane change, it is suitable for new installations as well 

as for retrofitting existing systems. Although HWArobotics has so far 

only been active as a general contractor in the APAC region, its innovative 

shuttle robot system could also be of great benefit to companies 

outside this region. The aim is to address a customer segment 

that, for various reasons, needs to automate to remain competitive. 

For this reason, HWArobotics strives to keep the initial investment 

as low as possible. The minimum configuration consists of just a 

shuttle, a shuttle lifter and a product lifter − a complete package. 

system is an excellent solution, especially for companies that need 

to calculate sharply. The outstanding unique selling point, the aisle 

change, makes it an extremely attractive option. It is suitable for new 

installations as well as for retrofitting existing systems. 


With the SLS600, HWA is expanding a mature shuttle system with a 

good reputation in the market to include the innovative function of 

aisle changing to offer customers in the growth market of automated 

warehouses an exceptionally cost-effective entry-level solution, 

even for applications with low goods throughput. The system proved 

to be very reliable in the test and is said to have a particularly long 

service life with a very low error rate during operation, especially with 

the patented design of the flip fork. A special technical feature is the 

wide range of power supply options available. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of charge at 

www.ifoy.org. 



Customer benefit ++ 



IFOY verdict: Although the innovative value of the SLS600 is not 

immediately obvious and HWArobotics has so far only been active 

as a general contractor in the APAC region, the 3D shuttle robot 

35



INDOOR 

OUT 

Name 


Innok Robotics, INDUROS 

Mobile Robot 

TEST REPORT: In 2020, AMR provider Innok 

Robotics decided to develop its business in 

two directions: the production of irrigation 

robots and the INDUROS. The latter is a mobile 

autonomous transport robot that can move 

loads both indoors and outdoors. The specialization 

in outdoor areas came about after 

the company founder's studies, when he was 

working on sensor technology and navigation 

in unknown terrain. Today, Innok Robotics offers 

a holistic solution from a single source: 

development, programming and assembly of 

the INDUROS, which moves extremely agilely 

in outdoor terrain. According to the manufacturer, 

this is the first and so far only solution 

on the market that can be used both 

indoors and outdoors. 

The reason that has so far prevented manufacturers 

from building similar mobile robots 

for outdoor use is that outdoor conditions can 

be challenging. It's wet, hot, uneven, visibility 

can be poor, there are inclines and declines 

and many other challenges that often affect 

the reliable functioning of autonomous vehicles. 

Although many companies are interested 

in autonomous mobile robots (AMR), 

they do not always have the smooth floors 

they need. This is precisely where the "Multi- 

Terra-AMR" INDUROS comes into operation 

and also demonstrated its strengths in the 

IFOY Test. 

The INDUROS, which itself weighs around 165 

kilograms, can follow predefined routes. The 

robot's hybrid navigation (lidar, GPS) seamlessly 

uses the best form of navigation and sensor 

technology. It can pull a maximum trailer load 

of 500 to 700 kilograms. Additional markings in 

the terrain or induction loops in the ground are 

not required. To ensure maximum safety, the 

safety sensor of Sick is blown free by air pressure 

so that the device can drive even in heavy 

rain and does not blind. 

Users of INDUROS, which was operated by 

the first pilot customer four and a half years 

ago, include global corporations such as 

Kubota as well as small and medium-sized 

companies that want to transport spare 

parts, pallets or long pipes. The user-friendly 

Graphical User Interface (GUI) was developed 

for target groups that have no special robotics 

or IT experience. A modern web browser is all 

that is needed to access the GUI and operate 

the robot. 

36



A truly unique feature of the INDUROS is the autonomous 

coupling and uncoupling of its trailers 

without the need for an operator to be present. 

The energy supply is also fully automatic: the 

INDUROS drives itself to its base station and charges 

itself inductively there. It can be purchased or 

leased as RaaS, and the software can be rented 

with the purchase model. There are currently 

"a three-digit number" of these devices in use. 

IFOY verdict: Although the coupling and uncoupling 

of transport trailers takes place automatically, 

the feeling can still arise that it is not possible 

to maintain directional stability with several 

trailers on the INDUROS (quasi as a tugger train). 

Overall, the INDUROS is more suitable for a specific 

market niche. Even if there are uneven floors 

or floors with thresholds indoors, the INDUROS 

offers good application scenarios. 


The INDUROS is a step towards automating 

transport between indoor and outdoor 

areas, but only achieves medium market 

relevance due to the existing functionalities. 

There is potential for development 

above all in terms of safety, for example in 

the towing curves, as well as an increase 

in towing load. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is 

available free of charge at www.ifoy.org. 

Functionality / Type of implementation Ø 

Novelty / Innovation ++ 



++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / 

- less / -- not available 

The seamless 

switch from indoor 

to outdoor is an 

innovation. There 

are no equivalent 

solutions on 

the market. 

37



Name 


Jungheinrich, EJC 112i 

Warehouse Truck "highlifter" 

The EJC 112i 

performed 

impressively in the 

IFOY Audit, proving 

its position as the 

new benchmark in 

the entry-level 

segment for 

pedestrian stackers. 

NEW 

Benchmark 

38




A compact high lift pallet truck that impresses across the board. 

All functionalities are coordinated and developed for the product, 

so that performance data is achieved that sets standards in this 

class. Operation in the test was intuitive and convincing. 





Ø 




TEST REPORT: With its compact design and 

outstanding performance, the EJC 112i sets 

a new standard in the entry-level segment 

and clearly stands out from the competition. 

Especially in small warehouses with narrow 

aisles, the high residual capacity enables 

optimum space utilization. Together with 

the small turning radius and user-friendly 

operation, it is clear why the EJC 112i makes 

day-to-day work easier for every operator. 

height. The impressively small turning circle 

makes maneuvering effortless, even in 

tight spaces. To compensate for the shorter 

length and lower weight of the lithium-ion 

battery, the truck has been completely 

redesigned. The mast profiles have been 

widened in the side view and the steering 

arms have been reinforced. The entire 

chassis is balanced to ensure optimum 

force equalization. 

