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Automation in intralogistics is becoming increasingly important, and with it the requirements for efficient control of automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The Layout Interchange Format (LIF) is a decisive step towards optimizing these processes. DS AUTOMOTION has played a key role in the development of this standard and is already successfully implementing the first customer projects with LIF. Christoph Pramberger, specialist team leader for the development of control technology for new projects at DS AUTOMOTION and chairman of the LIF working group in the VDMA, provides an insight into the advantages and objectives of this format.
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Standardized format for more flexibility
The central aim of LIF is to establish a standardized format for the definition of driving courses. Until now, vehicle manufacturers had to use their own formats for interpreting and transmitting driving courses to master controllers, which led to compatibility problems. With LIF, this problem is a thing of the past:
- Vehicle manufacturers can use a standardized format to map driving courses.
- Master controllers only have to interpret a single format.
- The combination of different vehicle suppliers, master controllers and end customers is considerably simplified.
- Clear demarcation of responsibilities between vehicle manufacturers and master control system providers.
Future prospects and further development
While the widespread use of mixed fleets in accordance with VDA5050 and LIF is not yet fully established, it is already apparent that companies are using LIF for the exchange between different control systems. DS Automotion is convinced that this format will establish itself in the long term and play a central role in the automation of intralogistics.
An important next step for the LIF is the integration of new concepts from the current version of VDA5050, in particular the so-called “zones”, which are relevant for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The LIF working group is planning to further develop the format in 2025/2026 to support these new requirements. Feedback from other manufacturers will also be taken into account in order to further optimize the format.
Conclusion: LIF as the key to efficient automation
With the successful establishment of the LIF, DS AUTOMOTION is setting new standards for the future of mobile robotics and driverless transport systems. The standardized communication between vehicles and master controllers not only enables greater flexibility, but also a more efficient and transparent automation solution. Companies that rely on LIF benefit from a future-proof and manufacturer-independent solution for their intralogistics processes.