In intralogistics, the digital transformation is gradually taking place in all areas. Not only in the warehouse, but also in production, more and more companies are relying on digitalisation and automation.
In this context, Würzburg-based Flexus AG and Giebelstadt-based SSI Schäfer Automation GmbH have decided to collaborate with students from the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg Schweinfurt.
Students develop mobile app to control driverless transport systems
The joint project between students of computer science and business informatics and the intralogistics experts of both companies is part of the IoT initiative (“Internet of Things”) of Flexus AG. Based on SAP Fiori technology, students are developing a mobile app that automatically supplies and controls the WEASEL® automated guided vehicle system from SSI Schäfer Automation GmbH with driving orders from SAP®. The automated guided vehicles are already being used in automated factories today and represent an alternative to the traditional forklift truck in the age of Industry 4.0.
Flexus AG as one of the market leaders in optimising SAP® intralogistics and SSI Schäfer as the world’s leading solution provider for intralogistics products and systems support the students in implementing the IoT initiative with their many years of experience from numerous intralogistics projects. Based on the expert knowledge of the two companies, the results achieved by the students refine the processes surrounding the control of automated guided vehicles with SAP®. In addition, within the framework of this collaboration, the companies offer the students the opportunity to gain valuable insights and experience, as well as the chance to establish the all-important exchange between theory and practice. The results of the IoT project culminate in the “WEASEL Challenge”.
“WEASEL-CHALLENGE” as the highlight of cooperation
Within the framework of this Weasel Challenge, a defined course is to be completed within the shortest possible time and with the best possible optimisation of the driving tasks with the AGVs. The students’ programmed apps are used to control the WEASEL®. During the event, in addition to the students, experts from the two participating companies will be available to all interested parties to provide information on the topic of automated guided vehicles and autonomous transport vehicles in Industry 4.0.