cts presents middleware for heterogeneous AMR/AGV fleets

The automation specialist cts GmbH offers with sloXis a middleware in constant further development, with which AMR fleets of different manufacturers can be harmonised. The web-based, custom-fit and modular solution supports native interfaces and the open VDA5050 standard, includes smart functions and thus enables the seamless integration of transport robots from a wide range of manufacturers. This includes communication with higher-level company systems, machines as well as production lines. sloXis can be easily integrated into existing infrastructures.

AMR fleets are increasingly taking over important tasks in the internal material flow process. However, the systems of the various manufacturers of transport robots are rarely compatible with each other. This applies primarily to the fleet management and the control software. With the middleware sloXis, cts has introduced a solution that provides various native interfaces for the integration of heterogeneous AMR systems: in addition to platforms from omron, MIR and Magazino, sloXis also supports the core functions of the open VDA5050 standard and thus a large number of manufacturers. The integration of conventional floor conveyors as well as the communication with PLC controls of production machines and lines, fire alarm systems, building technology such as automatic doors or elevators and peripheral devices is also possible with it. sloXis takes over the control, management, coordination and synchronisation of all connected systems.

Heart of smart intralogistics

"Our guiding principle 'More.than.Automation' is especially true for the new middleware sloXis, Smart Logistics Orchestration & Integration Service," comments Philipp Eberherr, Head of Smart Logistics at cts about the completely revised and improved successor of the middleware AIV Framework. "But sloXis is not simply an interface for connecting autonomous mobile transport robots or industrial robots with enterprise systems. Rather, our brand new middleware enables seamless integration of homogeneous and heterogeneous fleets into existing system landscapes across a wide range of industries and industry segments." Eberherr continues, "What is unique here is the holistic linking of hardware and software in intralogistics."

Intuitive operation

The operation of sloXis is completely web-based. All tasks can be controlled and executed intuitively and independent of location from computers, tablets, smartphones or other smart devices. In addition, intuitive modules such as the Universal Map ensure simple and efficient operation: Similar to Google Maps, the map of the production environment not only transmits the current location of all AMR, it also provides an overview of all relevant data on machines and plants with a click - and in real time. Users also have the possibility to create workflows for driving jobs: They can be automatically transferred from higher-level systems, created and transmitted using corresponding templates from the SmartSignalManager module, or individually designed using graphical overviews.

Modular conception creates future security

sloXis brings everything companies need to manage their transport robot fleets. By means of a completely modular design, sloXis can be further adapted to individual needs in an optimal way: from the automatic generation of transport orders to role-based configurations, tracking solutions and extensions of communication options to comprehensive door and elevator control and the connection to fire alarm systems. sloXis grows with the company's requirements and adapts to changes in an optimal way without major effort.

AIV Framework becomes sloXis

With a wide range of AMR solutions and top modules and the proven middleware AIV Framework, cts has been one of the leading solution providers for automated intralogistics for quite some time. Now a new era starts: sloXis: Orchestration. Integration. Automation - the motto is program: It has never been more uncomplicated for users to centrally administer and manage all AMR and machines, regardless of manufacturer, and to design the automated material flow optimally and efficiently - including comprehensive monitoring, tracing and reporting.