After a nine month trial of remote-controlled forklifts at a logistics site in Germany, international logistics service provider DB Schenker, has signed a Letter of Intent to “scale the technology” to more of its locations globally.

DB Schenker has been trialling the platform, which allows drivers to operate forklifts remotely with the capacity to manage multiple vehicles at different locations, at its Contract Logistics site in Kassel, Germany.

The platform was developed by German software company enabl Technologies which has been collaborating with DB Schenker.

“This innovation aims to address staff shortages, improve efficiency, and automate logistics processes,” DB Schenker states. 

"This initiative represents a significant step toward greater automation and innovation in the logistics sector.”

DB Schenker vice president of Global Engineering & Innovation, Lucas Mömken, says of the partnership: “By collaborating with enabl, we can adapt to demand fluctuations and enhance productivity through automation, securing our competitive edge long-term”.

Julian Wadephul, CEO of enabl Technologies, adds: “Our solution has been in use at DB Schenker for nine months, proving its value in addressing market needs. This milestone supports our ambition to lead warehouse automation globally.”