Thanks to the more powerful pump motor 

and a better balance between pump power 

and lifting cylinder, the new truck lifts significantly 

faster than its predecessor. The lifting 

speeds are well above the average in this 

class. The driving and acceleration speeds 

have remained almost the same. In the most 

powerful setting P3, the EJC 112i achieves a 

comfortable, even speed of 6.05 km/h with 

and without a load. 

The EJC 112i is more than just a further development 

of its predecessor, but offers an even 

more compact and maneuverable solution 

thanks to the integrated lithium-ion battery. 

When designing the new truck, Jungheinrich 

paid particular attention to the high energy 

density of lithium-ion technology, which makes 

it possible to store the same amount of 

energy in significantly smaller modules. This 

not only saves space, but also opens up new 

possibilities in terms of truck size. 

The result is immediately recognizable: 

the EJC 112i has a smaller L2 size, offers a 

good view of the forks and has a low overall 

The result is immediately noticeable when 

the load is lifted. At the maximum 1,200 kg, 

the EJC 112i does not move and effortlessly 

lifts up to 2,900 mm. Up to 3,800 mm, the 

truck picks up 830 kg and at the maximum 

lift height of 4,700 mm, 650 kg still remains. 

And all this with a load distance of 600 mm. 

The increased residual load capacity of the 

EJC 112i optimizes space utilizations and 

minimizes space requirements, as heavier 

loads can be stored on higher shelves. The 

IFOY test confirms that the EJC 112i offers 

the best performance in its class, with exceptionally 

high lifting and lowering speeds 

and efficient performance. 

The battery capacity and power of the charger 

can be adapted to the individual operating 

conditions and specific energy requirements. 

The built-in charger can also be easily charged 

at any socket. 

IFOY verdict: The EJC 112i series from Jungheinrich 

sets new standards in the entry-level 

segment for pedestrian stackers. At the heart 

of the design is the integrated lithium-ion battery, 

which results in an even more compact 

and maneuverable truck with unparalleled residual 

capacity and outstanding performance. 

The truck offers noticeably good stability and 

operates smoothly and predictably. 

39



MOVING 

CLOSET 

Name 


Jungheinrich, SOTO 

Mobile Robot 

TEST REPORT: The SOTO is primarily a mobile 

gripper robot that focuses on automotive and 

injection molding production. Companies such 

as MAN, Miele, ZF, Wago, Bosch and ABB now 

rely on SOTO. According to Jungheinrich, 30 

SOTO robots are currently in use, with a further 

20 on order. At MAN alone, twelve SOTOs have 

been in use for one and a half years. The focus 

is always on the transportation of small load 

carriers by the mobile robot. 

This fully autonomous mobile robot from Magazino, 

which is now wholly owned by Jungheinrich, 

has been available for purchase since 

2023. It is obvious that the SOTO benefits from 

the expertise of Jungheinrich. The company 

provides reliable hardware and engineering, 

while Magazino takes care of the operating 

system. Jungheinrich makes a confident statement 

about the moving "robot cabinet": "That 

device doesn't have a competitor!" 

Intralogistics insiders have been familiar with 

Magazino for more than ten years – at the latest 

when the robotics pioneer made a name for itself 

with its intelligent warehouse robot TORU, 

which was used in warehouse of Zalando and 

continues to be sold under the Magazino label. 

Jungheinrich has now launched a sophisticated 

SOTO on the market, which is primarily used in 

production logistics. SOTO handles intelligent 

line feeding, i.e. the supply of assembly and 

production lines, for example in the automotive 

industry. 

But what exactly can SOTO do? The mobile robot 

has a new, sophisticated gripping technology 

and presents itself like a moving closet. Jungheinrich 

customers can independently model 

and expand the environment in which the robot 

is used. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the 

robot can handle complex transportation tasks 

autonomously and react flexibly to changes in 

the environment. 

In the IFOY test, the SOTO proved to be reliable 

in terms of safe gripping technology. Commissioning 

is simple and a visual diagnosis is carried 

out in the event of a fault. Training courses 

with graphical user guidance on the display 

support the operation of the robot. 

As far as the hard facts are concerned: According 

to Jungheinrich, the return on investment 

(ROI) is less than three years. In three-shift 

operation, where the mobile robot shows its 

40



strengths, the ROI can even be less than one year – 

a respectable figure for an investment of this size. 

SOTO can autonomously pick up to 24 small load 

carriers, transport them to their destinations on 

the assembly lines and place them in flow racks, 

tasks that were previously carried out manually. 

This is one of the reasons why Jungheinrich estimates 

the market potential of its mobile robot at 

1000 units per year, particularly in the automotive, 

electronics and white goods industries as well as 

in injection molding production. 

IFOY verdict: The ability to flexibly transport up 

to 24 small load carriers, depending on the size 

of the containers, makes SOTO unique. Jungheinrich 

states that the increase in productivity due to 

higher supply speed and efficiency is 60 percent. 

The newly developed gripper concept enables the 

robot to adapt to different container sizes and 

forgives errors during loading and unloading. Like 

all Jungheinrich machines, SOTO is powered by 

lithium-ion batteries and has individual charging 

stations. 


A well-known innovative start-up product 

has reached a higher technology readiness 

level. The technology and design are 

coherent, the market relevance and the 

customer benefit can be classified as 

particularly high. 



Functionality / Type of implementation + 






SOTO closes the automation 

gap between 

the miniload and the 

point of consumption. 

There is no comparable 

technology on 

the market. 

41



BAT 

EAR 

Name 

MEYSENS, Toposens ECHO ONE 

IFOY Category Special of the Year 

TEST REPORT: MEYSENS has developed the world’s first 3D ultrasonic 

sensor: Toposens ECHO ONE. The sensor is based on bionic 

principles and mimics the echolocation technology of bats. 

