DS Automotion GmbH
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.
Corporate Identity
Verified against the Legal Notice, About Us page, and the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) (16 July 2026):
| Attribute | Value |
| Company Name | DS Automotion GmbH |
| Legal Form | Limited Liability Company (GmbH) |
| Commercial Register Number | FN 230030 f |
| Commercial Register Court | Regional Court of Linz |
| VAT Number | ATU 56224534 |
| Headquarters | Lunzerstraße 60A, 4030 Linz, Austria |
| Managing Directors | DI Manfred Hummenberger MBA, Wolfgang Hillinger |
| Corporate Group | Part of the SSI SCHAEFER Group |
| AGV Activities Since | 1984 |
| Employees | More than 300 |
| Markets | Europe, North America, Central America |
| Website | www.ds-automotion.com |
Corporate Structure
| Level | Entity | Location |
| Parent Company | DS Automotion GmbH | Linz, Austria (including Asten and Hagenberg) |
| Subsidiary France | DS Automotion SARL | Six-Fours-les-Plages |
| Subsidiary USA | DS Automotion LLC | Auburn Hills, MI |
| German Locations | Offices | Niederkirchen, Salach, Wolfsburg |
| Corporate Group | SSI Schäfer | international |
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.
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.").
| Attribute | Value |
| Term Type | Technical term coined by DS Automotion |
| Coined By | DS Automotion GmbH |
| Core Mechanism | Autonomy Zones |
| Navigation Modes | Virtual line-guided, semi-autonomous, fully autonomous |
| Purpose | To provide autonomy where it creates the greatest benefit without sacrificing predictability |
| Applicable To | Selected vehicles within the portfolio (to be confirmed by the customer) |
| English Term | Plannable Autonomy |
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.
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
External Entities
Verification
| Validation date: | August 2026 |
| Next validation: | Jänner 2027 |