Magazino is conducting a pilot project with the SOTO robot for MAN.

The SOTO mobile robot is being used to automate the material supply between the warehouse and the assembly line, by handling and transporting small load carriers (KLT) completely autonomously. 

The pilot operation is centred on the engine production for trucks at the manufacturer’s facility in Nuremberg and offers both sides the opportunity to gain experience with the robot for a future live operation.

MAN and Magazino have had a close development partnership in recent years and the pilot project is now scheduled to run for around one year. It lays the foundation for the implementation of an entire fleet of SOTO robots in 2023.

Ingo Essel, plant manager - Nuremberg, says: "We want to set up our logistics efficiently and effectively for the future and use the potential of digitalisation and automation in the process. With the help of SOTO, the entire delivery process can be fully automated, from depalletising in the automated small parts warehouse to provisioning in assembly. This way, we are pushing the topic of ‘advanced robotics’ and building a smart supply chain in the interaction of humans and robots. 

“We are pleased to have found a partner in Magazino who can optimally serve our high demands for automation in factory logistics and provide a flexible and scalable automation concept," Essel adds.