Still a concept,but...wow!
June 1st 2011

There was a lot of forward looking technology at the recent CeMAT show and perhaps none more so than Still's concept warehouse truck for the year 2020

Still and the Hamburg-based design office Teams Design have developed a concept called the cubeXX. The vehicle envisages a lift truck, capable of operating in manual or automatic mode, that will tackle the anticipated challenges of work in the warehouse in 10 years time. A number of issues were taken into account in the design.

1 Versatility

The cubeXX is a six-in-one truck. An efficient warehouse needs many different trucks and the cubeXX is designed to provide the answers to the demand for different trucks for special purposes.

By retracting the load supports, picking up the counterweight and using the extendable mast, the cubeXX becomes a modern electric counterbalance truck. By extending the fork arms and the load supports the cubeXX converts into a full scale double decker truck. The two levels allow transporting two pallets at a time reducing cost intensive journeys with goods that cannot be stacked.

An integrated trailer coupling for tugger train trailers make the cubeXX a tugger train. This way it can move several load carriers at once and optimise fast and efficient horizontal transport.

When operated as a low lift pallet truck, the cubeXX makes use of the extendable load supports. In this mode it is only deployed for horizontal transport, eg when loading and unloading lorries or to provide material to despatch areas in warehouses.

High lift pallet trucks are mainly used for short distance transport. The load supports of the cubeXX provide high stability and with its extendable mast it can easily fulfil the tasks of a high lift pallet truck.

Finally, the cubeXX is also able to take on the job of horizontal order pickers. The auto lift function automatically lifts the goods to a comfortable height of work.

This allows efficient and comfortable picking. The cubeXX offers every function to complete the main job of an order picker: collecting individual articles and putting them together to complete an order.

2 Size

In 'automatic' or 'stand-by' mode the cubeXX can retract the cabin, as well as fold away the forks flush with the mast.

Optimised to occupy as little space as possible the Li-Ion batteries can be charged inside the racks. This greatly reduces the space requirements of the truck.

3 Manoeuvrability

The cubeXX is designed to be very agile.

Depending on the load, it can turn the wheels on the spot by 360°. This could allow wide aisles and increasingly expensive warehouse space to become superfluous and space can be optimally used for storage.

4 Swap out counterbalance

The counterbalance weight can be detached from the truck. This allows the operator to reduce consumption, make careful use of resources, and protect the environment. Two load supports are extended beneath the forks to replace the counterweight. If cubeXX is unable to use the load supports, eg when unloading an HGV on an uneven yard surface, the optional counterweight can be picked up again.

5 Ergonomics

Future workplaces must allow for demographic change.When not in automatic mode, the driver's compartment is extended offering the driver a full scale workspace. The extendible overhead guard of the cubeXX provides the driver with enough space for a standing or sitting position and the ability to turn through 180° for a change in direction.

6 Identification

If operated manually, the cubeXX identifies the driver via a chip, for instance in his clothing. Access permission control, automatic adjustment of the seat, a special driving program for learner drivers or the language of the display can be set automatically using this information.

7 Controls

The intuitive controls with a large display screen allow the driver to keep track of the flow of material and information or are used for navigation in the warehouse.

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