25 September 2024
Motto: ‘Flexible automation: it works with AGVs and AMR!’
This year’s AGV symposium at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) in Dortmund once again brought together over 170 industry experts on 25 September to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the field of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The event was held under the motto ‘Flexible automation: it works with AGVs and AMR!’ and offered both practical presentations and a lively panel discussion.
The importance of project management in AGV and AMR projects
The panel discussion focussed on a central topic of AGV and AMR implementation: project management. Ralf Bär (Bär Automation GmbH), Dr Sören Kerner (Fraunhofer IML), Philip Kirmse (MHP Management GmbH) and Markus Külken (SSI Schäfer Automation GmbH) emphasised that careful planning and the creation of requirement and functional specifications are decisive success factors. Dr Günter Ullrich, moderator and owner of Forum-FTS, led the discussion and emphasised how important it is to actively involve employees in the automation process. Fear of job loss and changes in everyday working life are common hurdles that need to be overcome.
Prof. Alice Kirchheim über die Zukunft der Intralogistik
Prof Alice Kirchheim, Director of the Fraunhofer IML, opened the event with a presentation on the development of mobile robots and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the logistics industry. She emphasised that ‘Generative AI will disruptively change our world’. The hype surrounding AI and robotics is huge, but the practical advances are also remarkable: collaboration between humans and machines is already a reality in intralogistics and will continue to intensify in the coming years.
Practical insights: specialist presentations and networking
The eight specialist presentations at the AGV symposium provided valuable insights into practice: users from the industry reported on their experiences of implementing AGVs in companies and discussed challenges and proven strategies. In addition to the presentations, participants had the opportunity to socialise during the breaks and discuss the latest developments in the industry. The accompanying trade exhibition with 25 companies from the AGV sector complemented the programme and offered insights into new technologies and solutions.
Success factors for AGVs projects
A key outcome of the panel discussion was the importance of cooperation between all stakeholders and precise planning. The implementation of AGVs is rarely an isolated project, but usually part of a more comprehensive automation strategy that brings with it not only technical but also social challenges. An open dialogue with employees and communicating the vision of ‘man with machine’ can help to reduce reservations and increase acceptance of automation.
Conclusion: Innovation and collaboration as the key to success
The AGV Symposium 2024 once again demonstrated the importance of dialogue between science and industry in order to work together on future-proof solutions. Flexible automation through AGVs and AMR offers enormous potential for intralogistics and beyond. However, it also became clear that AGV projects can only be successful in the long term with well thought-out project management and trusting cooperation between all those involved.
Photos: Fraunhofer IML, DVS Media GmbH