At FABTECH 2025, TRUMPF to Present the Material Flow Starter Kit
Automating material transport in manufacturing poses challenges for many companies. Typically, this process requires an organization to digitize and network its entire manufacturing process – an investment not every company can afford. With the Material Flow Starter Kit, high-tech company TRUMPF has developed a solution that is easy to use and requires less installation effort. With this solution, mobile robots transport material through the production process. The vehicles can be controlled via a web application that works on any mobile device in the user’s network. TRUMPF is showcasing the solution for the first time in North America at FABTECH, marking its product launch in this market.
“With the Material Flow Starter Kit, production employees can concentrate more on value-adding activities at the machines,” says Walter Kampitsch, automation group manager at the TRUMPF Smart Factory in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. “Transport orders for the mobile robot can be created with just a few clicks in the web app. This alleviates the shortage of skilled workers while also increasing productivity in sheet metal processing.”
Machine operators can easily request vehicles via a web app
The Material Flow Starter Kit allows mobile robots to access up to nine stations, including machines in the sheet metal production area, manual workstations, or the shipping area. Up to eight transfer points can be specified for goods at each station. When a production employee wants to transport processed parts, they request the mobile robot via the web app. This enables transfer of workpieces to the vehicle on a pallet trolley without leaving the workstation. With the ability to transport loads of up to one ton, the system is suitable for most sheet metal components. Route plan changes, such as a machine relocation, can be carried out by the customer with the included software.
Intelligent control system facilitates setup
During commissioning, a service technician guides the mobile robot through the factory with a tablet. The vehicle scans the environment with its built-in sensors, creating a virtual factory map. The technician defines routes and process steps for each station, such as bending, punching, and laser cutting. The web application then sends the transport order to the vehicle, enabling it to navigate autonomously and safely through the production process.
Solution prepares companies for TRUMPF Oseon software
The Material Flow Starter Kit is designed for companies that want to digitalize production in stages. “Once companies have gained initial experience with the Material Flow Starter Kit, we recommend introducing TRUMPF’s Oseon software. This allows them to synchronize the material flow with the production plan. This way, the material always automatically goes to where it is needed – without disruptions and paperwork,” says Kampitsch.
TRUMPF relies on strong partners
TRUMPF developed the Material Flow Starter Kit in cooperation with its partner SAFELOG, combining TRUMPF’s sheet metal expertise with SAFELOG’s intralogistics knowledge. Through this partnership, TRUMPF customers can also integrate other SAFELOG robot solutions for their smart factory environments.
