Central control system: yes or no? This type of fleet management isn't necessary in every case. The deciding factors are the specific application, the process requirements, and the company's strategy. For example, if driverless transport vehicles from a single manufacturer are used for simply transporting boxes or pallets, they can communicate with each other seamlessly even without a central control system.

Using Mobile Transport Robots Without a Central Control System:
Manufacturers like SAFELOG offer mobile transport robots in various sizes to suit specific use cases. The agent-based control system enables cost-effective operation even with a small number of vehicles. Communication between devices is facilitated via Wi-Fi. Thanks to swarm intelligence, this approach completely eliminates the need for a central control system. Transfer stations and surrounding peripheral equipment can also be integrated into the system. The hardware and software, as a complete package, enable the simple and cost-effective implementation of automated processes.

Antalis Switzerland, a distributor of paper, packaging solutions, visual communication materials, and hygiene products, as well as a provider of customized logistics services, also values ​​this. Up to 1,600 orders are processed there daily. The company replaced its 40-year-old fleet with modern, agent-based control vehicles from SAFELOG. Existing transfer stations and interfaces could be adapted to the new system and thus retained. The goods receiving and shipping areas were optimally connected using mobile robots. Every day, 700 pallets with a maximum load of approximately 1,000 kg are transported from the goods receiving area to various storage areas, including a high-bay warehouse, an Autostore warehouse, and three manual warehouses. This example demonstrates that whether moving individual pallets and boxes or pulling full containers and trolleys, systems with a small number of AGVs can be implemented efficiently without the need for a top-level control center. The assembly stations can also be ideally connected using AGVs without the need for a higher-level control system.

A combination of swarm intelligence and central control:
For more complex automated processes, a combination of a central control system and agent-based vehicles may be suitable in some cases. In this scenario, the central control system manages orders, while swarm intelligence manages transport between origin and destination. KNOLL Maschinenbau GmbH opted for such a system. In a circuit with strictly timed sheet metal production, a SAFELOG mobile transport robot is used. It moves to five stopping positions and then returns to the sheet metal warehouse. It transports a cart with five storage compartments, each assigned to a specific station. A fixed dwell time has been defined for each station, during which workers can unload their assigned materials and store the processed semi-finished products in the vehicle. Cycle times at the individual stopping points are monitored via FLEXUS AG's SAP control software. As soon as the system detects a delay, the robot alerts the worker with an audible signal. At the stations, additional mobile transport robots are waiting to transport large-capacity carts. Once a task is completed, the worker requests collection via the SAP user interface on their PC.

The vehicle moves under the trolley, docks at four connection points, and transports the goods to the warehouse, production, or shipping department. Route guidance relies heavily on contour navigation. If the shortest route is impassable, the control software notifies the AGV, which then automatically selects an alternative route to reach the destination as efficiently as possible. This allows KNOLL to transport approximately 1,000 cargo containers and trolleys per day. However, not only have transport robots been integrated, but also other industrial forklifts and trailer trains via the FLEXUS transport control system. As a result, the fully digitized process leads to high transparency and process optimization. All participants are monitored, and AGV status reports, such as battery charge level or transport order updates, are continuously recorded.

Effective Use of a VDA 5050-Based Control System:
Manufacturers and operators of warehouses and distribution centers often require a wide range of specialized transport solutions to automate their processes. As a result, vehicles from multiple manufacturers are typically used. The VDA 5050 interface was developed to enable the synchronization of these devices. It allows for the control of different types of autonomous forklifts, tow trains, mobile transport robots, and other resources through a central control station. In this way, transport processes and routes are defined by the control center. It gathers all the information and transmits it to the individual participants. “This places the mobile robots and all other devices under the control of the control center at a subordinate level,” says Mathias Behounek, Managing Director of SAFELOG. “Transport orders are distributed centrally, and route segments are reserved and approved by the fleet manager.” Peripheral systems, such as fire doors, elevators, or transfer stations with conveyor belt technology, can also be connected to the central control system via the interface. Since the standardized communication interface allows for the management of fleets of varying sizes regardless of the manufacturer, the trend for these use cases is clearly toward the VDA 5050 Fleet Manager. SAFELOG has already implemented several successful projects with a VDA 5050-based central control station, including one at a well-known automotive manufacturer. There, mobile robots are networked and controlled by a VDA 5050-based central control system. More than 27 mobile robots are in use. Peripheral systems such as fire doors, elevators, transfer stations, and conveyor systems are also integrated.

VDA 5050 offers new opportunities and possibilities.
“We are constantly asked if our vehicles are VDA 5050-compliant, and we can confirm without reservation that they are,” explains Mathias Behounek. “But in projects, it’s always important to consider whether a central control system is even necessary. ‘Keep it simple’ is our motto.” In many cases, fleet management based on swarm intelligence and without a central control center offers sufficient flexibility and significantly lower costs. The simpler the process and the more homogeneous the group, the easier it is to scale the system. If the transport process is complex and vehicles from different manufacturers are used, a VDA 5050-based control system opens up new possibilities. Furthermore, it increases process transparency.

The VDA 5050 standard is now a standard requirement in many tenders for robot fleets and control center systems. It has evolved from a common communication protocol for simpler systems, such as lane-guided vehicles, into a comprehensive global standard that is practical and applicable in real-world scenarios. Every year, companies test their software and hardware in conjunction with the VDA 5050 standard under particularly demanding conditions at the INTRALOGISTICS TEST CAMP in Dortmund. By doing so, warehouse and production logistics processes are implemented as realistically as possible. When different vehicles are used and travel routes intersect or run in opposite directions, the advantages of the VDA 5050 standard truly come into play. "The 4th AGV Mesh-up in Dortmund demonstrated that robots from the eight participating manufacturers can be seamlessly integrated," said Mathias Behounek. “Others have already implemented the interface, and many more are likely to do so in the future, as the VDA 5050 is continuously reviewed and refined by the relevant working groups.” The current development focus is on integrating maps and zones to also enable the optimal integration of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).