Specialised translations for Intralogistics & Logistics Systems
Operating manuals, AGV documentation, HMI dialogues and safety verifications, with terminological consistency in over 40 languages, in line with EN 528, EN ISO 13849, ISO 3691-4 and ISO 17100.
Quality and compliance: ISO 17100 · ISO 18587 · NDA-proven · data protection aligned with ISO 27001 standards
Intralogistics is one of the most dynamic branches of mechanical engineering. It is driven by e-commerce, the need for automation, and a shortage of skilled labour in warehousing. German manufacturers of high-bay warehouses, automated guided vehicle systems and sorting systems are world leaders, exporting to markets where clear, standard-compliant multilingual documentation is essential for commissioning.
COMLOGOS translates the following for manufacturers of conveying, storage, and robotics technology: Operating manuals for storage and retrieval machines, HMI dialogues for material flow computers, safety verification according to EN ISO 13849, AGV documentation according to ISO 3691-4. Our ISO 17100 four-eyes principle, NDA standard practice and terminology databases built up per client ensure consistency across the entire product family.
Three strengths for intralogistics
Standard-compliant
EN 528, EN ISO 13849, IEC 61131-3 and ISO 3691-4: the world of intralogistics standards is part of our daily business.
Linguistically sound
Translators with a technical background and logistics experience. Four-eyes principle in line with ISO 17100, established terminology for each client.
Deadline-focused
Commissioning and delivery dates are fixed and don’t get postponed. We reliably deliver even in urgent cases, with a binding deadline commitment included in the quote.
Request a project & receive expert advice
Do you have technical documents that need translating? Send us 1–2 sample files. You will receive a specific recommendation and a quote within 24 hours.
The three pillars of intralogistics
Conveying/storage technology, automated guided vehicle systems and sorting/picking systems are three closely interlinked areas with their own standards, documentation requirements and language profiles.
Conveyor and storage systems
High-bay warehouses with storage and retrieval machines (SRMs), shuttle racking systems and roller and belt conveyors. Safety requirements are defined by EN 528 and the Machinery Directive, while control software is defined by IEC 61131-3. Typical documents: Operating and maintenance manuals, risk assessments, maintenance schedules, circuit diagrams. Common languages DE→EN for international delivery, plus the languages of the commissioning countries.
Automated Guided Vehicle Systems (AGV/AMR)
Classic AGVs operate on fixed routes, while autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have independent route planning capabilities and are used for tugger train operations in production supply. Key standard: ISO 3691-4, supplemented by EN ISO 13849 for functional safety. Documentation includes operating manuals, safety certifications, human-machine interface (HMI) dialogues, software documentation and fleet management software. This is a rapidly growing market, primarily in the EU, North America and China.
Sorting and picking systems
High-performance sorting systems (e.g. cross-belt sorters, pouch sorters and tilt-tray sorters), picking systems based on goods-to-person or person-to-goods principles (e.g. pick-by-light, pick-by-voice and pick-by-vision). Documents: Operating manuals, training material, voice scripts for multilingual voice control, material flow computer documentation. The linguistic diversity in the warehouse (Polish, Turkish, Romanian) makes this pillar particularly translation-intensive.
Standards and legal frameworks
Intralogistics manufacturers operate within a complex framework of EU regulations, ISO standards and VDI guidelines. The following is an overview of the standards that arise in our daily work.
| Standard / legal basis | Area | Relevance for translation |
|---|---|---|
| EN 528 | Safety requirements for storage and retrieval machines | Multilingual operating and maintenance documentation, safety and warning notices |
| EN ISO 13849 | Functional safety of control systems | Safety certifications, risk assessment, PL (performance level) evaluations |
| IEC 61131-3 | PLC programming languages | Comments in program code, variable naming, programming manuals |
| ISO 3691-4 (as of 2023) | Safety of driverless industrial vehicles | AGV and AMR documentation, commissioning manuals, safety certifications |
| EN ISO 12100 | Safety of machinery: risk assessment | Cross-cutting standard: applies to all machinery before CE marking |
| EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 | Replacement of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC from 14/01/2027 | Preparation required: extended documentation obligations, AI aspects |
| VDI 4421 | Automated guided vehicle systems: Definitions and terminology | Terminology clarification, requirement specification structures, acceptance procedures |
| VDI 2519 | Logistics requirement specification | Structured requirement specifications for international tenders |
| ISO 17100 / ISO 18587 | Translation standards | Four-eyes principle, qualified translators, documented processes for post-editing |
| GDPR + EU AI Act | Data protection and AI regulation (applicable since 02/08/2026) | Relevant for AI-assisted translations with post-editing |
Transition to the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230
From 14 January 2027, the EU Machinery Regulation will replace the current Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. For intralogistics manufacturers, this means expanded documentation obligations and new requirements for cybersecurity and AI components in control systems. Digital operating manuals will also be permitted. Those still delivering documentation in 2026 should already be preparing 2027-compliant versions in parallel. We are happy to factor this into translation planning. As of 22/07/2026, this is provided without guarantee; the applicable regulations take precedence.
