Mobile Robots at Holbox
With the move to a newly constructed company building in Roermond, Dutch display specialist Holbox took a major step towards modernising its internal logistics.
Hamburg/Roermond – Material handling specialist Jungheinrich has successfully implemented an automated logistics solution for Dutch display specialist Holbox at its new company site in Roermond. The solution features two EKS 215a mobile robots that ensure efficient, safe and future-oriented material flow between production, warehouse, goods receipt and shipping.
In spring 2025, Holbox relocated from its previous site in Echt to a newly constructed, state-of-the-art company building in Roermond. The move provided the ideal opportunity to restructure production and logistics processes and align them with long-term sustainability goals. “Our new building enables us to work more efficiently while at the same time reducing our ecological footprint,” says Martijn Hol, Managing Director of Holbox.
Automation relieves employees
At the heart of the automation concept are two EKS 215a mobile robots, supported by additional Jungheinrich industrial trucks equipped with lithium-ion batteries. The mobile robots take over heavy and repetitive transport tasks, resulting in a noticeable reduction in workload for forklift drivers and allowing employees to focus on more complex, value-adding activities.
Operation is handled via a custom-configured, web-based user interface on tablets, which can be used intuitively by all employees. Navigation is based on precise laser scanning and intelligent sensor technology, enabling safe mixed operations alongside people and manually operated vehicles. Personal protection sensors continuously scan the travel path depending on speed and load, ensuring controlled stops when obstacles are detected.
Customised safety concept and multi-fork design
A unique feature of the project – and a first in the Netherlands – is the enhanced safety concept. Additional sensor technology supplements standard mobile robot safety systems by detecting obstacles above the usual detection height of 20 centimetres. This ensures that raised loads are identified early, prompting the vehicle to automatically slow down or stop when necessary.
To meet Holbox’s specific production requirements, the cantilever mobile robots were equipped with a specially developed multi-fork. In addition to Euro and industrial pallets, the solution also enables the transport of large paper pallets measuring 1,600 × 1,200 millimeters.
“The forklift drivers were initially somewhat sceptical about the arrival of the mobile robots, but from day one they have proven to be real team players,” concludes Martijn Hol. “They support our employees and take our logistics processes to the next level. This ensures that we are ready for the future.”