Remote forklift trucks: DB Schenker allows deep stacking from a distance

Deutsche Bahn's logistics subsidiary, DB Schenker, is now using remote-controlled forklift trucks. This will initially take place at the Kassel site, the company announced in Essen on Monday. DB Schenker is working together with the Karlsruhe-based start-up company "Enabl". Drivers are connected to several different vehicles at different locations via their platform.

The start-up advertises that the so-called Forklift Remote Automation can counteract the shortage of forklift drivers. Nationwide, more than 17,000 jobs for forklift drivers remain unfilled. At the same time, the degree of automation in industrial trucks is less than five percent. The concept of "Material Handling as a Service" can also save costs, as transport orders are only booked as required.

Combating the shortage of skilled workers

According to Enabl CEO Julian Wadephul, the remote solution has already been in test operation at DB Schenker for nine months. The start-up hopes to become the world's leading company in warehouse automation thanks to this well-known logistics customer. DB Schenker has already signed a letter of intent to work with the platform in the long term and to automate forklift trucks at several international locations. The logistics service provider has over 1850 locations in more than 130 countries.

According to Enabl, various vehicle types such as front loaders, reach trucks, high-speed trucks and sideloaders are supported. It is possible to handle all types of transportation. The remote drivers sit in front of large monitors that display several camera perspectives from the truck's point of view via the Internet. The vehicle is moved remotely using a steering wheel and a joystick.

Future goal: use of AI

Conventional vehicles would be equipped with sensors and additional electronics for this purpose. There are also plans to use artificial intelligence in the future. The aim is to partially automate vehicles in this way by 2030.

(mki)