Peak-season labour shortages and pressure for on-time delivery are pushing many 3PL logistics companies to consider automation. But service warehouses have their own constraints: contracts are time-limited and processes change with each customer, so a fixed system is hard to pay back. STILL iGo automated trucks offer a more flexible approach, automating repetitive steps one at a time without rebuilding the warehouse.
Which 3PL process steps to automate first
The general rule: automate steps with repetitive routes, standardised load carriers and stable volumes across contracts. In a service warehouse, three steps usually qualify:
- Pallet transport between dock and storage: fixed routes, running all day, consuming the most driver hours.
- Putaway and retrieval in mid-height racking: repetitive and can be linked to the warehouse management system.
- Loading lorries with standard pallets: a step long seen as a blind spot for automation.
Highly variable order picking is best left to people, possibly supported by semi-automated trucks such as the OPX iGo neo described in order pickers for 3PL logistics. A general evaluation framework is in Autonomous forklift AGV/AMR: when to automate.
STILL iGo automated trucks for service warehouses
STILL AXL iGo: automated lorry loading
The AXL iGo is an automated low-lift pallet truck that moves precisely both in the staging area and inside the lorry without fixed safety installations or other external infrastructure at the dock. According to STILL, two AGVs working in parallel can load up to 30 pallets in about 35 minutes, with standardised goods weighing up to 1,500 kg. It integrates with the warehouse management system (WMS). The fleet can scale thanks to the browser-based MAS fleet manager.
STILL EXV iGo: a versatile truck for staging areas
STILL describes the EXV iGo as excelling at handling goods in wide-aisle warehouses, block storage and transfer stations, as well as horizontal transport over longer distances at 7.2 km/h. It lifts up to 1,600 kg to heights of up to 3.8 metres. It can be integrated into existing IT systems or used stand-alone for simple, repetitive tasks. Freely definable pick-up and drop-off stations and quick switching between automatic and manual mode suit 3PL warehouses that change layout with each contract.
STILL FM-X iGo: automated putaway to racking
The FM-X iGo is an automated reach truck that lifts up to 2,300 kg on cantilever forks to storage heights of up to 10 metres, with a working aisle under 3 metres. The PPS pallet positioning system enables precise handling from wide-aisle warehouses, flow racking and conveyors to VNA transfer stations. The iGo easy solution allows plug-and-play commissioning, stand-alone operation or WMS connection.
STILL EXV-CB iGo and AXV 12 iGo
For non-standard load carriers such as cages and bins, the EXV-CB iGo (1400 kg capacity, 3800 mm lift) uses counterbalanced forks. The AXV 12 iGo (1200 kg capacity, 1844 mm lift) handles compact transport in a 2480 mm aisle.
Selection table: automated trucks by process step
| Process step | Suggested type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Loading lorries with standard pallets | STILL AXL iGo | No fixed dock infrastructure, WMS integration |
| Pallet transport between dock and staging | STILL EXV iGo | 7.2 km/h, quick switch between automatic and manual |
| Putaway and retrieval in racking | STILL FM-X iGo | Lifts up to 10 m, PPS pallet positioning |
| Cages, bins, special load carriers | STILL EXV-CB iGo | Counterbalanced forks, no legs under the load |
| Transport in tight aisles | STILL AXV 12 iGo | 2480 mm working aisle |
Safety and implementation roadmap
STILL states that the EXV iGo and FM-X iGo meet the requirements of the ISO 3691-4 safety standard, with 360-degree laser scanners creating a safety zone around the truck. Even so, 3PL warehouses often have lorries, checkers and manned forklifts working together, so each area needs a risk assessment in line with current regulations.
- Start small: one fixed pallet transport route to measure results before scaling up.
- Standardise pallets and labels: agree load carriers with shippers.
- Connect data: plan WMS integration; see warehouse automation.
See the automated trucks category and the overview at solutions for 3PL logistics.
Frequently asked questions
Can automated trucks be deployed in a leased warehouse?
The AXL iGo needs no fixed dock infrastructure and the EXV iGo has freely definable stations, so they suit leased warehouses better than fixed systems. The exact scope requires a survey.
Can automated trucks work alongside manned trucks?
Yes, with safety systems and 360-degree laser scanners. Traffic separation and risk assessment are advisable in busy areas.
Can they switch back to manual driving when a contract changes?
The EXV iGo switches quickly between automatic and manual mode, so the truck stays useful when processes change.
Get advice and a quote
To assess which steps to automate with the STILL AXL iGo, STILL EXV iGo or STILL FM-X iGo, send a request via the request a quote page or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70.