New name, new management team: VDI Technical Committee FA309 becomes ‘Mobile Robotics’

30. October 2025

Stuttgart, 25 September 2025

AGVs become mobile robotics

VDI Fachausschuss FA 309 "Mobile Robotik" - ehemals "Fahrerlose Transportsysteme (FTS)"
Stuttgart, am 25.September 2025

There has been a significant change in the VDI Technical Committee: on 25 September 2025, the VDI Technical Committee FA309 ‘Driverless Transport Systems (AGVs)’ was officially renamed VDI Technical Committee FA309 ‘Mobile Robotics’.
With this name change, the committee is responding to the dynamic developments in intralogistics and automation – because modern mobile robotics today encompasses much more than the classic AGV.

New management – proven expertise

The committee’s leadership was also re-elected on 25 September 2025.

The new leadership duo consists of:

Günter Ullrich (li.) und Peter Stoiber

Dr.-Ing. Günter Ullrich (left), Head of Forum-FTS and renowned expert in AGVs and mobile robotics
M.C.Sc. Peter Stoiber, experienced specialist in automation and robotics solutions

Together, they will lead the technical committee into the future and further strengthen the network between research, suppliers and users.

The VDI Technical Committee on Mobile Robotics

The FA309 technical committee sees itself as a central platform for technical exchange on automated transport and robot systems in intralogistics..
The focus is on topics such as:

Technical development of AGVs and AMRs
Standardisation and safety standards
Practical experience and best practices
Promoting understanding between manufacturers, integrators and users

With its new structure and expanded focus on ‘mobile robotics’, FA309 is positioning itself as a forward-looking committee in the field of industrial automation.

Guide to FTS energy concepts

19. August 2025

Issue: 22 July 2025, Version 1.0

FTS energy concepts

Guidelines for manufacturers and operators of mobile robotics

New guide to energy concepts for AGVs and mobile robots

The Forum-FTS has published an up-to-date guide for manufacturers and operators of driverless transport systems (AGVs).
The guide provides a comprehensive overview of battery and charging systems, alternative energy concepts, and various operating modes and charging methods. The aim is to provide practical support for the planning and operation of AGV systems and to offer guidance on selecting suitable energy solutions.

Download (PDF)

The guide was developed by the VDI Technical Committee on Driverless Transport Systems and will be incorporated into a VDI status report.

Responsible purchasing of mobile robotics – guidelines for procurement

4. June 2025

09.06.2025, Version 1.0

Responsible purchasing of mobile robotics - guidelines for procurement

The rapid development of mobile robotics (AGV, AGV and AMR) has led to a profound transformation of industrial production logistics and intralogistics. This rapid development is accompanied by a major challenge: ensuring functional safety.

The safety of mobile robots is not only a technical requirement, but also an operational necessity with far-reaching consequences for manufacturers and operators. The use of mobile robots in real operating environments requires a deep understanding and strict application of relevant safety standards (especially in the European Economic Area). Only by taking applicable laws and standards into account as early as the planning phase and when selecting equipment can accidents be avoided and cost-intensive interruptions to operations reduced. This ensures the economic and productive success of the entire system.

Download (PDF)

This guide supports everyone who is responsible for the procurement of mobile robotics. It provides criteria that separate the wheat from the chaff. It first describes the responsibility of the operator. Then the legal aspects are highlighted and specific tips are given. It deals with the project phases of concept development, creation of specifications and the awarding process. This leads to practical checklists at the end of the guide.