The technology uses ultrasonic waves and analyses the reflected 

signals to map the environment in three dimensions. The time of 

flight and the angle of incidence of the reflected signal are taken 

into account. The result is robust and precise 3D object recognition 

for autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and automated guided 

vehicles (AGV). 

Conventional sensor technologies can be negatively influenced by 

lighting conditions, reflections or weather conditions. In contrast, the 

Toposens ECHO ONE is unaffected by these factors. The transmitted 

waves are reflected by all objects in the environment, even if they 

have transparent, reflective or dark surfaces. In this way, the system 

provides real-time 3D object recognition that guides autonomous 

systems safely through even the most difficult environments. 

The main innovation of the Toposens ECHO ONE lies in the combination 

of customized hardware with intelligent, proprietary software 

that includes specially developed noise filters and algorithms 

(Toposens Processing Unit). This combination results in improved 

object detection compared to conventional 1D ultrasonic sensors. 

42



Safety zones can also be set via the software. The Toposens ECHO 

ONE generally detects all objects up to three meters in front of the 

vehicle and in a range of -70 to +70 degrees in front of the sensor. 

The system distinguishes between a pre-warning zone, in which 

the speed of the vehicle is reduced, and a stop zone, in which the 

vehicle comes to a complete standstill. At very high driving speeds 

(from around 30 km/h), reliable analysis becomes more difficult 

and the investment is not worthwhile. However, the travelling 

speeds in intralogistics are consistently lower and pose no problem 

for the sensor. 

Due to the certification, a 2D safety system is often still required. 

The combination of a 2D lidar system and the 3D ultrasonic 

system, for example, guarantees maximum safety. The Toposens 

ECHO ONE is also significantly more cost-effective than existing 

3D systems. A single sensor costs around 1,200 euros, while 

existing systems easily cost four times as much. Another advantage 

of the innovative technology is the protection of employee 

privacy as well as sensitive data and internal processes. Camera 

sensors cannot guarantee this. The Toposens ECHO ONE, on 

the other hand, scans the surroundings acoustically using ultrasonic 

signals. 


In the growing market of AMR, end users have an increasing need 

for enhanced operational safety due to the growing number of 

accidents and accident costs. The Toposens ECHO ONE is an 

attractively priced, robust 3D collision sensor that is currently 

unique on the market and that complements laser scanners. 

In addition to the laser scanner, it can also detect challenging 

obstacles with properties such as transparent or reflective surfaces, 

in the dark and outdoors, in real time, in three dimensions. 

In tests, challenging obstacles down to 1 cm in size were reliably 

detected in the 3D detection area in front of the AMR. 







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

IFOY verdict: The Toposens ECHO ONE is a cost-effective, reliable 

and efficient solution for preventing accidents and reducing the associated 

costs. The system gives AGVs and AMRs an added sense 

of security, further improving safety even in the most challenging 

conditions. 

43



DRIVE AND 

WEIGH 

Name 


RAVAS, iCP Carriage Plate Scale 

Special of the Year 

TEST REPORT: The intelligent fork carriage 

plate, iCP for short, with weighing in motion 

technology from RAVAS makes forklift trucks 

intelligent and helps to optimize material flows. 

While forklift drivers previously had to stop 

the forklift for a few seconds to determine the 

weight of the load on the fork, the new technology 

enables calibrated weighing during transportation. 

Without stops, without interrupting 

work and therefore at lower costs. In addition, 

drivers can continue to use all attachments, 

such as rotators and clamps, as usual. 

There are other reliable systems on the market 

that dynamically determine the weight of a load, 

but the RAVAS system is the only system certified 

by the OIML. This means that legal for trade 

customers can bill on the basis of weight. The 

OIML is the international organization for legal 

metrology and only requires occasional zeroing 

of the system. 

RAVAS has used an existing weighing system 

as the basis for the new fork carriage weighing 

system. The intelligence lies in a smart box and 

intelligent algorithms that were developed by 

the manufacturer itself. These algorithms take 

into account the driving speed, the inclination of 

the mast and any unevenness in the floor. The 

measurement starts automatically when the 

pallet is lifted. The weight of the pallet is determined 

during transportation. The technology 

combines high-quality, certified sensors with 

fast electronics and customized software that 

connects the sensors. 

An additional advantage for the driver is that a 

weighing display – as is still present on the IFOY 

demo stacker – is no longer required and therefore 

the view of the working environment is not unnecessarily 

obstructed. To determine the weight 

accurately, the truck should preferably drive at a 

constant speed and on a level floor. However, the 

special feature of the Weighing-in-Motion technology 

is that a reliable measurement is generated 

even on uneven ground, as disruptive effects 

are eliminated by the software. 

Weighing on the move reduces labor costs and 

ensures that loads remain within the specified 

weight limits. This also prevents damage to 

equipment or goods. If required, the data is forwarded 

to an ERP or WMS system in real time. 

The data provides an up-to-date insight into stock 

levels and can be used, for example, to optimize 

warehouse management or other systems. 

44



IFOY verdict: The importance of accurate data in 

today's logistics is high and continues to increase. 

The RAVAS iCP weighing in motion technology 

makes work more pleasant for the forklift driver 

and provides reliable measurements. The need to 

stop is eliminated. This leads to considerable time 

and cost savings. Safety is also increased as unnecessary 

movements and manual handling are 

avoided. 


The proven functionality of weighing in 

motion benefits the user by reliably 

weighing loads for rate control in the 

material flow. Comparable solutions on 

the market cannot offer calibration. 





Ø 





The load weight of the 

transport equipment 

and the verification of 

tariff compliance are 

of particular interest 

when handling is carried 

out under time 

pressure. 

