Automation in intralogistics: Stäubli showcases mobile robotics solutions with AI

At automatica, Stäubli is presenting several future-oriented systems for the logistics and production sectors. The focus is on two mobile platforms: the PF3 and a newly developed counterbalance forklift. Both vehicles are designed for autonomous material handling in industrial environments, with a clear focus on robustness, flexibility, and high payloads.

Mobile transport with up to three tons of payload

The PF3 is a compact mobile unit that can transport up to three tons—roughly two Euro pallets placed crosswise. It is suitable for internal transport where robust load movements are required. The platform is designed to efficiently and autonomously bridge longer distances between delivery, storage, and production.

Stäubli is also showcasing a counterweight version with a load capacity of 1.5 tons. This system is equipped with modern navigation technology, enabling it to operate with precision even at higher levels of a high-bay warehouse.

AI-based object recognition for unstructured logistics processes

Another exhibit demonstrates the use of artificial intelligence for object recognition. With the help of an industrial robot and a camera-based vision system, packages of various shapes, sizes, and surfaces are recognized.

Whether reflective adhesive tape, damaged edges, or packing paper—the trained system reliably identifies the objects, separates them, and transfers them to downstream stations. Conventional camera technology reaches its limits here, but AI-based image recognition enables autonomous, flexible handling of heterogeneous packages.

Modular, scalable, and highly resilient

Stäubli places particular emphasis on the scalability of its solutions. While the PF3, the smallest model, can move up to three tons, configurations for six tons or even up to 800 tons are possible depending on customer requirements – for example, for transporting wind turbine blades or railway wagons. The series products shown can be integrated into existing structures as tailor-made “customer-to-order” solutions.

Adaptable to infrastructure and fleet management

The systems impress not only with their load capacity, but also with their high compatibility. Thanks to an innovative drive concept, uneven floors, paving, or roller door strips can be crossed without any problems – special floor adaptations are not necessary. The openness of the system is also evident in fleet management: Stäubli can integrate its platforms into existing software architectures and is not dependent on its own solutions.

Charging management with inductive systems

Stäubli offers both plug-in and inductive charging options for the power supply. The latter enable contactless charging directly at workstations, minimizing downtime. The charging points can be distributed flexibly and strategically throughout the production environment.

With its mobile logistics systems, Stäubli demonstrates how powerful robotics, artificial intelligence, and adaptable infrastructure can be combined into a scalable overall concept—for future-proof, automated intralogistics.