Automate tugger trains with STILL

Expertise from a single source

What’s vaguely referred to as ‘Industry 4.0’ in the sector often starts with individual automation solutions, such as driverless transport systems (DTS) and, specifically, automated tugger trains.

But what does the path to an automated tugger train look like in your company? Each tugger train automation is individual and depends on various factors, such as the floor, aisle widths, traffic situation, range of containers and the IT landscape. Initially this also involves the automation of individual routes or sub-areas in the process, such as driving or loading and unloading.

What level of automation is of interest to you?

We use our expertise to help you analyse your processes and identify automation potentials in order to set your company up for the future.

Automated driving

The tugger train covers the route automatically – loading and unloading are carried out manually.

Automatic load handling

The tugger train is driven manually – loading and/or unloading occur automatically.

Driving and automatic load handling

The tugger train covers the route automatically and is loaded and unloaded automatically.

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Requirements analysis

Our offer for the joint preparation of the concept and requirements specification

We answer the following question together with you: What potential for automation can be uncovered in your warehouse and production logistics – and what does your automation system ultimately have to achieve?

Result: an individual requirements specification based on your needs, which you can use for your invitation to tender. The requirements specification is the technical basis for your automation concept.

Your path to an automated tugger train

As soon as we receive your request for a requirements analysis and contact you, you decide whether you would like to take advantage of our additional consulting services.
The services are carried out by experienced STILL intralogistics experts and include the following steps in detail:

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1. Sound database

On-site visit with inspection of the warehouse/production area
Analysis of your processes and transport data

Result: transparent and informative presentation of your material flow

2. Determination of your specific requirements

Identification of the automation potential based on your data
Analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of a DTS as well as automated warehouse and racking systems

Result: a recommendation for your automation approach

3. Preparation of the concept and requirements specification

Strong concept that we adopt together with you

Result: development of a functional requirements specification as the basis for implementation

You can find more information on the process of implementing your automated tugger train solution on our topic page: "The path to your automated tugger train".

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Why STILL is the best partner for you

Expertise and experience are key factors for the success of your automation project. The sustainable development of production logistics in the company requires a holistic view and a strong network of experts.

That’s why STILL is your ideal partner for tugger train automation:

comprehensive system provider – from the initial consultation through to implementation
20 years of experience in implementing tugger train systems
inventor of the LiftRunner: best in the industry for 10 years
our tugger trains are produced in-house

Questions about automation

We use our expertise to help you analyse your processes and identify automation potentials in order to set your company up for the future.

Following your request, we would be pleased to send you a free download of our white paper as an introduction to automated tugger trains.

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Find out more

(When) is an automated tugger train worthwhile?

The experts agree that in the long term all (intra)logistical transports will be automated to the greatest possible extent. Companies feel the pressure to optimise processes in order to remain competitive. It is important not to oversleep the digital transformation of intralogistics. With STILL you have the right partner at your side to find the right solution at the right time.

Automatically unemployed?

When it comes to automation, the first thought is often "automation destroys jobs!" Automation serves a systematic optimization of processes and thus undoubtedly has an effect on employees. However, the effects are to be considered in a differentiated way and should ultimately change the daily work routine of the employees in a positive way.

Operation and control of automated tugger trains

Automated tugger trains consist of a towing vehicle and one or more trailers. Travel and load handling can be carried out manually as well as partially or fully automatically. There are different types of control as well as various automation variants and technologies that can be used.

The advantages of automated tugger train solutions

Automation solutions are playing an ever-increasing role. The decisive questions are: Is an automated tugger train worthwhile for my company? What are the advantages for me?

The way to your automated tugger train

Making automation tangible and manageable in your own company is a complex undertaking that requires a high level of expertise in this area. Each introduction of an automated tugger train solution must be considered individually. STILL supports you in the analysis of your processes and identifies automation potential.

The safety of automated solutions from STILL

Automated systems will increasingly find their way into intralogistics in the long term. At the present time, however, the topic of "automation" is also associated with concerns on the part of users, especially when it comes to safety aspects. A large number of smart software solutions promise a very high level of safety.

Tugger train solutions from STILL

5000 kg

LTX 50

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Glossary

Master controller

The master controller controls all of the trucks operating in the system. It helps the operator continuously optimise the operation. It connects a general host system, such as a warehouse control system (WCS) or a warehouse management system (WMS), and the deployed trucks.

Tugger train

Tugger trains are a means of transport for ground-level material transport. They are generally made up of a towing truck and one or more trailers, on which carriers are placed. Both the driving and load handling can be carried out either manually or partly or fully automatically.

Driverless transport systems

Driverless transport systems (DTS) are defined as follows according to VDI Guideline 2510: They consist of various components that have to work together in a precisely controlled and coordinated manner. These include a master controller, equipment for detecting and recording the location and position of the transport trucks, equipment for transmitting data to and from the trucks in the DTS, infrastructure and peripheral equipment (e.g. charging stations).

Dual use

Driverless transport systems with a dual-use function can be used in automatic mode as well as with manual control functions.