45



Mobile Robotics 

German technology 

at a Chinese price 

Name 


SAFELOG, mobile transport robots at Mercedes 

Integrated Customer Solution 

TEST REPORT: During the conversion and 

modernization of an assembly hall for the 

production of the E and GLC-Class series at 

the Sindelfingen site, SAFELOG worked with 

the automotive manufacturer to implement 

the future vision of a Mercedes-Benz production 

system that includes the networking 

and transparency of all intralogistics supply 

processes as well as the necessary data 

acquisition and evaluation. New technical 

solutions were developed and standards 

implemented in close cooperation. Pickby-light 

systems and around 350 AGVs 

from German-based SAFELOG are used for 

subsystems such as the picking of bins and 

transportation to the assembly lines to be 

supplied. A total distance of 15 kilometers 

was involved. SAFELOG also supplies the 

OEM with its entire system in Europe and the 

USA, which adds up to a total of 3500 AGVs. 

Family-run SAFELOG, which currently employs 

260 people, actually comes from the picking 

technology sector and is now known not only 

for its mobile robotics expertise, but also 

for its philosophy of "German devices at a 

Chinese price". The solution nominated for 

46




A very individual project that impresses with the close 

cooperation between supplier and customer and the increase 

in efficiency achieved with less complex means compared 

to the previous project. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of 

charge at www.ifoy.org. 






an IFOY AWARD is the final stage of years of 

collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and 

SAFELOG. The main asset is that the 350 AGVs 

communicate with each other as a swarm. At 

Factory 46, where the new E-Class is produced, 

Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the software, 

while SAFELOG is responsible for the hardware 

and project implementation. At Mercedes-Benz, 

Factory 46 stands for the consistent further 

development of digitalization and transformation 

in the automotive industry. 

Downtimes and cycle times are critical 

factors in the automotive industry. Where an 

appliance has to be delivered every 90 seconds, 

perfection and standards are required. 

In addition, the AGVs must operate in such a 

way that the employees in the plant interact 

harmoniously with the AGVs on the way to and 

from their break and no panic or uncertainty 

reactions occur. To achieve this, the entire hall 

is networked via statistical pattern recognition 

using artificial intelligence (AI). The 

data generated here can be used to predict 

disruptions in the near future; we are talking 

about minutes here. 

As a digital twin, the real-time monitoring 

system developed by Mercedes-Benz offers 

the opportunity to monitor the location and 

condition of the AGVs used there to the second 

at any time. It collects defined data and 

displays this information graphically, making 

the store floor digital and transparent. In 

the event of malfunctions or problems, an 

alarm is automatically sent to a defined 

maintenance terminal. The IoT data from the 

AGV LIVE automated guided vehicle system 

is made available as data products on the 

MO360 Data Platform and for cross-domain 

data analyses. In this way, they make a 

supply chain contribution to the data-driven 

company. 

IFOY verdict: The use of the SAFELOG AGVs 

at Mercedes-Benz may not be highly innovative 

but it offers considerable customer benefits 

in a highly complex environment. This starts 

with the low price and the simple and robust 

implementation, and extends to the software 

ecosystem developed together with Mercedes, 

and an availability of 99.7 to 99.9 percent. 

That results in 40 hours less downtime. In the 

automotive industry, the cost of one downtime 

hour is estimated at 1.0 to 1.5 million euros. The 

fact that Mercedes develops and maintains the 

software and the master control system itself 

enables the OEM to act independently of licenses 

and to be as flexible as possible in the event 

of errors, desired changes and adjustments. 

47



MASTER 

PIECE 

Name 


SSI SCHÄFER, SSI Piece Picking 

Stationary Robot 

Technically solid and well 

designed, fully integrated, 

reliable, high quality – 

the SSI Piece Picking presents 

the very best of everything. 

48




The SSI Piece Picking solution addresses the growing market of 

automatic piece picking in automated warehouse systems. The system, 

which is technically very solid and optimized in detail, is highly 

reliable and has a high degree of integration with the conveyor 

technology and safety functions, and therefore achieves an order of 

magnitude higher process error tolerance and robustness as well as 

a performance of up to 1200 picks/hour. Due to its compact container 

format, it can be put into operation at the customer's premises 

within a day and pays for itself after 1 to 2 years. 








TEST REPORT: Due to the complexity of 

the fully automated piece picking system, 

the piece picking module from SSI SCHÄFER 

could not be tested during the IFOY TEST 

DAYS in Dortmund. It was therefore inspected 

during an on-site visit at LogiMAT 2024. 

Centrifugal forces due to the rotational movements 

of an articulated robot are a thing of the 

past with the piece picking system developed 

by SSI SCHÄFER. Instead, a miniature gantry 

robot moves the gripper of the piece-picking 

cell to any position on the source and target 

containers. With the articulated arm robot, 

the gripper had a limited operating range and 

it was no longer possible to gently deposit 

sensitive goods. The main aim of the new 

development was to avoid container changeover 

times. While manual pickers can handle 

up to 350 picks per hour, the automated 

solution can handle around 1200 picks per 

hour - around four times as many. With threeshift 

operation, the amortization period of less 

than a year is therefore not really surprising. 

The focus of the development was not only 

on the robot itself, but also on a holistic view 

of the technology, including feeding, removal 

and safety technology. The robot takes care 

of everything: fewer interfaces, less communication 

and no need for an operator to 

explain to the robot how it should deal with 

any errors that occur. SSI SCHÄFER has also 

found solutions for typical sources of error, 

such as problems with gripping or incorrect 

placement of products, which are then 

ejected. A double pick is also detected and 

put back "on the fly". In addition, patented pick 

point identification is integrated to ensure 

that a gripper does not cover a barcode. 

As the robot has three target containers 

available, sequencing is also somewhat more 

flexible. There is always one position to pick 

from and at least one position to place in. 

The source containers can have up to four 

subdivisions, which means that four products 

can be offered in one source container. 

For the gripping process itself, there is a 2D 

and a 3D camera whose two images are 

superimposed. The suction cup itself can 

also bend or grip sideways in two stages (no 

more is necessary). The weighing tolerance 

of the system is five grams (with a maximum 

of 35 kilograms). The parts are moved 

at a speed of two meters per second. 

