IFOY Audit
Finalists undergo the three-stage IFOY Audit as part of the IFOY Audit, which takes place during the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. This consists of the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, the IFOY Test and the jury test.
iw.hub
idealworks GmbH
The iw.hub and its cloud-based control platform AnyFleet is an available autonomous mobile robot (AMR) at a competitive price, which can be implemented in about two days without structural adjustments. The cloud-based control platform enables standardized integration of third-party devices based on the VDA 5050 standard. IDEALworks is a 100-percent subsidiary of the BMW Group.
Product name and company
iw.hub – idealworks GmbH
Category
Mobile Robot
Description
The CE-certified iw.hub, which is available on the market, and its cloud-based control platform AnyFleet can be set up in about two days without any structural adjustments. The control platform enables the integration of third-party devices, based on the Standard VDA 5050. The control platform is used for mapping, order control, fleet and traffic management and is easy to learn for the user/vacant logistics staff due to its simple and intuitive user interface. The dimensions are 641×1440 mm (bxl), the minimum underrun height is 22 centimeters. The speed in mixed traffic with other manual and autonomous FFZ is approx. eight km/h. Safety equipment includes initiators, laser scanners and ultrasonic sensors. In conjunction with a camera, 3D collision avoidance is ensured. The iw.hub detects obstacles and can react to them independently, such as dodging, overtaking or stopping. A lithium-ion battery from the BMW i3 supplies the vehicle with energy for a service of at least eight hours. Implementation in a new environment is shortened with the support of an AI-based digital twin. As of 10/2020, around 130 STR are in series operation at seven BMW Group production sites with a wide range of supply processes, with an OEE of more than 98 percent. Three other companies, non-BMW Group, are currently implementing pilot applications (as of 10/2020).
Innovations
The iw.hub is a autonomous, robust, CE certified AMR at a competitive price. It is available on the market. The cloud-based, open control platform AnyFleet based on standard VDA 5050 enables the implementation of further autonomous vehicles. The control platform is easy to use and serves mapping, job management, fleet and traffic management. Sustainable energy management using a lithium-ion battery from the BMW i3 with a charging station with 220V socket. Implementation in a new environment is shortened with the support of an AI-based digital twin. The iw.hub is a proven vehicle with a current fleet of around 130 vehicles at seven BMW Group production sites with very high technical availability of more than 98 percent. The vehicle control calculator is GPU-based and allows artificial intelligence algorithms to be applied directly to the device.
Market relevance
The target group is manufacturing industry, e-commerce, logistics service providers and all companies with in-house goods transport. With the innovative solution, large parts of manual transports can be autonomously. In high-wage countries in particular, there is a positive business case that can contribute to increasing efficiency in companies. According to the study by an independent company consultancy, the market volume for the product segment in Germany will be around one billion euros in the coming years.
Customer benefits
- Competitive purchase price
- Very short implementation time of approx. two days
- Max payload of 1000 kg
- The cargo can be transported self-controlled and alone or in a fleet without fixed transfer points
- Self-contained loading and unloading
- Open cloud-based control platform for the integration of further autonomous vehicles based on standard VDA5050
- User interface of the control platform for the user/released logistics personnel easily learnable and intuitiveto operate
- AI-based training of the STR in a digital twin of the future application environment
- The customer has the possibility to buy or lease the device
Test report
With the iw.hub, idealworks, a wholly owned subsidiary of the BMW Group, delivers an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) at a competitive price. According to the manufacturer, the innovative solution is up to 50 per cent cheaper than existing solutions on the market while offering the same functionalities, and is also successfully in use at the parent company BMW.
The AMR measures 641×1440 millimetres (width x length) and has a minimum underride height of 22 centimetres. In mixed traffic – with other, manually operated and/or autonomous vehicles – the iw.hub reaches a speed of about 2.2 m/s (just under 8 km/h). This makes the iw.hub one of the faster AMRs. The maximum payload is 1,000 kg.
At least as important for the application is the flexibility of the AMR, which drives completely autonomously with the help of Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) navigation technology. A starting position and the desired pick-up locations are all that is needed, after which the robot independently creates a map of the surroundings.
Sensors on the AMR continuously scan the environment and optimise the route in real time. Possible (temporary) obstacles are detected by the AMR and bypassed independently. Even if a load is not positioned correctly, the robot detects this with the help of a 3D camera on the front. In this case, the iw.hub automatically corrects its position so that the loads are always picked up correctly.
A lithium-ion cell from the BMW i3 powers the iw.hub. A fully charged battery is sufficient for at least eight hours of operation. Intermediate charging is possible via any standard 220 V socket.
The AMR is programmed to charge only when the battery capacity is less than 50 percent and no transport orders are scheduled. When approaching the charging station, the iw.hub automatically checks its position and corrects it, if necessary with the help of reflectors mounted in the charging station. A charging cycle takes 1.5 hours.
According to the manufacturer, the system can be implemented in about two days, without structural changes. This brings a factory-in-one-day within reach, where a factory can be set up with robots in a very short time.Deployment in a new environment is shortened by the support of an AI-based digital twin.
The iw.hub has a cloud-based control platform (AnyFleet) that enables standardised integration of third-party devices based on the VDA 5050 interface. The control platform is used for mapping, order control, fleet and traffic management and has an intuitive user interface. This makes it easy for new users and logisticians to learn and operate the system..
IFOY Test Verdict
The iw.hub mobile robot from idealworks is fast, fully autonomous and automatically adjusts its route as needed. A particularly flexible solution that can be installed in just a few days and is also attractively priced, bringing a factory-in-one-day within reach. Even the battery charging stations can be installed quickly and flexibly. All that is needed is a standard 220V socket.
IFOY Innovation Check
Market relevance
The material supply of pallet sizes with roller undercarriages as a classic underride AGV is a very widespread transport case.
Customer benefit
The BMW subsidiary idealworks can offer an optimal and flexible solution with the autonomous transport vehicle. In particular, the flexibility in taking over the load and in route finding allow very reliable applications. The robustness and thus clear industrial suitability should also be mentioned.
Novelty
Above all, the very high degree of “autonomy” in the vehicle and the convincing use of perception instead of pure sensor use are convincing. The decentralised control concept and the very low overall height are also to be emphasised as important innovations..
Functionality / type of implementation
The vehicle is robust and suitable for industrial use. It makes a very high-quality impression, both visually and technically. Plus points are the very innovative control concept with high flexibility as well as an impressive performance, especially with regard to picking up poorly positioned loads and in terms of speed. The visuals, however, are not particularly appealing
| Functionality / type of implementation | ++ |
| Novelty / Innovation | ++ |
| Customer benefits | + |
| Market relevance | ++ |
| ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available | |
Videos
Playlist
1 Videos
Playlist
4 Videos
Image/video credits: idealworks GmbH, BMW AG
Auch interessant
Statutes
In den Statuten sind die Grundwerte und die Standards des IFOY AWARD festgelegt, nach denen die Organisation handelt. Dazu gehören unter anderem Gremien, Wahlomodus, Bewertungskriterien sowie der Code of Conduct.
Committees
The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year has three bodies: Jury, sponsors, and advisory board.