Innovation at Jungheinrich

Dr. Friedrich Jungheinrich introduces the first electric truck with operator's seat. The Ameise 55 is the first truck with an emission-free drive to have a transport speed that does not depend on the operator's physical capabilities.

Presentation of the first reach truck under the name Ameise Retrak (ESM). With a smaller aisle width than the Ameise 55, it offers a space saving of up to 30%.

The debut appearance of the high rack stacker: the ETX is an affordable and flexible truck guided through the racking aisle via rails in the floor and capable of lifting loads of up to 1 t up to 10 m high. The swivelling device stores the loads in the racking laterally.

In 1983, the Jungheinrich Anlagen- und Roboter-Technik (JART) business unit is established specifically for automated systems and robots, from which the independent subsidiary Jungheinrich Anlagen-Technik GmbH & Co. KG (JAT) emerges in 1985. With the wire-guided Ameise Teletrak, the company introduces the automation of trackless industrial trucks as early as 1978.

The first electric forklift truck with three-phase AC drive rolls off the production line. The electrically operated industrial truck soon reaches the level of the diesel forklift truck, launching its trail of success across Europe.

Jungheinrich presents the first series electric pedestrian pallet truck with lithium-ion technology. The high availability and time-saving rapid and booster charging are what make the EJE 112i particularly impressive. With a total weight of just 289 kg and a low front end length, the truck is highly manoeuvrable and compact. The truck concept is rounded off by its simple and intuitive battery handling.

Usability studies and prototype tests saw direct customer feedback fed into the development of the ETV 216i. Not long after, the first reach truck with integrated lithium-ion battery emerged. The truck is astounding in its revolutionary design, which sees the battery become a fixed part of the forklift truck. The lithium-ion energy store needs only around half the space required previously, so operators can enjoy more space and perfect all-round visibility. 

The fully integrated lithium-ion battery is helping the ERC 216zi become the shortest industrial truck in its class. The new smartPILOT steering concept enables increased agility within the warehouse, while the travel platform with tri-lateral protection and an overhead guard ensure maximum safety.

Singled out for innovative strength and outstanding design quality: the unique combination of agility, safety, convenience and sustainability puts the EREi among the best in its class in more ways than one. The lithium-ion battery is fully integrated into the truck chassis; this combined with a 270 mm shorter L2 dimension gives the truck maximum manoeuvrability to truly impress.

With the integration of arculus, a company operating in the field of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), Jungheinrich has further expanded its offering as a pioneer in automated intralogistics. In addition to AMRs, the Jungheinrich product range has been expanded with new software solutions for mobile automation, improving the market position in major-growth segments such as e‑commerce.