The SSI piece-picking cell is manufactured in 

Kamen and delivered to customers in a compact 

20-foot container. A first system has already 

been delivered to the Irish pharmaceutical 

distributor Uniphar, and an identical cell will 

follow. Eight piece-picking robots based on articulated 

arm technology are already in use in 

Canada. The project is being driven forward by 

the three SSI SCHÄFER locations in Giebelstadt, 

Graz and Kamen. SSI SCHÄFER is also offering 

the robot cell to other general contractors. 

IFOY verdict: SSI SCHÄFER carries out the 

factory acceptance test with the customer. 

After delivery, the piece picking cell is usually 

ready for operation within one day. The gantry 

robot with suction cups offers maximum flexibility 

and can handle sensitive goods carefully 

by placing them as close as possible to the 

base of the container or to goods already in the 

target container. The piece-picking ensemble 

is suitable for a wide range of applications: 

cubic, cylindrical, tube-shaped or blister packs. 

49



Name 


STILL, EXV iGo 

Mobile Robot 

Manual, partially or 

fully automated – 

all no problem for the 

EXV iGo from STILL. 

The perfect gateway 

to automation. 

The 

Standard 

is the trick 

50




The overall EXV iGO system is impressive from installation 

to operation and troubleshooting. The technology appears 

solid and well thought out. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of 

charge at www.ifoy.org. 






TEST REPORT: First of all: The automated 

EXV iGo high lift pallet truck from 

STILL for production supply and the 

pre-storage zone, which is manufactured 

in Chatellerault, France, is a series 

vehicle and not a project vehicle. 

Production follows the standard series 

processes of the Hamburg-based premium 

intralogistics company. One important 

aspect is that the vehicle already complies 

with the EN ISO 3691-4 safety standard for 

industrial trucks. In addition, STILL's standard 

service technicians are 100% qualified for 

this device following special iGo training − 

without the need for robotics experts. 

STILL calculates a delivery time of around 

15 weeks for its new EXV iGo mobile robot, 

with the project realization time starting 

from three months upwards. The plan is to 

build around 1000 of these mobile robots per 

year. To ensure the scalability of the product, 

particular emphasis was placed on intuitive 

operation and a user-friendly interface. The 

intuitive iGo easy tool was developed to 

create projects and display logistical flows 

for easy commissioning by the customer. 

Where iGo Systems used to provide a large 

master control system, iGo Easy now offers 

the customer a different, limited interface, the 

scope of which is very easy to click together 

and can also be changed afterwards. Expert 

knowledge is no longer needed to quickly 

install projects with limited complexity. 

STILL has integrated a simple interface into 

a complex system, allowing larger projects 

to pick up where smaller ones leave off. All 

service technicians can be trained on it. 

In addition to commissioning, another 

focus is service, including maintenance 

and repair. STILL has gone to enormous 

lengths to make its vehicles serviceready. 

All vehicles have a digital twin on the 

servers of Kion, STILL's parent company, 

and the service technician will find every 

spare part in his vehicle the next day. 

The vehicle had to pass the so-called breakand-bumper 

test, in which obstacles are 

placed in its path. It drove straight ahead 

correctly and negotiated bends flawlessly. 

Technical details: The EXV iGo has a high 

residual load capacity of up to 1600 kg, it can 

lift goods up to 3.8 m and can reach speeds 

of up to 7.2 km/h. Despite its design as a 

stand-alone device for repetitive transport 

tasks as well as storage and retrieval, the 

EXV iGo also impresses with process reliability 

and precision in mixed operation. The 

machine's multi-level safety system protects 

man, machine and load with safety scanners, 

sensors, visual and acoustic warning 

devices, and emergency stop switches to stop 

the vehicle immediately if necessary. Dual 

operation is also easily possible. The vehicle 

is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can 

be recharged automatically via contacts. 

IFOY verdict: The fast commissioning in 

combination with a new, intuitive, web-based 

user interface makes the series-based 

mobile robot a smart door opener to the 

world of automated warehouse processes. 

Automation is quick and easy, and users 

also benefit from the fact that the EXV iGo 

can be configured, maintained, and repaired 

via the STILL service network. The 

EXV iGo offers a successful and smart 

introduction to automated intralogistics 

processes, particularly for SMEs. 

51



Startups 


» 

The IFOY AWARD has been giving 

start-ups a chance since 2019. 

This year, four new comers are 

competing for the attention of 

the international jury. 

BY STEFANIE NONNENMANN 

The “Start-up of the Year” category, which 

has been part of the IFOY AWARD since 2019, 

has already proven to be a springboard 

for newly founded companies on several 

occasions in the past. This is because not 

only winning the title, but also successfully 

reaching the final and passing the threestage 

IFOY audit ensures that intralogistics 

newbies can showcase the special qualities 

of their own product and achieve international 

recognition. 

In 2024, the IFOY AWARD will present a separate 

award for start-ups for the first time - the 

Start-up of the Year spin-off award. To have 

a chance of winning, a number of conditions 

must be fulfilled. Companies must not have 

been in existence for more than three years 

at the time of application, employ no more 

than 30 people and have an annual turnover 

of no more than five million euros. For many, 

however, the most important criterion is the 

most difficult entry hurdle: Anyone wishing to 

win an IFOY AWARD must be able to present 

a functional prototype - and therefore much 

more than a fully formulated concept on a 

piece of paper. Of all the applications, only 

four companies managed to convince the jury 

with their performance for a nomination and 

make it through the audit this year. 

Whether it’s a real-time scanning solution 

for shipping goods in distribution logistics, 

an autonomous mobile robot that picks and 

consolidates orders directly in the aisles of 

the warehouse, a maintenance-free work 

and cargo bike made of plastic or the first 

adaptive supportive suit for the entire upper 

body: this year, Brightpick, BOX ID, CYBRID 

and MOCCI have reached the final of 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 

test procedure. The four start-up companies 

underwent intensive tests in Dortmund, presented 

themselves to the scientists at the Innovation 

Check and finally to the critical eyes 

of the international jury of trade journalists, 

who did not miss even the smallest detail of 

the innovation. 

