VDMA Tech Talk: "VDA 5050 for Automated Guided Vehicles"

10 questions & answers about the VDA 5050 communication standard

There are currently many rumors and half-knowledge about VDA 5050. During the webinar, questions were also raised that remained unanswered. We create clarity. Read ten relevant questions and answers about the VDA 5050 communication standard below.

Question 1: Are there any concrete figures as to how large the VDA 5050 share is in the implementation of new projects?

‍answer: We recognize that all new projects in the automotive sector require the VDA5050. This applies in particular to OEMs, but automotive suppliers also rely largely on the VDA5050 for new projects.

Question 2: The more intelligent the FTS become, the more general could and should the rules and standards also become?

‍answer: Intelligent AGVs such as AMRs also need rules and standards to meet all market requirements. This topic is a high priority in the VDA 5050 working group. AMRs will therefore be much more heavily considered in future versions of the VDA 5050.

Question 3: What is the situation with the issue of functional safety? Are guidelines also created here? The background is the task of entering and exiting safety areas.

‍answer: The theme Safety areas could be covered as part of the next chapter “Maps and Zones.” Implementation is planned for the next major version 3.0.0.

Question 4: Is there something like a neutral certification (instance) planned? Experience has shown that when a control system supplier and AGV manufacturer claim that they are VDA5050 compatible, the interconnection does not have to be smooth!

‍answer: The VDMA is planning an official test environment or test software that tests all basic requirements and functionalities for each of the parties involved (Master Control System & AGV) using a simple exchange of messages. But of course, this won't replace onboarding.

Qualitative onboarding between the Master Control System and AGV remains an essential phase — regardless of whether it is initiated in advance through a partnership and strategic orientation between both parties or triggered by a joint project with a customer. That's why we at SYNAOS pay close attention to testing and coordinating many borderline cases in advance during VDA 5050 onboarding. However, the VDA 5050 makes cooperation between the parties much easier, as the framework has been clarified from the outset and “only” the details have to be discussed. This shortens onboarding by many months. And without the standard, it would hardly be feasible.

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Question 5: In your opinion, does it make sense for a MES* manufacturer to deal with this standard?

‍answer: Yes, absolutely. Especially in projects involving the interconnection of production plants. The MES already has certain information ready here and can make good use of it to efficiently control the transport process via FTFs.

* MES = Manufacturing Execution System

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Question 6: How can the topic VDA 5050 be included in the specification sheet?

‍answer: By listing it as a separate chapter. Here, customers should define as precisely as possible what they understand by the VDA 5050, i.e. which version should at least be used and which control systems (third-party systems) the FTF manufacturers have already worked with in advance. This is because a VDA 5050 implementation, which only takes into account the proprietary control system, often includes additions developed in-house that ignore the standard.

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Question 7: Keyword interoperability: How relevant will the networking of heterogeneous fleets or intralogistics in general be in the future?

‍answer: In intralogistics, there is a very clear trend towards more automation. One of the main reasons for this is, on the one hand, the shortage of skilled workers. On the other hand, the requirements for mobile robots and process solutions are also constantly growing. Customers are always primarily interested in the best procedural solution for them. To do this, they are also looking at mobile robot providers that they do not yet know or who are not yet part of their mobile robot fleet. For this reason alone, interoperability plays a very important role. Because the level of automation in intralogistics will continue to rise in the future, this makes it impossible and also uneconomical to operate individual solutions in isolation.

However, automation is an expensive and lengthy process that is unattractive for customers if it only includes extensions to existing systems. That is why more and more customers are interested in optimally combining new and existing automation solutions — instead of strictly separating areas of automation.

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Question 8: What does VDA 5050 actually do for me if, as an end customer, I have two or three robot fleets from different mobile robot manufacturers, for example?

‍answer: There are a whole range of positive effects here:

• First, end customers only need to operate one Master Control system (instead of two to three). That means less complexity.
• All vehicles are in this one Environment visible and controllable for the user.
• In addition, all vehicles are uniformly manufactured by one Traffic management controlled.
• Holistic order optimization and management is another major advantage.
• All IT interfaces are bundled. Instead of three systems, only one System can be connected.

• Necessary updates, upgrades, maintenance or new versions of software packages (Windows Server, SAP 4Hana, etc.) only affect this one system.
• Key users only need to be trained on a single master control system. This saves resources and creates capacities.
• The organization of support cases can be bundled.
• During modernization projects, fleets can be partially renewed without having to replace the Master Control software.
• The control software can also be changed without adapting the robot fleet.

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Question 9: What efficiency and cost advantages does the VDA5050 offer me? And be honest: What are the current limitations when it comes to the VDA 5050?

‍answer: The independence in choosing the mobile robot manufacturer represents a major cost advantage. Efficiency advantage: IT interfaces and maintenance as well as the know-how within the company can be bundled.

The current limitation is the fact that AMRs are being restricted in their ability to act and function.

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Question 10: Is it possible to also make existing mobile robot fleets VDA5050 fit?

‍answer: Definitely. But this is where the ball is in the field of mobile robot manufacturers, who must answer this question individually. The fact is that mobile robot fleets can also be integrated retrospectively. This is often accompanied by an update of the software on the part of the FTF manufacturer. It is therefore essential to clarify with the FTF manufacturer what costs this entails. This then provides the business case as to whether a retrofit could be worthwhile.