The future of automation is scalable end-to-end solutions
Everyone can automate - with STILL
Intralogistics is facing major challenges - but it is also on the cusp of major change. Automation is the game changer that companies need to operate their internal processes successfully in the long term in the face of challenges such as staff shortages, efficiency and cost pressures. This makes it all the more important that all companies - regardless of industry, size, financial strength and technology level - have low-threshold access to automation. As a full-service provider of automated process solutions for the entire spectrum of intralogistics, STILL wants to make this even easier in the future and increasingly offer simple and scalable solutions alongside large and medium-sized ones. The Hamburg-based intralogistics specialist focuses on standardised and highly available products, coupled with personal advice and customised service packages.
Automation is on everyone's lips, and its future potential for internal material flow - by increasing productivity, efficiency and process reliability - is undisputed. In addition, purely manual material handling solutions are becoming increasingly uncompetitive in the face of growing competitive pressures and persistent labour shortages. However, the majority of customers still have reservations about the new technologies. The perceived high costs, the assumption that automation is only possible in specially designed warehouse layouts or new buildings, and a confusing, heterogeneous market are often reasons for reluctance. However, these concerns do not (or no longer) reflect the actual market for automation solutions today. "We at STILL are firmly convinced that automation offers great opportunities for intralogistics," explains STILL Managing Director Dr Florian Heydenreich. "At present, the main obstacles to its expansion are persistent myths about major initial obstacles, high costs, complex handling and a lack of support. These often prevent smaller companies in particular from engaging with automation as an innovation topic. This is despite the fact that - given the right conditions and the right partner - any company can automate today".
Preconditions for successful automation
Successful, long-term, fail-safe process automation requires established technologies as well as scalable and standardised solutions that also work efficiently and reliably in existing warehouse layouts. Not only do they reduce the risk of failure, but standardised components and interfaces make them quick and easy to service. Scalable solutions also make it easy for small companies to get started with automation and grow with the customer's needs and level of automation. Equally important, both suppliers and customers need to understand that automation is a long-term process that often involves significant change within the company. It is therefore important to have sound planning and advice from an experienced partner right from the start, starting with the tender and the definition of the specifications, including all requirements and actual conditions - because this is the basis of the entire project. "A major source of error in today's automation projects is the human factor. When automation projects fail or are riddled with errors today, it is almost always due to inadequate preparation, planning and communication - and not the technology," concludes Dr Heydenreich.
STILL aims to become the leading full-service provider of smart automation solutions
In addition to many years of experience in the field of automation and a high level of innovation, full-range suppliers such as STILL also have a broad portfolio of standardised, automated trucks and a strong partner network - also for warehouse systems and materials handling technology. They also have the in-depth consulting expertise and comprehensive service network required to successfully implement the full range of automation projects. This is because they focus not on individual innovative products, but on developing customised solutions that make a customer's entire material flow efficient, reliable and resilient in the long term - regardless of its size and the complexity of its applications. This is where STILL intends to position itself even more strongly in the near future. "We want to become the leading full-service provider for smart automation solutions, from consulting through hardware and software to service," announces Dr Heydenreich. "We cover the entire spectrum of process automation, from small companies with no automation experience to global corporations, from the smallest solutions with just one vehicle to complex large-scale projects.”
Everyone can automate - with STILL
The technological basis for scalable automation is STILL's innovative software. The modular system is based on standardised components and is available in two versions that build on each other: For small projects with only a few trucks and moderate requirements for the activities performed, STILL uses the entry-level variant iGo easy. It allows quick and easy implementation as well as intuitive handling even without automation experience. For complex automation projects where a large number of different vehicles and systems need to be orchestrated to automatically map complete material flows, iGo systems is used. The compatibility of both solutions ensures that customers can seamlessly scale their automation at any time. Companies new to automation can start small, gain experience and then gradually increase their level of automation as required. The integration of partner products, the control of STILL trucks via third-party software or the connection to higher-level systems is also easy - thanks to the flexible STILL iGo flow and the standardised VDA 5050 interface, which STILL is gradually integrating into all automated trucks.
Consulting, service and customised solutions
On its way to becoming the leading provider of smart automation solutions, STILL is investing heavily not only in technology and future-oriented partnerships, but also in the further expansion of its own consulting and service expertise. The focus is on personal support and local structures. After all, even in the digital age, personal contact, short distances and on-site coordination in the local language with a familiar contact person are invaluable in reducing sources of error and avoiding misunderstandings. "We will continue to be there for our customers locally, reliable and available. Speaking their language, taking their needs seriously and offering them tailor-made solutions has been the key to STILL's success for more than 100 years. We are convinced that this will also enable us to successfully continue on our path to becoming the leading full-range supplier of scalable automation solutions," concludes Dr Heydenreich.
2025 STILL presents automation solutions at LogiMAT 2025
STILL will be providing an insight into its current portfolio of automated solutions at the LogiMAT trade fair in Stuttgart from 11 to 13 March 2025. In two live scenarios, the automation experts will demonstrate the use of iGo easy using the example of the AXV iGo automated high lift pallet truck, as well as a fully automated material flow synchronised with iGo systems. Here, stationary solutions such as the STILL iGo cube pallet shuttle warehouse interact with series production vehicles such as the FM-X iGo automated reach truck and the EXV iGo high lift pallet truck.