However, an important IFOY principle also 

applies to the spin-off award: who wins 

the race remains a secret until the award 

ceremony. 

52



BOX ID 

By means of an innovative 

realtime IoT approach, the 

BOX ID ProcessGuard enables 

error-proof picking operations 

for the first time and 

also optimizes transport 

container cycles. 

KPIs are the be-all and end-all in container 

management: How (optimally) is the container 

pool being used? Why do some containers 

“turn” faster than others? How high is the 

error rate? How often do containers leave 

the preferred route? All these questions and 

their negative answers result in high costs. 

ProcessGuard from BOX ID monitors the container 

flow, maintenance intervals and turnaround 

times, thus ensuring that the company 

does not face more costs than necessary. 

BOX ID Systems GmbH was founded in 2018 

in the field of supply chain management and 

currently has 20 employees. The company 

focuses on returnable transport packaging, 

such as roll containers, large load carriers, 

flat glass racks and kegs (reusable drums). 

» 

Empties are one of the most underestimated cost 

drivers. If, for example, flat glass racks or special load 

carriers for doors or axles are missing in the automotive 

sector, considerable costs accrue. « 

The first unique selling point is the reduction 

of capital tied up in containers or, in other 

words, the visibility of these often expensive 

load carriers through software. The second 

USP is the critical contents of the load carriers: 

time-critical or temperature-sensitive 

goods (seeds, pharmaceuticals), for which 

shock and temperature sensors are provided. 


The problem, objective and implementation of the product are very clear. 

The simple implementation speaks for it, but the level of invention is very low. 

The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is available free of charge at 

www.ifoy.org. 


Novelty / Innovation - 



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

BOX ID ProcessGuard can be flexibly connected 

to ERP/EWM systems for IoT-based 

container tracking with a real-time scanning 

solution for error-free picking and, according 

to the provider, guarantees virtually error-free 

execution of picking and shipping processes. 

A positive side effect: ProcessGuard reduces 

the ecological footprint of shipments through 

optimized container rotation and the minimization 

of incorrect shipments and returns. An 

automated comparison, in which the trolley 

itself and every container/package on it are 

scanned and “married” to the load carrier, ensures 

correct allocation and avoids any errors 

in shipping. The time it takes for the system 

to provide the employee with information 

about the comparison of their scanned information 

with the target assignments is just 

200 milliseconds. 

53



Brightpick 

The first autonomous 

mobile picking robot 

in the world. 

100% developed and assembled in-house − 

this is what characterizes the Autopicker, the 

world’s first autonomous mobile picking robot 

from Brightpick. Brightpick works closely 

with its sister company Photoneo, founded in 

2013, on the Autopicker. 

» 

The technically high-quality and reliable system, 

designed for simplicity and maximum efficiency in all 

functions, also impresses with its modularity. « 

Same founders, similar technology: 3D vision, 

robotics, AI and software for a functioning 

warehouse execution system. Autopicker 

installations can now be found in the USA, 

Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. 

The start-up Brightpick has only been active 

with its 180 employees since 2021. Originally 

founded in Slovakia, the company has since 

relocated its headquarters to the USA due to 

the enormous market potential. Around 70 

Autopicker devices are already installed on 

the market. 

Together with the predecessor models, 

Brightpick operates around 250 robots in 

nine installations. According to Brightpick, 

the savings in labor costs are significantly 

higher compared to traditional goods-to-person 

stations, with higher throughput, easier 

installation and lower costs. The company 

claims that picking costs have been cut 

in half. 

To summarize, the fact that the actual picking 

is done while a robot is moving from one 

location to another without the robot having 

to return to a “base station” is new and revolutionary. 

Although an exact measurement 

during the live assessment at TEST DAYS 

was not possible, a higher throughput rate 

and thus a considerable time saving could 

be confirmed. This leads to a reduction in 

the number of robots required, which has a 

positive effect on the return on investment 

and noticeably reduces picking costs. 


In the growth market of automated warehouse systems for picking customer 

orders, the Brightpick Autopicker, which picks the goods directly from the totes 

at the shelf, represents a genuine technical innovation. 

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






54



CYBRID 

The active exoskeleton is 

worn close to the body and 

relieves the user, enabling 

healthier and more 

productive work. 

Together with Dortmund‘s Fraunhofer IML, 

exoskeleton provider CYBRID is making 

efforts to research exoskeleton ergonomics 

and biomechanics. Where established providers 

of passive or active exoskeletons focus 

either on the lifting zone from the floor to the 

hip or above the shoulder, CYBRID is tackling 

» 

the space in between: From the hip to the 

head, there is nothing yet. With the CYBRID 

exoskeleton, objects weighing 20 kg feel as 

light as a feather. Planned market launch: 

first quarter 2025 and leasing models are 

also planned in addition to purchase. Maintenance 

will be carried out at regular intervals 

This provider's exoskeleton would then be the first 

adaptive support suit. This means that the exoskeleton 

will adapt in real time to the (additional) weight to 

be compensated, the user's posture and actions. « 


The chosen technological approach and the implementation as a prototype is 

very promising, but cannot yet be rated as a finished innovation. 

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



Ø 

Customer benefit 

Ø 

Market relevance - 


and training for new employees and adaptations 

to the software are also planned. 

How it works: CYBRID literally supports the 

wearer under the arms, allowing the user to 

carry objects weighing up to 20 kg virtually 

effortlessly without using their own strength. 

The weight is transferred via the hips instead 

of the back or arms, which protects areas 

subject to heavy strain. 

