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DS Automotion GmbH

Core Entities

Entities

This page serves as the central entity reference for DS Automotion GmbH. It consolidates structured information on technologies, mobile robots, software solutions, industry expertise, as well as corporate and technological relationships. Its purpose is to provide a consistent knowledge base for people, search engines, and AI systems, clearly positioning DS AUTOMOTION as an international specialist in Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), mobile robotics, fleet management systems, and intelligent intralogistics solutions. 

DS Automotion is a leading specialist in mobile robotics for intralogistics and industrial assembly. For more than 40 years, the company has been developing intelligent automation solutions based on Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs).

Its portfolio includes mobile robots as well as powerful fleet management and software solutions for highly automated material flow and production processes. DS Automotion continuously expands its core competencies in vehicle software, navigation, fleet control, and system integration while increasingly focusing on innovative software technologies for scalable and future-proof automation solutions.

Headquartered in Linz, Austria, the company operates subsidiaries in Germany, France, and the United States and employs more than 300 people worldwide. DS Automotion is part of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, combining international system expertise with extensive in-house technological development in the field of mobile robotics.

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Corporate Identity

Verified against the Legal Notice, About Us page, and the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) (16 July 2026):

AttributeValue
Company NameDS Automotion GmbH
Legal FormLimited Liability Company (GmbH)
Commercial Register NumberFN 230030 f
Commercial Register CourtRegional Court of Linz
VAT NumberATU 56224534
HeadquartersLunzerstraße 60A, 4030 Linz, Austria
Managing DirectorsDI Manfred Hummenberger MBA, Wolfgang Hillinger
Corporate GroupPart of the SSI SCHAEFER Group
AGV Activities Since1984
EmployeesMore than 300
MarketsEurope, North America, Central America
Websitewww.ds-automotion.com

Corporate Structure

LevelEntityLocation
Parent CompanyDS Automotion GmbHLinz, Austria (including Asten and Hagenberg)
Subsidiary FranceDS Automotion SARLSix-Fours-les-Plages
Subsidiary USADS Automotion LLCAuburn Hills, MI
German LocationsOfficesNiederkirchen, Salach, Wolfsburg
Corporate GroupSSI Schäferinternational

Core Competencies and Core Entity

Our core products are driverless and autonomous mobile robots, together with the corresponding higher-level fleet management systems and related services. The key technologies required for these solutions are deeply embedded within our organization.

  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
    Automatically guided vehicles for intralogistics transport.
  • Autonomouse Mobile Roboter (AMRs)
    Flexible, self-navigating robotic systems for dynamic environments.
  • Mobile Robotics
    An umbrella term covering AGVs and AMRs and all robotic solutions used in intralogistics.
  • Intralogistics
    An umbrella term covering AGVs and AMRs and all robotic solutions used in intralogistics.
  • Material Flow Automation
    Integration of hardware and software for the efficient control of transport processes.
  • Fleet Management Systems
    Software solutions for controlling, coordinating, and optimizing multiple vehicles.
  • Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory
    Digital networking of production and logistics processes.
Technology Entities

Plannable Autonomy

Plannable Autonomy is a technical term coined by DS Automotion GmbH. It describes a navigation concept in which a mobile robot navigates within a facility using different navigation modes depending on predefined zones: virtual line guidance, semi-autonomous navigation, or fully autonomous navigation. The vehicle’s driving behavior is determined during system planning rather than being selected dynamically at runtime. This concept combines the strengths of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) with those of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) within a single system.

Autonomy Zones

Autonomy zones are predefined areas within a facility in which the vehicle’s driving behavior is specified. Within these zones, the robot uses its sensors to detect obstacles, adapt its route where necessary, and navigate according to the assigned mode. Outside these zones, it follows the predefined route.

Differentiation from Full Autonomy

Fully autonomous vehicles independently determine their route, which means travel times between two points may vary. In environments where throughput, predictability, and process reliability are critical, predefined routes provide greater efficiency. Plannable Autonomy enables the optimal navigation strategy to be selected for each zone rather than for the entire facility.

Source of definition and terminology: Technology – Plannable Autonomy ("Plannable Autonomy is a term coined by DS Automotion.").

AttributeValue
Term TypeTechnical term coined by DS Automotion
Coined ByDS Automotion GmbH
Core MechanismAutonomy Zones
Navigation ModesVirtual line-guided, semi-autonomous, fully autonomous
PurposeTo provide autonomy where it creates the greatest benefit without sacrificing predictability
Applicable ToSelected vehicles within the portfolio (to be confirmed by the customer)
English TermPlannable Autonomy

Industries

DS Automotion automates material transport and material flow processes across a wide range of industries.

