New robotics component for TechnoAlpin: SOTO complements Jungheinrich system landscape
TechnoAlpin, the global market leader in snowmaking systems, is increasing the efficiency of its production logistics. At the Bolzano site, the autonomous mobile robot SOTO from Jungheinrich subsidiary Magazino will take over the automated transport of small load carriers in future.
- Autonomous mobile robot SOTO takes over small load carrier transport in snowmaking system production
- Addition to existing Jungheinrich infrastructure with automated VNA warehouse, racking systems and material handling equipment
- Scalable solution with capacity for up to 24 containers per robot and real-time material tracking
Hamburg/Bolzano – TechnoAlpin S.p.A., the world’s leading supplier of snowmaking systems and snow guns, headquartered in Bolzano, Italy, has ordered the autonomous SOTO mobile robot from Jungheinrich subsidiary Magazino. In future, the intelligent robot will take over the transport of small load carriers (SLCs) between the warehouse and assembly, ensuring a consistently efficient material flow with maximum process reliability.
Long-standing partnership as basis
TechnoAlpin has relied on Jungheinrich intralogistics solutions for years. An automatic narrow-aisle warehouse (AutoVNA), racking systems and manual material handling equipment from Jungheinrich are already in use at the Bolzano site. With the SOTO, the company is supplementing its existing infrastructure and thus further advancing the automation of its warehouse logistics.
“Our goal was to optimise material supply in assembly and create a scalable, autonomous small load carrier supply in production,” explains a TechnoAlpin manager. “With the SOTO, we have found the best solution on the market – seamlessly integrated into our existing Jungheinrich system landscape and with high-quality service from a single source.”
Autonomous transport for maximum efficiency
In future, the SOTO will take over the fully automated transport of small load carriers between approximately 30 shelf stations over a distance of 300 metres. Its adjustable gripper allows small load carriers to not only be picked up and set down at heights of between 400 and 1,700 mm, but also to be rotated by 90°. This allows containers to be transferred flexibly to racks or conveyor systems regardless of their orientation. With a capacity of up to 24 containers, the robot offers maximum flexibility.
The connection to the existing ERP system ensures a fully digital process chain: transport orders are generated automatically while the SOTO scans the small load carrier containers and stores them accurately. Real-time material tracking creates transparency across all transport processes.
Intelligent integration into existing system landscape
The project demonstrates the strength of the holistic approach of Jungheinrich: racking systems, material handling equipment and mobile robots work together perfectly. A special feature is the integration of the fire protection system into the plant via the Jungheinrich I/O Management System.
“Our long-standing and trusting collaboration with TechnoAlpin and the close coordination during the project planning phase paved the way for this implementation,” says Francesco Davoli, Project Manager Technical Sales Mobile Robots at Jungheinrich Italy. “With the SOTO, we can offer our customer a tailor-made addition that integrates seamlessly into their existing infrastructure and is targeted to improve material flow.”
The system can be flexibly expanded as required. Commissioning is planned for March 2026.
About Magazino:
Magazino GmbH develops and manufactures intelligent mobile robots that process their surroundings and make decisions autonomously. These autonomous robots work alongside humans and make processes more flexible and efficient. With over 170 employees at its Munich location, Magazino has one of the largest advanced robotics teams in Europe. Magazino has been a fully owned subsidiary of Jungheinrich AG since 2023.