A 1 kg rechargeable battery is sufficient for 

one hour of use. For workplaces that require 

a relatively fixed location for several hours, 

the lifting aid can also be powered via a 

cable. On construction sites, for example, 

where there is no fixed power supply, 

rechargeable batteries weighing up to 2.5 

kg can be used, which last correspondingly 

longer. In principle, the use of exoskeletons 

always depends on the specific application, 

with the configuration being adapted 

individually. In any case, employees tire 

less quickly, work more productively and 

stay healthier. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has now also found 

its way into the world of exoskeletons: The 

system learns when people move in an 

unergonomic way (keyword: back training). 

CYBRID sees this as an opportunity to enter 

the service market with the aim of preventing 

the well-known musculoskeletal 

disorders (MSDs). 

55



MOCCI 

The mocci work and cargo bike 

is ideal for companies that want 

to operate efficiently, smoothly 

and sustainably in urban areas, 

as well as on company 

premises or in their 

intralogistics. 

With the mocci Smart Pedal Vehicle (SPV), 

the manufacturer MOCCI offers a radical new 

approach to micromobility. This solution is 

particularly attractive for companies looking 

for an efficient and sustainable solution 

for the last mile in urban areas. In addition, 

the mocci Smart Pedal Vehicle also offers 

numerous advantages on company premises 

or in intralogistics. 

» 

The product is particularly interesting for 

Q-commerce and CEP service providers, who benefit 

from the good maintainability and cloud-based fleet 

management. The price is comparable to other cargo 

bikes with similar performance data. « 

The work and transport bike has been 

optimized for commercial processes and is 

equipped with state-of-the-art, innovative 

technology. The digital drive system uses the 

pedals to drive a generator that produces energy 

for the electric motor in the rear wheel. 

This eliminates the need for wear-prone 

mechanical power transmission components 

such as chains or belts. As soon as the mocci 

is in motion, the lithium-ion battery takes 

over the power supply and supports the rider 

during the ride if required. The most important 

innovation is the maintenance-free “rideby-wire” 

system, which combines hardware 


The motivation behind the choice of material is questionable, but the improved 

maintainability is unique. There are hardly any new functionalities, but there is 

already a high degree of maturity. The detailed IFOY Innovation Check is 






and software and thus opens the door to the 

digital future. MOCCI also uses recyclable, 

robust plastic instead of steel or aluminum. 

The SPV is equipped with a powerful 800 

Wh battery and a drive motor with a peak 

output of 1300 watts. According to MOCCI, the 

replaceable battery offers a range of 60 to 

80 kilometers. 

The mocci Smart Pedal Vehicle is robust, 

smooth-running and easy to track thanks 

to its digital connection. The ride-by-wire 

system may be unfamiliar at first, as it lacks 

the direct drive of a chain or belt drive. After 

the first few meters, however, it is easy to get 

to grips with and impresses above all with its 

appearance and ease of maintenance. 

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

56



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. 

IFOY reporter Bernd Maienschein, 

juror and MM experienced 

specialist editor, assesses the 

finalists and summarizes his 

impressions for the jurors in 

test reports. 

IFOY tester Theo Egberts, 

logistics journalist and the 

number 1 forklift tester. He 

tests performance values and 

summarizes more than 80 hard 

and soft facts for the jury. 

Prof. Dr. Johannes Fottner, 

holder of the fml - Chair of 

Materials Handling, Material 

Flow, Logistics at the 

Technical University of 

Munich. The expert for 

technical logistics, 

identification and 

digitalization. 

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, six logistics scientists and two IFOY testers put 

the finalists through their paces in Hall 4 of IFOY partner 

Messe Dortmund. In total, the experts examined and tested 

16 devices and solutions from 15 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 Bernd 

Maienschein 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 Check team checked the nominees 

on the spot in the hall in terms of market relevance, 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". 

58



Innovation Checkers 

Prof. Dr. Thorsten Schmidt (l.), 

Chair of Technical Logistics at TU 

Dresden and Dr.-Ing. Mathias 

Kühn, research assistant and 

head of the Factory Planning 

working group. The specialists 

for industrial trucks, 

automation and digitalization. 

Innovation 

Checker Richard Bormann, 

Head of the Handling and 

Intralogistics Group at 

Fraunhofer IPA, and the 

robotics and software 

expert in the test team. 

Innovation Checker 

Florian Rothmeyer, 

M.Sc., research associate 

at the Chair of Materials 

Handling Material Flow 

Logistics (Prof. 

Fottner), the software 

and robotics expert in 

the test team. 

Guido Follert, 

Innovation Checker and Head of 

the Machines and Systems 

Department at the Fraunhofer 

IML. The expert for automation 

and intralogistics innovations. 

59

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.



2024JURY 

OUR 26 JURORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD 

SPECIALIZED, 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 

1.6 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 850 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 8,000 copies. 

The daily newsletter has 8,000 readers. 

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 

61



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 8,000 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 9,000 

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 7,000 copies. The target group is managers 

in logistics and supply chain management. The weekly 

newsletter reaches 5,000 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 

62



SPAIN 

Isabel Rodrigo 

Fernández 


“CUADERNOS DE LOGÍSTICA“ 

The magazine is published six 

times a year with a circulation 

of 3,000 copies. 

logistica.cdecomunicacion.es 

USA 

David Maloney 

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR 

OF DC VELOCITY 

DC Velocity is a print 

and web magazine 

that covers all 

aspects of logistics. 

dcvelocity.com 

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 

25,200 copies. The weekly 

newsletter reaches 

6,800 recipients. 

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 96,000 

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 7,520. 

focusontransport.co.za 

DEUTSCHLAND 

Christoph Scholze 


“DHF INTRALOGISTIK“ 

dhf Intralogistik is published 

ten times a year with a circulation 

of 12,000 copies. The magazine 

focuses on the entire field 

of internal logistics, conveying, 

storage and transportation 

technology. 

dhf-magazin.com 

POLAND 

Sebastian 

Śliwieński 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “WAREHOUSE MONITOR“ 

“Warehouse Monitor” is published quarterly with a 

circulation of 3,400 copies. The newsletter is published 

80 times a year and reaches 11,000 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. 