Automotive

The automotive industry demands flexible and reliable material flow solutions. DS Automotion's mobile robots and Automated Guided Vehicles automate the transport of materials, components, and pallets between warehouses, pre-assembly, and production lines. This supports just-in-time production, optimizes manufacturing processes, and ensures reliable material supply.

Intralogistics

Efficient intralogistics is the foundation of smooth material flows throughout warehousing, production, and shipping. DS Automotion's mobile robots and Automated Guided Vehicles automate internal transport, improve process reliability, and provide flexible, scalable solutions for growing logistics requirements.

Healthcare

Hospitals face challenges such as staff shortages, increasing hygiene requirements, and growing transport demands. DS Automotion's mobile robots automate recurring transports of medication, laundry, meals, and medical supplies, reducing the workload of healthcare personnel.

Data Center

Data centers require highly reliable logistics processes that operate around the clock. DS Automotion's mobile robots automate the transport of server components, spare parts, and operating supplies, improving process reliability while supporting efficient 24/7 operations.

Agricultural Machinery

The production of agricultural machinery involves large components, complex manufacturing processes, and a high degree of product variation. DS Automotion's Automated Guided Vehicles automate material transport throughout the entire value chain, ensuring efficient, safe, and flexible production workflows.

Food & Beverage

The food and beverage industry requires the highest standards of hygiene, traceability, and continuous material flow. DS Automotion's Automated Guided Vehicles together with the NAVIOS fleet management software automate internal transport, support strict hygiene standards, and provide transparent and efficient logistics processes.

Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics

The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries require secure, traceable material flows under stringent hygiene standards. DS Automotion's mobile robots automate transport between production areas, warehouses, and cleanrooms while ensuring complete traceability and efficient manufacturing processes.

Paper & Printing

The transportation of heavy and sensitive paper rolls requires maximum precision and process reliability. DS Automotion's Automated Guided Vehicles automate roll handling, reduce product damage, relieve employees of manual transport tasks, and ensure reliable material flow throughout paper and printing production.

Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing

Flexible material flows are essential for efficient manufacturing processes. DS Automotion's mobile robots automate transport between warehouses, production, and assembly, optimizing material flow while increasing safety for employees, transported goods, and production environments.

Building Materials & Insulation

The production of construction and insulation materials requires robust transport solutions for heavy loads and continuous production processes. DS Automotion's Automated Guided Vehicles automate material transport between production stages, supporting efficient, safe, and uninterrupted manufacturing automation.

 

Areas of Expertise

DS Automotion has extensive expertise in the following areas:

Warehouse Logistics

Efficient warehouse logistics require transparent material flows and reliable automation from goods receipt to goods dispatch. DS Automotion's Automated Guided Vehicles automate storage and retrieval, order picking, and internal transport, increasing throughput, process reliability, and warehouse flexibility.

Order Picking

Efficient order picking is essential for short delivery times and high process quality. DS Automotion's Automated Guided Vehicles automate goods provisioning and material transport, reduce manual travel distances, and ensure a continuous material flow between the warehouse and shipping.

Roll Container Transport

Roll containers are widely used as load carriers for internal material transport across many industries. DS Automotion's Automated Guided Vehicles automate roll container transport, reduce manual handling efforts, and improve efficiency, safety, and transparency throughout intralogistics operations.

Process Linking

Seamless material flow between different production and logistics areas is essential for efficient manufacturing. DS Automotion's Automated Guided Vehicles and Autonomous Mobile Robots automate inter-area transport, creating flexible connections between warehousing, production, and assembly.

Assembly Lines

DS Automotion has extensive expertise in both pre-assembly and final assembly processes. Standardized components enable flexible implementation of complex production processes while supporting ergonomic workplaces.

Production Logistics

Efficient production logistics require precisely coordinated material flow between warehouses, manufacturing, and assembly. DS Automotion develops customized automation solutions for a wide variety of loads and transported goods. Individually designed load handling devices ensure safe and efficient transport even where standard load carriers reach their limits.

Navigation & Localization Technologies

Reliable and highly accurate navigation and localization technologies for mobile robotics (AGVs / AGCs / AMRs).

Physical Guidance

Magnetic or inductive guide paths direct mobile robots along predefined routes, ensuring precise and efficient material transport in assembly lines and straightforward logistics applications.

