The New Logic of Intralogistics: Into the Future with Aulis

The system currently consists of five main modules: The order agent takes care of the creation and processing of transport orders, networking directly with existing ERP, WMS or MES systems etc. The routing agent plans routes in real time − and always with an eye on current transportation and order situations. The optimization module ensures intelligent distribution of transport resources. Vehicle agents take over communication in accordance with the VDA 5050 standard with the AGVs and AMRs. And the user interface module provides all the information in a clear format − for mobile devices as well as for desktop control stations.

”One of our most important principles is data ownership,” emphasizes Detzner. ”That’s why Aulis can be operated not only in the cloud, but also at the edge or on-premise, i.e. directly at the user’s premises. This means that the data remains exactly where it is generated.” Companies retain control over their data at all times − an important factor, especially in regulated or security-critical areas. 

Aulis not only impresses with its functionality, but also with its ability to integrate virtual environments, augmented reality. This allows real mobile robotics to be combined with simulated AMRs or AGVs − an effect that Fraunhofer IML has impressively demonstrated with the LARS laser projection system (p. 18). ”With LARS, we can make production and logistics processes visible in space and actively involve people,” explains Detzner. Mixed reality thus becomes a bridge between the digital twin and physical reality.

Aulis is not just aimed at large manufacturers or integrators − on the contrary. Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in particular benefit from the openness of the system. ”SMEs need solutions that are not expensive, heavyweight or difficult to integrate,” says Detzner. ”Aulis offers exactly that: a lean system that can be integrated with little effort and still meets the highest standards.”

The system offers advantages on many levels: From cost efficiency thanks to open source and permissive licensing to independence from specific manufacturers and the ability to develop your own modules − adapted to the individual use case. 

However, Aulis is also based on a new understanding of innovation: openness, participation and networking. By making the software available as open source, a broad community is involved. ”We can, but don’t want to develop everything on our own − we want to create a strong ecosystem together with users, research partners and system manufacturers,” explains Detzner.

Fraunhofer IML is also taking this idea further with the SKALA project (p. 34). This is about trustworthy, decentralized data processing across company boundaries − an elementary building block for data-based value creation networks. Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technologies and open standards form the technological basis here.

Another piece of the puzzle in Fraunhofer IML’s system thinking is the Omnistics platform (p. 40). ”AI should not only be accessible to large companies, but should be made available and usable for everyone,” says Detzner. Omnistics offers applications such as Capcast (for capacity forecasts), Pretime (for arrival time predictions), LoOmni Chat (a knowledge assistant) and Frostimate (for freight rate calculation). All services can be used flexibly as AI-asa-Service and expanded as required.

Ultimately, Aulis is more than just another fleet management system for controlling mobile transport robots. It is an expression of a new way of thinking: modular, open, networked. It combines technical excellence with user orientation, data ownership with innovative spirit. ”Aulis is not just software,” summarizes Detzner. ”It is a contribution to a new culture in logistics − one that enables collaboration instead of excluding it. One that relies on standards instead of proprietary solutions. And one that brings people, systems and machines together in a real network.” In this way, an operating system becomes an enabler for smarter, more flexible and more human logistics. All in the spirit of a future that is not only digital − but also sustainable and collaborative.