Most cold storage facilities still operate manually today. At the invitation of Transgourmet in Kriens, the Swiss Association for Temperature-Controlled Logistics discussed how to move toward automation: For example, step by step, with a program called SALT. 

Transgourmet itself, with 31,425 employees and the Prodega cash and carry and wholesale operations operating under the same roof, is even entrusted with supplying food to merchant ships in Hamburg. In Switzerland, Prodega, which is based in Kriens, has 1,953 employees in 31 cash and carry stores and ten regional warehouses, which, according to official figures, generate approximately CHF 1.74 billion. "For around 100,000 customers," says Jürg Schenk, Head of Logistics at Transgourmet Switzerland, "the cash and carry stores, which are up to 5,300 square meters in size, are like walk-in refrigerators." This makes them the ideal place to discuss issues related to the automation of industrial trucks, which also have to meet certain requirements. Digitalization – especially in warehouse management – ​​is seen as a prerequisite. And autonomous forklifts, as many have been calling for – why not already today?

Image: Prodega/Transgourmet

As well-known intralogistics suppliers for the refrigeration industry, Philippe Riedweg from Stöcklin Logistics, Mauro Lunardelli, member of the management board of SSI Schäfer Switzerland, and Jürgen Rammerstorfer from the RALOG planning office had the opportunity to showcase their services.

Stöcklin began with sack trucks in 1934, and now, with its new technology center in Laufen, it offers the entire spectrum of internal transport equipment. The portfolio ranges from the recognized "most robust of all low-lift models" to the robotization attachment for conventional forklifts based on the "Eagle-Ant" principle, which has been in use for several years.

The shortage of skilled workers, more stringent supply chain compliance, and increased efficiency are the recurring arguments for automation in material flow – which often involves significant investments. According to Philippe Riedweg, wear and tear is also reduced due to regular operation and fewer jerky braking and acceleration processes. In earlier times, necessary pre-installations, rigid control systems, and changes to transport routes that could only be programmed by specialists may have been obstacles.

Photos: klk.

But now, artificial intelligence, new navigation options, and advanced teach-in methods provide greater flexibility without the need for expensive hardware and infrastructure in halls and warehouses through costly reconstruction measures. Modern orientation systems can even cope with previously used halls, columns, and obstacles in so-called "brownfield" environments. This is one of the reasons, says Riedweg, that "it's not that complicated anymore."

A prior commitment to digitalization and the corresponding data foundation are, of course, necessary for the effective implementation of automated industrial trucks, says Mauro Lunardelli. "Sensible software is essential."

Finding the right combination

At SSI Schaefer, an acronym called SALT (once known as the abbreviation for disarmament negotiations among the superpowers) serves to outline the transition to automated solutions. Instead of disarmament, now an upgrade to high-tech intralogistics, which is oriented towards spatial conditions ("space"), precision ("accuracy"), available or unavailable labor ("labor"), as well as the desired storage capacity and required goods throughput ("troughput").

In various projects, pallet racks, mobile racks, and channel storage systems with high storage utilization were compared, with the "Orbiter Shuttle," which can also be operated with conventional forklifts, proving to be the optimal combination.

Planning firms like RALOG, run by Jürgen Rammerstorfer, are available to provide advice. The engineer admits that the numerous terms used, such as driverless transport systems (AGVs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), don't necessarily make things easier. Using a metalworking company as an example, he explains the frequent wrangling over details when it comes to linking automated narrow-aisle forklifts, delivering raw materials with manual equipment, and handling empty containers with driverless AGVs. Old ways of thinking often have to be overcome. When it comes to replacing outdated methods with new ones, "I often think I'm in the wrong movie," he explains humorously.

AI could make things easier

SVTL Managing Director Georg Burkhardt asked the group of approximately 20 participants how many of the association members and cold storage operators could imagine that there might be no more forklift drivers in five years. Most reacted hesitantly, probably leaning toward a decade. But this, too, remains to be seen. Systems and devices enhanced by new forms of "AI" are likely to play a role here. Burkhardt: "We should keep an eye on this issue."

www.svtl.ch