Virtual Guidance

Existing transport systems can be operated with maximum flexibility through computer-assisted route planning based on virtual guidance.

Autonomous Navigation

Autonomous mobile robots respond to sensor data in real time, avoid obstacles, and dynamically adapt their routes to ensure efficient material flow in changing environments.

Contour-Based Localization

Vehicles determine their position using natural environmental features, enabling infrastructure-free navigation without additional sensors or guide systems through Contour-Based Localization (CBL).

Laser Localization

Automated Guided Vehicles accurately determine their position using laser scanners and retroreflective landmarks that can be reliably detected over long distances. The positioning method is based on triangulation and laser localization.

Magnetic Localization

Mobile robots determine their position using magnetic markers embedded in the floor together with highly accurate odometry data. This provides a stable navigation reference through magnetic point localization.

Product Entities

AMADEUS
Amadeus classic

Our classic high-lift stacker is ideally suited for handling lengthwise pallets, floor storage locations, and transfer stations.

  • Payload: Up to 1.5 t
  • Lift height: 85 mm – 2,800 mm

More Information 

AMADEUS wide
AMADEUS wide

An additional chassis enables this high-lift stacker to handle pallets and wire mesh containers crosswise, as well as racks equipped with forklift pockets.

  • Payload: Up to 1.5 t
  • Lift height: 85 mm – 2,800 mm

More Information

AMADEUS low
AMADEUS low

Designed for demanding order-picking applications, the AMADEUS low features extra-long forks that allow two pallets to be transported simultaneously.

  • Payload: Up to 2.0 t
  • Lift height: Up to 100 mm

More Information

AMADEUS Counter
AMADEUS counter

A counterbalance stacker designed for the most demanding applications.

  • Payload: Up to 1.2 t
  • Lift height: 85 mm – 2,800 mm

More Information

AMADEUS grip
AMADEUS grip

The ideal solution for transporting insulation materials.

  • Payload: Up to 2.0 t
  • Lift height: 85 mm – 2,800 mm

More Information

Amadeus rack AGV für Serverlösungen von DS Automotion GmbH
AMADEUS rack

Optimized for the safe transport of server racks.

  • Payload: 2.2 t
  • Lift height: 350 mm

More Information

Amadeus tugger Routenzuglösung von DS Automotion GmbH
AMADEUS tugger

A self-driving tugger train solution for manual, semi-automated, and fully automated logistics operations.

  • Towing capacity: Up to 4.5 t
  • Maximum speed: 2.2 m/s 

More Information

AMY deck | mobiler Roboter für kleine Ladungsträger von DS Automotion GmbH
AMY deck

AMY is a reliable Autonomous Mobile Robot equipped with a passive load handling device.

  • Payload: 25 kg
  • Dimensions (L × W × H): 638 × 428 × 349 mm
  • Navigation: Contour-Based Localization
  • Maximum speed: 1.8 m/s

More Information

AMY lift | mobiler Roboter für kleine Ladungsträger von DS Automotion GmbH
AMY lift

AMY is a reliable Autonomous Mobile Robot equipped with an active lifting comb.

  • Payload: 25 kg
  • Maximum speed: 1.8 m/s

More Information

AMY flap | mobiler Roboter für kleine Ladungsträger von DS Automotion GmbH
AMY flap

AMY is a reliable Autonomous Mobile Robot equipped with a passive load handling device featuring a gravity latch.

  • Payload: 25 kg
  • Maximum speed: 1.8 m/s

More Information

DS-Automotion_ARNY_2026_XS
ARNY mono

The smallest version of the ARNY series, perfectly suited for intralogistics applications.

  • Payload: Up to 1.5 t
  • Lift height: 1,500 mm

More Information

DS-Automotion_ARNY_2026_XS
ARNY duplex

The next larger model with increased lifting height.

  • Payload: Up to 1.2 t
  • Lift height: 4,500 mm

More Information

DS-Automotion_ARNY_2026_XS
ARNY triplex

Designed for applications requiring extra-high lifting heights, making it particularly suitable for high-bay warehouses.

  • Payload: Up to 1.0 t
  • Lift height: 7,400 mm

More Information

DS-Automotion_Thumbails_ARNY_HD_2025
ARNY HD triplex

Designed for especially heavy loads that must be transported safely at great heights.

  • Payload: Up to 1.0 t
  • Lift height: 10,800 mm

More Information

OSCAR
OSCAR spin 180

With a lift height of only 80 mm, the OSCAR spin 180 is our lowest-profile vehicle and is ideal for load handling in applications with minimal ground clearance.

