SSI Schaefer´s Weasel wins International Forklift of the Year award

At the CeMAT opening in Hannover, SSI Schaefer´s Weasel won the IFOY Award in the category “Intralogistics Solution” for its implementation at a NextLevel Logistik GmbH facility.

The in-plant fleet solution is a driverless transport system that is responsible for all transport tasks between incoming goods, work areas, goods dispatch and on to waste disposal. It handles containers, cartons, trays or other products of varying sizes up to 35 kg.

“Considerably reduced investment costs open new customer perspectives in terms of automated transport solutions,” the IFOY jury reported. “Particularly in the era of Industry 4.0, it is a major advantage for companies if they can flexibly connect different in-plant areas and support processes in the front-to-end logistics environment. This system is especially beneficial for companies and start-ups whose business fields and capacity requirements tend to change at short notice.”

The complete hardware and software for the system was installed and went into operation within three days. Unlike conventional AGVs, Weasel does not require complex sensor technology or control systems, and uses features like an automatic RFID group reading system at the goods receipt stage.

Since 2013, the IFOY Award has become established as a benchmark for cost efficiency and innovation. The winners are selected once a year by an independent jury of leading international trade journalists. A neutral test and a scientific “Innovation Check” form the basis for assessment by the jury. Both test series compare the finalists with their respective competitors. The sponsor of the IFOY Award, presented under the patronage of the German Ministry of Economics and Energy, is the VDMA Materials Handling and Logistics Systems Sector Association. Official IFOY partner is CeMAT, the leading international trade fair for intralogistics in Hannover. IFOY pallet partner is Chep, a global market leader in pallet pooling. IFOY technology partner is the battery charging specialist Fronius.