Shuttle Systems

Nicht jeder Lagerbetreiber kann oder will seine gesamte Anlage auf einmal automatisieren. Die beiden Unternehmen bieten mit dem UP-Carrier GTJ einen stufenweisen Ansatz für Bestandslager, der vorhandene Infrastruktur weiter nutzt.

What began in 2003 at the Stuttgart Killesberg now spans over ten exhibition halls. A look back at the technologies that have shaped the trade fair's growth and the development of its international significance.

The Edeka Nordfrische Center in Lüttow-Valluhn has expanded its existing automation solution with two AI-supported picking robots in collaboration with the intralogistics provider Knapp. The "Pick-it-Easy Robot" systems take over the fully automated piece picking of various meat and sausage products and, according to the manufacturer, achieve around 450 picking actions per hour each. With the additional robotics, Edeka aims to increase productivity and process reliability, relieve employees from physically demanding tasks, and enable round-the-clock picking if needed.

The Finnish food retailer Kesko is relying on Knapp for the automation of its new logistics center in Nurmijärvi, Finland. According to the provider, the installation of the automation solution is scheduled for 2028. The phased commissioning is planned for 2029 and 2030. With the project, Kesko aims to expand the capacity and flexibility of its logistics in the long term.

From the "RoboShuttle Hyper" to an automated picking station to the humanoid robot: The provider combines several technologies at one location.

Stein Automation GmbH & Co. KG has had its intelligent shuttle system “Stein link” classified for cleanrooms up to ISO Class 5. This makes the system suitable for production environments with the highest demands on cleanliness and low particle concentration, opening up new applications in medical technology, the pharmaceutical industry, as well as in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.

The company Skechers is investing in a new highly automated European distribution center in Liège, Belgium. For the intralogistics of the new facility, the global lifestyle and performance brand relies on Knapp as a technology partner. The logistics center will be gradually put into operation, with the final go-live scheduled for mid-2030. From the end of 2028, the facility designed for growth is expected to supply the European market from a single location.

The Yonex GmbH is automating its logistics at the Willich location and is relying on technology from the automation provider Advasolutions. The sports equipment manufacturer awarded the contract for this in August 2026. In the future, up to 41 "Advashuttles" on up to 1,922 meters of shelving will take over storage and order picking, connected to up to three picking stations and one storage station. The installation begins in April 2027, with the go-live planned for August 2027. The conversion will be carried out during ongoing operations: goods receipt and shipping will continue during this time.

With its efficient logistics, Printus delivers orders from a range of over 100,000 office items within 24 hours. To further expand this key competence in a dynamic market environment, the company is investing in the Offenburg location. As part of an investment of more than 200 million euros in the new central logistics center, Printus is creating around 53,000 square meters of additional logistics space and modernizing essential parts of the existing facility.

The Baden-Württemberg-based specialist for standard parts, Ganter, is consistently advancing its highly automated intralogistics to meet its customers' demands for reliability and short delivery times. For almost three decades, the family business has relied on the expertise and experience of TGW Logistics: What began with a tray warehouse in 1999 has evolved over the years into a strategic partnership—based on trust and a shared understanding of sustainable growth.

Geekplus has introduced a new tote-to-person solution called "Roboshuttle Hyper" for automated container handling. According to the company, the system, featuring climbing autonomous mobile robots, can handle up to 6,000 containers per hour per 1,000 square meters. The technology is intended for B2C e-commerce, fresh goods and cold chain logistics, consolidation warehouses, and micro-fulfillment centers.