Jungheinrich acquires German startup arculus. arculus specialises in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), modular manufacturing platforms and software solutions for mobile automation.
Automation plays an important role in Jungheinrich's 2025+ growth strategy. The acquisition of arculus is part of this strategy. arculus has locations in Munich, Ingolstadt, Stuttgart and Dresden.
Who is arculus?
With the acquisition, Jungheinrich adds arculus' hardware and software solutions to its portfolio. Among other things, the startup developed a proprietary AMR called arculee. This is an AMR suitable for loads weighing up to one tonne, which can safely interact with people. The AMR can be upgraded over-the-air and controlled via a web-based user interface.
arculus also provides a software platform that ensures 'flexible product flow, goods-to-person material handling and open fleet management'. This platform is called the Modular Production System. It integrates with arculus, as well as with AMRs and AGVs from other suppliers. These mobile robots can be managed centrally via the platform.
The Modular Production System is - as the name suggests - modular and can thus be tailored for a variety of industrial environments. arculus reports that the platform can be adapted to any demand. The system is self-learning and optimises its performance the longer it is used. The system is compatible with any Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution System (MES) or Warehouse Management System (WMS). This includes both cloud-based and on-premises solutions.
Established player in mobile robot market
Jungheinrich has long been active in the mobile robot market. The company's focus here includes the development of AGVs, specifically designed for autonomous transport of pallets. The company's first AGV appeared on the market in 1962.
Jungheinrich currently supplies various types of AGVs. These range from electric pallet trucks and stackers to electric tractors and high-lift AGVs. The solutions feature a logistics interface that integrates with any ERP system.
Automatic storage systems
In addition to mobile robots, Jungheinrich also supplies automated storage systems. These include warehouse cranes and automated narrow-aisle trucks that transport goods in a warehouse to their correct destination. The warehouse cranes - automated machines that move between racks - can operate in a closed environment, without the presence of people.
Jungheinrich also supplies automatic or semi-automatic order picking systems. In the semi-automatic variant, the order picking trucks provide navigational support. Order pickers only have to pick the right number of articles and place them on the load carrier. With an automatic order picking system, this process is fully automatic; resulting in little to no time lost in walking.
'Expertise significantly expanded'
Dr Lars Brzoska, CEO of Jungheinrich, explains the benefits of the acquisition: "With the acquisition of arculus, we have been able to significantly expand our expertise in automation. Key application areas - such as good-to-person order picking - will experience continued strong growth, not least because of the ever-increasing growth of e-commerce. With the team at arculus, we can realise strong growth synergies and serve important future fields of action in automated warehouse logistics. Together, we are taking the next step towards the warehouse of the future."
This is not the first time Jungheinrich has acquired a player in the mobile robot market. The company acquired Magazino in September 2020. This German start-up develops autonomous robots for use in warehouse operations. The company specifically supplies two robots: the autonomous picking robot TORU for small boxes and the SOTO robot for supporting industrial production.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
