Jungheinrich and Automha target phased warehouse automation
Jungheinrich and Italian intralogistics specialist Automha are combining shuttle technology, systems integration and software to offer a gradual route into warehouse automation. Their jointly developed UP-Carrier GTJ is a two-way pallet shuttle intended for high-density storage in existing facilities.
The proposition targets operators that need more capacity and throughput but cannot justify, or accommodate, a complete warehouse rebuild. The shuttle can be installed within current environments, while industrial trucks initially continue to move pallets. As requirements develop, those transport activities can be automated, creating a staged transition rather than a single large investment.
Automation without a full rebuild
The partnership brings together Automha’s experience in shuttle systems with Jungheinrich’s capabilities in racking integration, warehouse software and lifecycle support. The companies say this combination can simplify project planning and provide one coordinated service structure covering implementation and later expansion.
Integration with existing warehouse and IT environments is central to the design. Sites can subsequently add technologies such as Jungheinrich Mobile Robots, allowing material flow to evolve in line with operational needs. For industrial companies, the practical benefit is the ability to align automation spending with business growth while making better use of available building space.
A differentiated role in the portfolio
Jungheinrich presents the solution as a complement to four-way shuttle systems used in fully automated, high-performance pallet warehouses. The Automha collaboration instead focuses on brownfield sites and businesses seeking an initial automation step. The shuttle reportedly moved from concept to market readiness in nine months and is already deployed in more than 200 projects across over 25 countries.
Dr Tobias Harzer, Jungheinrich’s chief automation officer, says companies need not begin with a completely automated warehouse. Gianni Togni, Automha’s vice-president of sales and marketing, describes the partnership as a combination of specialist shuttle engineering and international integration capability. The companies’ broader objective is to support customers from an initial retrofit project through to an integrated, high-density material-flow system.
More information is available from Jungheinrich and Automha.
