Hamburg/Hannover, 2 May 2011 – After STILL had already set the standards with the RXX concept car some 12 years ago, STILL is now taking another step into the future with the cubeXX.

STILL as the leading supplier of intralogistics solutions, is always guided by the future customer requirements and customer wishes. Based on tomorrow’s economic requirements, derived from global megatrends, STILL and the Hamburg based design office TEAMS DESIGN have developed the cubeXX. The cubeXX shows possible answers to all logistics challenges resulting from the megatrends of logistics. Following the motto “first in intralogistics”, this vehicle encompasses a number of possibilities to optimise tomorrow’s daily challenges at work.

A systematic solution

In an ever more flexible world of intralogistics, the cubeXX represents a solution for many future requirements. Facing the maximum challenge to achieve efficient use of resources and means to manage resources, it will provide answers permitting a high degree of automation with a high response as well as versatility.

To handle a growing number of order intakes in the “On Demand” world, the cubeXX is fit for dual operation. In ‘automatic’ or ‘stand-by’ mode it cannot only retract the cabin, but also 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.

The cubeXX is not only extremely small, it is also very agile. Depending on the load, it can turn the wheels on the spot by 360°. Wide aisles and increasingly expensive warehouse space become superfluous and space can be optimally used for storage.

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

A future workplace

Future workplaces must allow for manifold adjustments to suit the demands of the demographic change. Other than in automatic mode the driver’s compartment is extended for manual operation 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 furthermore, the possibility of turning through 180° for a change in direction.

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. The intuitive controls of the modern communication equipment with a large display screen allow keeping track of the flow of material and information or are used for navigation in the warehouse. This ensures proper operation of the vehicle at all times.

The multi talent “six in one”

An efficient warehouse needs many different trucks. The cubeXX provides the answers to the demand of different trucks for special purposes. According to the motto “one for all” it combines six proven truck designs to offer maximum flexibility.

By retracting the load supports, picking up the counterweight and using the extendable mast, the cubeXX makes up a modern electric counter balance truck which is perfectly suitable for high turnaround performance and speed. 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, e.g. 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 the “picking” of goods to be efficient and comfortable. 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.

The cubeXX was designed against the requirements imposed by the megatrends of intralogistics. Already today it gives answers to questions STILL as a leading supplier of intralogistics is expecting at the latest by 2020.