63



IRELAND 

Jarlath 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 

30,000 copies per month. The weekly newsletter 

reaches 9,080 recipients. 

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. 

64



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. 

65



HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NEXT 

IFOY AWARD NOW 

The reach of the IFOY AWARD stands out: online coverage peaked at 4,664 articles in 

823 media channels and 46 countries around the world in 2023. The reach was 1.6 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 customer 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. 

66



* 


AWARD 

----------- 

www.ifoy.org 

IFOY AWARD 2025 

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, 2024 

Application registration at 

www.ifoy.org 

and entering the application data 

November 1 – December 31, 2024 

The finalists 2025 are nominated 

March / April 2025 

IFOY TEST DAYS / IFOY AUDIT 

Election of the winners 

Summer 2025 

IFOY AWARD NIGHT 

and award ceremony 

67

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 

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS in 

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 

Counter Balanced Truck: 

All types of counterbalanced 

trucks up to eight tons. 

Heavy Load Forklift and Special 

Vehicle: Forklifts/vehicles for special 

tasks, special vehicle construction, drones, 

cargo bikes, container forklifts, heavy load 

forklifts over 8 tons. 

Warehouse Truck "highlifter" : Warehouse 

trucks from circa 2nd rack level such as high rack, 

narrow aisle and reach trucks, pedestrian operated 

high lift trucks, order pickers, etc. 

Warehouse Truck "lowlifter": Mainly manual warehouse 

equipment up to approx. 1st rack level such as pedestriancontrolled 

low-lift trucks, tractors, tugger trains, horizontal 

order pickers etc. 

Mobile Robot: Mobile autonomous or automated robots, such as 

AGVs, AMRs, cobots, robots for automatic unloading and loading of 

trucks, automated industrial trucks, etc. 

Stationary Robot: Automated storage systems, stationary robotbased 

solutions for intralogistics applications such as palletizing and 

depalletizing, cobots, picking robots, etc. 

Intralogistics Software: Apps and intralogistics system or software 

solutions in the context of Apps and intralogistics system or software solutions 

in the context of application possibilities, such as warehouse management 

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

systems, etc. 

Integrated Customer Solution: Integrated warehouse projects successfully 

implemented for a customer. 

Special of the Year: Components or technical equipment that significantly improve 

profitability, sustainability or the physical or psychological conditions for the user, such as 

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

supporting devices in the warehouse, forklift attachments, etc. 

Crane and Lifting Technology: Cranes for various applications, such as gantry and bridge 

cranes, bracket and wall-mounted travelling cranes, slewing cranes, suspension cranes, light 

cranes, etc. Lifting equipment for various applications, such as chain and rope hoists, winches, 

magnetic and vacuum lifters, lifting table and working platforms, etc. 

IFOY Start-up of the Year AWARD: Innovative prototypes or functional developments, intralogistics 

products, software, vehicles or components from start-up companies. 

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. The disqualification 

will be announced. 

* 

--------- 

IFOY AW 

Applicat 

1. August – 30 


68



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. 2025 is the fifth 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 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 

69



BEHIND THE SCENES 

News from the IFOY AWARD network 

By Thilo Jörgl 

SAVE THE DATE 

After the IFOY is before the IFOY: 

The date for the IFOY TEST DAYS, 

which will once again take place 

in 2025 as part of the TEST CAMP 

INTRALOGISTICS, has already 

been set. 

The IFOY TEST DAYS will take 

place from March 24 to 27, 2025 at 

the Dortmund Exhibition Center. 

TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS for 

B2B visitors and exhibitors will 

open its doors on March 26 and 

27, 2025. In addition to the IFOY 

finalists, other exhibitors will also 

be admitted for the fifth time. 

Stand booking starts immediately. 

Further information is available 

from Anita Würmser, T 0049 89 

215384611, 

anita.wuermser@impact.mp 

THERE WILL BE COLLABORATIONS AGAIN IN 2025 

Whether delegation trip, event within an event or reader trip: In 2025, the TEST CAMP INTRA- 

LOGISTICS organization is once again planning a series of collaborations with associations, 

organizations and the media. Anyone wishing to participate should contact the organization 

team by the end of October. The event management team already concluded several cooperation 

agreements in 2024. The Dortmund Economic Development Agency organized a session 

with experts on topics including mobile robotics. Groups from various logistics initiatives and 

the Log-IT Club in North Rhine-Westphalia also traveled to Dortmund. There was also cooperation 

with international organizations such as the European Logistics Association and aimtec. 

Testing, eating and then a highlight tour: numerous groups and delegations use the TEST CAMP for 

further training and networking. 

IFOY AWARD NIGHT TAKES PLACE WHERE THE EMPERORS TOOK A CURE 

The IFOY AWARD Night 2024 will take place in 

Austria. The award ceremony will take place 

on June 14 in the imperial city of Baden near 

Vienna. 

The IFOY AWARD (International Intralogistics 

and Forklift Truck of the Year) trophies will 

be ceremoniously presented to the winners 

of the intralogistics competition in the 

ballroom of the Congress Center Baden. The 

IFOY organization is expecting more than 300 

international guests from business, science, 

politics and the media for the evening. 

This is not the first time the IFOY AWARD 

Night has been held in Austria. The trophies 

were already presented to the winners in the 

Vienna Hofburg in 2019. Thanks to a cooperation 

with IFOY partner HERMES.Wirtschafts. 

Forum, the Congress Center Baden will be 

the spectacular backdrop for the award 

ceremony in 2024. 

The Congress Center in the UNESCO World 

Heritage-listed city of Baden, which is 

located 25 kilometers south of Vienna, 

has a long history: the building opened in 

1886 as a spa hotel. The entire complex 

was built in the neo-Renaissance style. 

After several renovations, it was reopened 

in 1995 as the largest casino in Europe, 

including a congress and event center. 

Numerous celebrities have taken the waters 

in Baden bei Wien, including the composer 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Emperor 

Franz I. 

70

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