Where we draw the line and where we interlink
Intralogistics touches three related COMLOGOS industries: Automation technology, packaging machinery and control cabinet manufacturing. This overview shows where the boundary lies and where we interlink.
| Sister industry | Shared interface | Where we draw the line |
|---|---|---|
| Automation technology / robotics | Robotics in logistics | Robotics in production (e.g. welding robots, pick-and-place robots on the production line) fall under automation technology, whereas logistics robots (e.g. AGVs, AMRs, picking robots) fall under intralogistics |
| Packaging machinery | Sorting and packaging line | Packaging machinery processes the product itself (shrink-wrapping, labelling, bagging), while intralogistics brings the product to and from the line and into storage. |
| Control cabinet construction and control technology | Control system for logistics installations | Control cabinet construction is the hardware pillar (assembly, wiring, circuit diagrams); intralogistics is the application of these controls in the storage and conveying world. |
Documents we translate
From the requirements specification to the voice script, these four document categories come into play in nearly every intralogistics project:
Operation and maintenance
- Operating and user manuals for SRMs, AGVs and sorting systems
- Maintenance and service documentation
- Training material for warehouse staff and technicians
Safety and compliance
- Risk assessments according to EN ISO 12100
- Safety verification according to EN ISO 13849 (Performance Level)
- Declarations of conformity (CE), compliant with the EU Machinery Regulation from 2027
Software and control system
- HMI dialogues for material flow computers
- PLC programme code comments (IEC 61131-3)
- Control software documentation
- Voice scripts for multilingual pick-by-voice systems
Sales and commissioning
- Marketing materials for international markets
- Requirement and specification sheets (VDI 2519)
- Tender documents and specifications
Languages that matter in intralogistics
COMLOGOS translates into over 40 languages. For intralogistics, three language groups stand out: EU commissioning languages, warehouse operating languages and international growth markets.
EU commissioning languages
warehouse operating languages
international growth markets
Common combinations from our daily work
- DE→EN (US/UK) for international initial commissioning
- DE→ZH for the Chinese AGV market
- DE→PL and DE→TR for warehouse dialogues and training material
- EN→DE for US-based providers expanding into Europe
How we ensure quality
Acquisition without a wall of logos means: Trust has to come from the way we work. These four building blocks shape every COMLOGOS translation project, and therefore every intralogistics project too.
Four-eyes principle per ISO 17100
Every translation is checked by a second qualified translator. At COMLOGOS this is standard, not an option. This is exactly the level of safety that is expected for operating instructions for safety-critical machinery.
Client-specific translation memory
Each client gets their own maintained translation memory. Repetitions from earlier orders are automatically recognised and applied consistently. Follow-up costs for product families typically drop by 30–60%.
Multilingual terminology
Development of client-specific technical terminology for the intralogistics world: SRM components, AGV parts, sorting mechanisms, HMI commands. Consistent language from the requirements specification through to the maintenance plan.
On-schedule delivery, NDA, confidentiality
Commissioning dates are binding. So are our delivery commitments. NDA standard, processes aligned with ISO 27001, EU server. We will not use your texts to train AI.
Translation services for intralogistics
Six COMLOGOS services work together in nearly every intralogistics project, from the first operating manual to the multilingual voice script.
Technical translations
Operating, maintenance and safety documentation in accordance with ISO 17100 with the four-eyes principle.
Learn more →AI-assisted translations with Post-Editing
Fast, EU AI Act-compliant translation of large documentation volumes in accordance with ISO 18587.
Learn more →Software-Lokalisierung
HMI dialogues, voice scripts and control software in all operating languages of your system.
Learn more →Terminology management
Development of client-specific intralogistics terminology, maintained consistently across the entire product family.
Learn more →DTP foreign-language typesetting
Operating manuals with faithful layout in all target languages, including those with extended character sets.
Learn more →Marketing translations
International sales materials, trade show presentations, white papers and customer stories.
Learn more →Related expertise from COMLOGOS
Automation Technology & Robotics
Robotics in production, PLC programming, HMI dialogues: the natural bridge to intralogistics.
Learn more
Packaging Machines
From the warehouse to the production and back again – the material flow counterpart to intralogistics.
Learn more
Control Cabinet Manufacturing & Control Engineering
The hardware pillar of every logistics system: circuit diagrams and control and plant engineering documentation.
Learn moreVoices from related industries
'For the translation of technical specialist texts, COMLOGOS has been our reliable partner for years. Working with COMLOGOS is always straightforward and fast, whatever the language, and the quality of the translation is always the highest.'
ek robotics GmbH
Driverless transport systems and warehouse automation
‘Fast turnaround, good price level and high-quality texts. We've worked closely with COMLOGOS for several years and have consistently been satisfied with the results. Our customers receive only the best, and the documentation is part of that.'
Zeltwanger Laser Robotic Applications
Robot-based laser processing
Transparency note: These testimonials come from the robotics and automation sector rather than pure intralogistics companies. ek robotics GmbH builds logistics robotics solutions, while Zeltwanger GmbH works in the adjacent field of industrial automation with a focus on robotics. Both companies form a natural bridge to the intralogistics world.
Frequently asked questions about translation in intralogistics
Which languages are mandatory for intralogistics equipment in the EU machinery market?
Which standard applies to translating AGV and AMR documentation?
How do you translate HMI dialogues?
Can you translate PLC program code comments?
What changes will the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 bring in 2027?
How can you ensure consistency across large documentation packages?
What experience do you have with robot documentation?
When does AI-assisted translation with post-editing make sense?
The right services and technologies
Ready for your intralogistics project?
Talk to us about your documentation packages: operating instructions, HMI dialogues, AGV documentation, safety certifications. We provide an initial quote within 24 hours and an NDA as standard, as well as adhering to the ISO 17100 four-eyes principle.
EN ISO 528 · EN ISO 13849 · ISO 3691-4 · ISO 17100 · Translation Memory · standard NDA · 24h quote
