FILICS GmbH: Redefining Intralogistics with the Double-Skid Autonomous Platform
Executive Summary
FILICS GmbH is a high-tech robotics company headquartered in Munich, Germany, that specializes in the automation of horizontal material flows. Founded in 2019 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the company has developed a paradigm-shifting approach to pallet transportation. Instead of using traditional, bulky automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or autonomous forklifts, FILICS utilizes a "double-skid" system that physically separates the lifting and driving mechanisms into two independent, synchronized robotic runners. This unique architecture allows for extreme space efficiency, omnidirectional maneuverability, and the ability to drive "through" load carriers, effectively solving the "last meter" problem in warehouse and production floor automation.
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The Core Innovation: The FILICS Unit
The flagship product of the company is the FILICS Unit. Unlike any other autonomous mobile robot (AMR) on the market, the FILICS Unit consists of two separate, slim robotic runners that operate in tandem. These units are designed to slide directly into the recesses of a standard Euro pallet or mesh box.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|:---|:---|
| Load Capacity | Up to 1,200 kg (1.2 tons) |
| Drive System | Omnidirectional (360? movement) |
| Turning Radius | 0? (Turns on its own axis) |
| Lifting Height | Approx. 60 mm (Floor-to-floor transport) |
| Navigation | 2D SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) |
| Speed | Up to 2 m/s |
| Weight | ~100 kg per unit |
Unique Capabilities
- Driving Through Pallets: Standard forklifts and AMRs must enter and exit a pallet from the same side. The FILICS Unit can drive completely through a pallet, enabling it to pick up or drop off loads from any direction and move "in-line" through rows of pallets.
- Minimal Footprint: Because the robots reside almost entirely within the dimensions of the pallet itself during transport, the space required for maneuvering is reduced to the size of the load. FILICS claims this can save up to 30% of warehouse floor space in standard layouts and up to 66% in block storage configurations.
- Omnidirectional Agility: The units can move sideways, diagonally, and rotate 360 degrees without changing their footprint, making them ideal for narrow aisles and congested production environments.
Products and Services
1. Autonomous Pallet Handling (Floor-to-Floor)
The primary service offered is the automation of manual transport tasks typically handled by hand pallet trucks. The FILICS Unit automates the horizontal movement of standardized load carriers (Euro-pallets, Gitterboxen) across the warehouse floor.
2. FILICS Software Stack
The hardware is supported by a proprietary, web-based software platform that allows for rapid deployment and easy management of the robot fleet.
* Intuitive Interface: Accessible on any device (tablet, smartphone, PC) without complex software installations.
* Dynamic Layout Adaptation: Users can modify the digital warehouse layout and "no-go zones" in real-time.
* Performance Analytics: Customizable dashboards provide insights into throughput, battery status, and process bottlenecks.
* API Integration: The software is designed to interface with existing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools to trigger transport orders automatically.
3. Safety and Collaboration
The FILICS Unit is designed for collaborative operation. It is equipped with advanced safety sensors, including the ultra-compact SICK nanoScan3, which allows it to detect obstacles and personnel in its path. It is CE-marked and compliant with the EU Machinery Directive, ensuring it can operate safely alongside human workers in "brownfield" (existing) environments.
Use Cases and Industrial Applications
FILICS targets sectors where space is at a premium and labor shortages are a critical constraint:
- Logistics & 3PL: Supporting "Goods-to-Person" picking processes and the supply of Value-Added Service (VAS) stations.
- Manufacturing: Supplying assembly lines and production stations with raw materials and transporting finished goods to the shipping area.
- Block Storage Automation: Automating the dense stacking of pallets on the floor where traditional AGVs lack the maneuverability to operate.
- Cross-Docking: Rapidly moving pallets across loading docks to reduce truck turnaround times.
Future Roadmap: Autonomous Truck Loading
One of the most ambitious goals on the FILICS roadmap is the development of fully autonomous truck loading. Because the FILICS Unit is low-profile and can drive through pallets, it is uniquely positioned to load and unload semi-trailers in under five minutes. This capability, currently in the final stages of development as of early 2026, aims to bridge the final gap in the fully automated supply chain.
Company Background
FILICS GmbH was founded by Markus Weber, Johannes Julius Lutzer, Gregor Kolls, and Robin Konrad. Since its inception at TUM, the company has grown rapidly, securing significant investment from the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, 10x Founders, Alven, and Sandwater. The company has established partnerships and pilot projects with global leaders such as Bosch, DHL Group, and the Nagel Group, solidifying its position as a key player in the next generation of German "Mittelstand" robotics.
