The iGo neo automatically recognises and follows its operator.

Testing was recently concluded in Munich for the 2017 International Forklift of the Year. Forkliftaction News was among the judges and we are pleased to be able to share the detailed results of the testing over the next few weeks. We begin with the judges' findings for STILL's iGo neo in the Warehouse Truck category.

STILL launched the first robot order picker - the STILL iGo neo - in early 2016. The iGo neo automatically recognises its operator, who can then keep the truck in motion if desired without the need to board the machine again. If the operator exits the order picker and presses a button on the side of the machine, the iGo neo "keeps an eye" on the operator via its 360º scanner. When the operator proceeds to the next picking station, the iGo neo then automatically follows, while ensuring the correct spacing relative to the shelves as well as to all obstacles along the way. If the operator stops moving, the iGo neo also stops next to him or her.

The IFOY Test shows that the savings compared to conventional order pickers are spectacular. The iGo neo is more efficient and more productive in all test layouts whenever the pedestrian principle is used, and the test team found that efficiency can be boosted by up to 47%. The dynamic process that causes the machine to move at the same time as the operator ensures that the benefits of the system are fully exploited. This was also demonstrated with an "ideal trip" with an additional operator who always positioned the truck exactly in the correct position for the order picker. The limiting factor is no longer the machine and its operation but the walking speed of the operator.

What is noticeable is that the STILL iGo neo takes account of all the safety requirements during the work process. It evades and stops if necessary in order to avoid collisions. The end-of-aisle stopping function is just as precise as the operator recognition feature.

The operator wears the remote control on his or her upper arm and can use it to stop or call the iGo neo. The remote control can also be used to change the aisle side or select a pre-programmed stopping point so that the iGo neo automatically "offers up" the desired pallet or container, thereby further minimising walking distances.

There is, however, room for improvement both with regard to the design and in terms of the handling characteristics of the remote control.

Thanks to the options provided by robotics, one conceivable idea for the future is that automatic following and alignment of the vehicle is initiated not via remote control but automatically using gesture recognition via the 360º scanner or a new technology. This would enable the truck to also automatically recognise a change of operator in the same way as it already recognises objects and obstacles. Interconnection with LVS or voice systems would be a further possibility.

The iGo neo offers the same benefits already seen in other remote order pickers: the work process is pleasant, easier, more efficient and considerably less strenuous, as the operator does not have to constantly get on and off the machine. Moreover, the truck itself uses less energy.

A further advantage of the iGo Neo is that it is not necessary to press any buttons or sensors, which means the operator has both hands free to pick, hold and position goods. In addition, the increased dynamics of the machine make it convenient to walk alongside it, even over longer distances. The walking speed of the operator determines the speed of the vehicle. The test team found this to be an extremely pleasant experience.

IFOY Test verdict:

The iGo neo shows that innovations in robot technology can make a valuable contribution to intelligent intralogistics. The key benefits are the high performance capability, ease of operation and the numerous options.