iFD is testing a smart FTF system at Komsa AG

In collaboration with Chemnitz University of Technology and two other partners, iFD GmbH has developed a driverless transport system for the logistics sector as part of a research project. The autonomous helper “Hubert” has now been tested in practical use at Komsa AG in Hartmannsdorf.

After three years of research, the prototype “Hubert” – as the small, cart-like vehicle is called – is being put into practical use. The FTF is designed to relieve the workload of logistics staff and eliminate unnecessary journeys. The prototype was developed in cooperation with SICK AG from Waldkirch, Chemnitz University of Technology and LIVINGSOLIDS GmbH from Magdeburg as part of a project funded by the BMBF.

The aim of the practical test was to evaluate the driverless transport system in an industrial environment. KOMSA AG, an innovative company and winner of the German Logistics Prize awarded by the German Logistics Association and the European Logistics Prize awarded by the European Logistics Association, was secured as a project partner for this purpose. KOMSA is a long-standing customer of iFD GmbH and uses an WMS and an SLS from iFD at its Hartmannsdorf site. KOMSA’s logistics operations offer a good mix of manual and automated processes, making them highly dynamic yet, due to varying box sizes and order volumes, very complex.

Among other things, a scenario was successfully tested in which Hubert autonomously brings empty cartons to one of the logistics staff, thereby freeing up time for other tasks. In addition, the FTF supports the staff member who is filling the cartons with items during the packing process using the ‘follow-person’ mode. Once all the boxes have been packed, the loaded trolley drives autonomously to the packing line.

This interaction between human and machine is made possible by a newly developed 3D sensor that recognises people, thereby enabling collaboration beyond the usual autonomous driving mode. The aim is to relieve the employee and reduce physical labour.

In addition to the sensor technology, the software developed by iFD forms the heart of the FTF. It ensures that Hubert receives its commands from the overarching system and executes them in a process-optimised manner. This allows the small vehicle to integrate seamlessly into the process and IT landscape.

Contact for enquiries about the project:

Dr Michael Kämpf

Research Manager, iFD GmbH

Tel: 0371/ 53 88 0 48

Email: dr.kaempf@ifd-gmbh.com