STILL automates logistics at the largest hospital in Central Europe

The University Hospital Graz combines over a century of hospital history with state-of-the-art logistics technology. Around 1,400 deliveries are made every day through the two-kilometre-long logistics tunnel. STILL's autonomous mobile robot AXH iGo now takes care of part of the material supply. Its smooth logistics ensure a reliable supply around the clock at the largest hospital complex in Central Europe.

Efficient, reliable and secure intralogistics are essential for the operation of modern hospitals – this is particularly true for the University Hospital Graz, the largest hospital in Central Europe by area. With grounds covering around 60 hectares, this is no easy task. Some 8,100 employees work in its 18 university clinics and 37 clinical departments to ensure the daily care of its 1,450 beds. “Supplying and disposing of waste for University Hospital Graz, the largest hospital in Central Europe, presents us with enormous challenges every day,” emphasises Michael Kazianschütz, Hospital Administrator and Head of Economics, Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

State-of-the-art logistics for historic structures

The hospital’s foundation dates back to 1788. Due to the rapid growth in the number of patients, the 60-hectare site on the outskirts of the city was acquired in 1890, and the Regional Hospital Graz was built within ten years. At the time, it was considered the largest hospital in Europe. Today, the University Hospital is still one of the few remaining large Art Nouveau complexes in Austria, comprising 29 Secession-style pavilion buildings connected by a seven-kilometre-long tunnel system, including a two-kilometre-long logistics tunnel. A tugger train with an LXT 120/350 electric tow tractor is also used here. With a maximum towing capacity of 35 tonnes, it is used to transport goods with several trailers, as well as for underground patient transfers from one clinic to another. “Reliable equipment is essential for ensuring supply and disposal. This includes electric tractors, hydraulic carrier frames and innovative solutions like autonomous mobile robots,” explains Kazianschütz. The AXH iGo autonomous mobile robot from STILL easily meets these requirements. In the logistics tunnel, it takes care of the automated supply of materials and moves trolleys and pallets safely across the complex hospital grounds thanks to modern sensor technology, SLAM navigation and intelligent route management.

Smart logistics

Autonomous mobile robots such as STILL's AXH iGo are small, manoeuvrable and intelligent underride vehicles that operate flexibly and proactively even in demanding environments. They can be used as self-sufficient stand-alone solutions, or seamlessly and cost-effectively integrated into existing structures while keeping operating and maintenance costs low. STILL's automation experts provide support throughout the process, from analysis and choice of system to planning and implementation. A comprehensive service network ensures the continuous availability of the systems. “Especially in a hospital, logistics work best when you don't notice or feel them, yet every package still arrives at the right place, at the right time, for the right patient,” Kazianschütz summarises. With the AXH iGo autonomous mobile robot, the hospital can ensure the safe, efficient and flexible supply of materials now and in the future.