The intralogistics specialist showcased its latest innovations for 2019 at this year's annual press conference not far from the port of Hamburg. In addition to the presentations, the new products could be viewed up close, and board members and experts answered visitors' questions. The agenda covered a wide range of topics - from impressive high-performance forklifts to innovative assistance systems.

Powerhouse with lithium-ion technology
The EFG series 6 high-performance forklift truck can handle loads of up to 9 tons and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use - the vehicle also has a full cab with air conditioning. With its high load capacity, the EFG Series 6 is predestined for use in the beverage and building materials wholesale trade or in mechanical engineering. Jungheinrich Sales Director Christian Erlach: "With a load capacity of 9 tons, the EFG Series 6 sets new standards. For our customers, this means maximum performance with minimum consumption." The use of lithium-ion technology reduces energy consumption and, according to the company, the EFG 6 can also be used almost non-stop with a lithium-ion battery thanks to the option of intermediate charging. The series is available in 14 different vehicle models, with four different load capacities from 6 to 9 tons, two load centres (600 millimetres and 900 millimetres) and battery sizes from 1,240Ah to 1,548Ah for customers to choose from.

Over 14 meters with triple lift
Another highlight of the annual press conference was the EKS412s, the new generation of the tried-and-tested EKS vertical order picker. The EKS412s reaches a pick height of over 14 meters. The new transition-free triple telescopic mast also enables a lifting speed of 0.5 meters per second, 25 per cent faster than the predecessor model. Jungheinrich also attached great importance to performance and energy efficiency: an economical synchronous reluctance motor halves the energy losses on the motor side, and the weight has also been significantly reduced compared to its predecessor. Christian Erlach explains: "We have trimmed the new EKS 412s for maximum performance - in all aspects that are important for use in the warehouse: Performance, efficiency, ergonomics and safety. This enables our customers to achieve significantly higher handling performance in their narrow-aisle warehouse." The EKS 412s is available with two battery options: with lead-acid batteries or with lithium-ion technology.

Compact and maneuverable - thanks to fully integrated battery
The ERC 216zi electric pallet stacker comes a year after the company launched the ETV 216i reach truck with a fully integrated lithium-ion battery. Thanks to the integrated battery, the reach truck is extremely compact: according to the company, the ERC 216zi is the shortest truck in its class. Instead of placing the battery tray behind the mast, as was previously the case, Jungheinrich has installed the energy storage unit in the ERC 216zi centrally in the truck. The result: the ERC 216zi is at least 170 millimetres shorter than comparable trucks and is the most compact electric pallet truck on the market. The new three-sided platform and an overhead guard also offer the driver greater safety.

Minimizing risks and avoiding accidents
With the two assistance systems zoneControl and addedView, the intralogistics specialist also wants to ensure greater safety in the warehouse. The radio-based zoneControl consists of a stationary radio anchor, a mobile component on the vehicle including a display and a module for people. zoneControl warns of other vehicles or people at blind spots, and the speed can be reduced to creep speed at critical traffic junctions. The same radio anchor also makes it possible to control a hall door - it opens when an authorized vehicle approaches, but remains closed for unauthorized vehicles. Greater safety thanks to a better overview: The addedView system provides the driver with an "overview": The all-round vision system consisting of digital cameras, predestined for counterbalanced trucks, reacts to difficult lighting situations by dynamically adjusting the exposure parameters. The images from the four individual cameras are combined to create an overall image in real time - the driver has a bird's eye view of his vehicle.

Digitalization as a driving force
The Hanseatic company also wants to offer its customers the right answers in the area of digitalization and networking. Christian Erlach explains: "We make our customers even more successful with tailor-made digital solutions. Networking a wide variety of information creates new solutions that make our customers even more efficient. As a leading system provider for intelligent intralogistics solutions, we are convinced that every company, whether a global player, medium-sized or small business, can already profitably digitalize and network its processes to secure profitability and improve its own competitiveness." The company has been equipping its industrial trucks with an integrated telematics box since 2019. This provides a better overview of the vehicles and their use. Networking the vehicle fleet helps to optimize customer service, among other things. More precise information about error messages helps to minimize downtimes.

Battery and charging status at a glance
The status of the lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries can be monitored using the new Battery Management 2.0. Power management will also make it possible to actively control charging current consumption in future. This means that lithium-ion batteries can also be used in places where the power grid often did not allow this in the past - even without an adapted grid infrastructure in the warehouse. Intelligent charging can increase the availability and service life of lithium-ion batteries and save costs.

Jungheinrich expands

In addition to innovation, the international intralogistics solution provider is also focusing on expansion. Jungheinrich recently entered into a cooperation with I.D. Systems. As part of a technology agreement, the two companies are launching a new partnership in the field of fleet management and have signed a long-term, global supply agreement for several thousand system units. Jungheinrich aims to expand its range of digital systems for material handling equipment. Another cooperation project: a joint venture with the Fricke Group for international spare parts distribution is intended to further improve service for Jungheinrich customers.