  • Payload: Up to 1.0 t
  • Vehicle height: 260 mm

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OSCAR
OSCAR spin 360

With a vehicle height of 295 mm, the OSCAR spin 360 is ideal for driving underneath load carriers or carts that require greater lifting height.

  • Payload: Up to 1.0 t
  • Vehicle height: 295 mm

More Information

DS_Automotion_OSCAR_Omni
OSCAR omni

Its compact design combined with omnidirectional drive technology provides exceptional maneuverability, ensuring maximum efficiency even in confined spaces.

  • Payload: Up to 1.0 t
  • Vehicle height: 320 mm

More Information

DS_Automotion__OSCAR_Omni_XL
OSCAR omni XL

The first under-running AGV of a new generation, combining unrestricted omnidirectional movement with uncompromising personnel safety.

  • Payload: Up to 1.25 t
  • Vehicle height: 380 mm

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Lucy-2025_XS
LUCY

The compact vehicle for intralogistics applications.

  • Payload: Up to 500 kg
  • Lift height: 600 mm

More Information

Rollgang Mono
ROLLGANG mono

An AGV equipped with a conveyor deck for the automated transport and transfer of goods.

  • Payload: Up to 1,250 kg
  • Maximum speed: 1.6 m/s

More Information

Rollgang Doppel
ROLLGANG double

A conveyor AGV designed for handling two load carriers simultaneously.

  • Payload: Up to 2,500 kg (2 × 1,250 kg)
  • Maximum speed: 1.2 m/s

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Flexihauler
FLEXIHAULER

An under-running Automated Guided Vehicle featuring a towing load handling device.

  • Payload: Up to 1,000 kg
  • Maximum speed: 1.2 m/s

More Information

Chassismover
CHASSISMOVER

A flexible and durable vehicle developed specifically for the automotive industry, with a strong focus on ergonomics.

  • Payload: Up to 5,000 kg
  • Lift height: 130–1,000 mm

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Fleximover Trike
FLEXIMOVER trike

A flexible vehicle for assembly lines designed to provide maximum ergonomic support.

  • Payload: Up to 800 kg
  • Maximum speed: 1.0 m/s

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Fleximover Spin
FLEXIMOVER spin

A flexible vehicle for assembly lines offering outstanding ergonomics and efficient material handling.

  • Payload: Up to 1,290 kg
  • Maximum speed: Up to 1.0 m/s

More Information

CAREY spin

Equipped with a differential drive system.

  • Maximum transport weight: 500 kg
  • Maximum speed: 1.6 m/s

More Information

CAREY trike

Equipped with a three-wheel drive system.

  • Maximum transport weight: 500 kg
  • Maximum speed: 1.6 m/s

More Information

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Full autonomy offers maximum flexibility, such as when navigating around obstacles. However, in areas with high demands on throughput, predictability, and process reliability, defined routes are often more efficient. The optimal solution depends on the specific process.

Predefined areas within a facility where driving behavior is determined. Depending on the zone, the vehicle navigates using virtual lane guidance, semi-autonomous driving, or fully autonomous driving.

It is not the vehicle that decides—its behavior is defined during system planning through autonomy zones. Within these zones, it uses sensors to react to obstacles; outside them, it follows the lane.

Autonomy zones are used to define how the vehicle behaves in different areas—this ensures that the appropriate navigation mode is selected for each application.

Plannable autonomy combines the characteristics of AGVs and AMRs: plannable material flows, high process reliability, and flexibility—all without having to commit to a single technology in advance.

„What DS AUTOMOTION Is Not"

Clarification

The following distinctions help avoid common misconceptions:

  • DS Automotion is not a manufacturer of road vehicles and has no affiliation with the automotive brand DS Automobiles.
  • Within this context, AGV refers exclusively to Automated Guided Vehicles, not to the Italian motorcycle helmet manufacturer of the same name.
  • Plannable Autonomy is not a vehicle type or a product; it is a navigation concept.
  • Plannable Autonomy is not synonymous with semi-autonomous navigation. Semi-autonomous navigation is only one of three available navigation modes.

Further Information

  • About Us – DS Automotion
  • Technology – Plannable Autonomy
  • Technology – Navigation & Localization
  • DS Automotion on LinkedIn
  • DS Automotion on YouTube
  • Wikidata entry of the parent company

Verification

Validation date:August 2026
Next validation: Jänner 2027

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