The difference to a double-runner system that had already appeared in a similar configuration in 2004 and was now competing again for the IFOY Award 2025? The auditors during the innovation check for the final race summed it up succinctly: "One worked – the other didn't".
The forks, which move in parallel (but without an actual vehicle) via Bluetooth, similar to a forklift, once again attracted attention during the test days in March. The clear warning for potential skating attempts on the seemingly self-moving runners – "Riding on this industrial truck is prohibited"-explanatory thanks to the "underride"self
The Filics Unit, consisting of two autonomous robots that move into Euro pallets or Euro mesh boxes, enables automated pallet movement in confined spaces and opens up new movement and process possibilities that cannot be achieved with manual or other automated logistics equipment. The virtually interconnected robots of the Filics Unit are designed to fit precisely into one of the available recesses under a Euro pallet, thus disappearing beneath it. This design radically reduces the space requirement, eliminates the need for maneuvering, and allows the Filics Unit to move right through Euro pallets – a key unique selling proposition (USP) of the AMR.
Unload trucks in 5 minutes
This could help to achieve fully autonomous, parallelized truck loading and unloading in less than 5 minutes (compared to the current average of 45 to 60 minutes).
The system functioned reliably in testing, transporting load carriers in confined spaces. The hardware implementation is of high quality, with the lifting modules (9 cm ground clearance) and the wheel modules (designed for 30,000 operating hours) being proprietary developments from Filics. With a maximum payload of one ton, a speed of 1.6 m/s, and slight inclines of up to 3°, the system achieves performance comparable to that of a human operator.
Photos: IFOY/klk.
CE-certified, safe collaborative operation at performance level d is ensured by safety laser scanners, LED lighting, a blue spot indicator, and audible signals. The system offers standard laser-based navigation functions, primarily lane guidance. A battery life of 6 hours with a 30-minute charging time should be sufficient for most applications.
Although the basic idea isn't entirely new, there were previously no functional and marketable solutions of this kind. In a pilot project at six well-known medium-sized to large companies, with a total deployment time of 100 days, the system proved its market maturity and suitability, as well as its high scalability potential in various logistics processes. Initial production installations are currently underway.
Whether the Filics Unit wins the "Start-ups of the Year" 2025 award and how the international jury decided in the electronically anonymous vote will be revealed on July 3rd at the Phoenix des Lumieres in Dortmund.
