The "Best in Intralogistics" seal, which was introduced five years ago, serves to visibly document the degree of innovation of the solutions and devices nominated for the IFOY AWARD. 1MRobotics did not take part in the IFOY test. As the performance values and innovations for the automated nano-fulfilment center stated in the application could not be verified, 1MRobotics was disqualified in accordance with the IFOY Award statutes. The start-up Sereact was not admitted to the IFOY test for safety reasons due to a coronavirus outbreak and had to be removed from the competition.

Testing in several steps

The IFOY Audit took place for the third time at Messe Dortmund. It comprises various series of tests, the results of which are used by the 25 jury members - renowned logistics journalists from all over the world - to help them decide on the winners. An important principle of the IFOY Award is that the nominees in a category are never compared with each other, but always with comparable devices currently on the market. This ensures that the performance values and the innovation gap can be assessed objectively.

The IFOY Audit begins with the scientific IFOY Innovation Check. The scientists assess the finalists in terms of market relevance, customer benefit, type of design and degree of innovation. They also verify the innovations specified by the manufacturers and evaluate in a comprehensive technology comparison whether they are innovative further developments, new compositions or genuine innovations.

The second part of the IFOY audit consists of a survey with a practical assessment and the practice-oriented IFOY test by specialist journalist and intralogistics expert Theo Egberts. The Dutchman measures the hard facts and compares them with those of the relevant competitor products. The devices undergo individually tailored driving or functional tests, including the IFOY test protocol, which covers around 80 criteria and determines the cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, sustainability, safety and ergonomics of the devices.

The audit concludes with the evaluation of the finalists by the jury members and their approved advisors. The jury members form an opinion based on the IFOY Innovation Check, the IFOY test results and their own test experience and then vote. The winner of the 2023 award, also known as the "Oscar of intralogistics", has not yet been announced. The well-kept secret - even for finalists - will only be revealed during the festive IFOY AWARD Night. It will take place on June 22, 2023 at the Dortmunder U.