Product category:
Automated handling systems, AGVs, integrated handling systems
News Release from: E and K Automation Indumat Systems | Subject: AGV system upgrade
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 January 2004
AGVs upgraded, expanded without a
production stop
A six-AGV system, originally installed in 1995 for round-the-clock movement of automotive gearbox and converter housings, has been upgraded and extended without stopping production.
A driverless transportation system based on six AGVs (automated guided vehicles), originally installed in 1995 for round-the-clock movement of gearbox and converter housings in an automotive component factory in Stuttgart, has been upgraded following the introduction of a new generation of gearboxes More modern AGVs of higher specification have been installed and at the same time, the guide route has been extended to two kilometres, taking in additional production lines and transfer points
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 26 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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HeVac manufacturer doubles AGV activity
At the Telford factory of Denso, the Indumat AGV (automated guided vehicle) system has been extended and upgraded to allow up to 45 trailer movements/h or double the previous capacity.
AGVs bring the pick-face to the production line
At a German communications equipment and ISDN screen telephone factory, AGVs deliver boxes of components and parts to the lines where the operators pick components as required.
All the production machines are equipped with telescopic forks that transfer carriers containing the automotive housings onto one of three shelves built into the AGVs, each shelf being equipped with guides to ensure accurate location of the load.
To prevent dust and dirt contaminating the products during transportation to the next production process, the AGV creates a totally enclosed environment using roller doors which are raised to allow access for load and unload.
Transport jobs are transferred to the AGVs via optical data links at the pick-up points.
The user opted for the more flexible laser navigation and radio communication between the central control system and the AGVs, rather than the inductive guidance and data systems used previously.
Operational advantages include higher productivity through a 50 per cent increase in drive speed to 1.5 metres per second.
- more - Installation and commissioning of the new PC-based control system was carried out during normal working hours, so the old AGVs had to be replaced one by one with the new models.
The phased installation meant that there was a mix of new and old AGVs and control protocols for a period, which Indumat successfully managed without disruption to manufacturing output - a considerable technical achievement.
To avoid having to replace the vehicles' lead-acid traction batteries at the end of each shift, they are replenished at automatic charging positions.
The system is designed such that the batteries receive intermediate, in-cycle charges at load transfer stations.
Each weekend, the batteries receive a top-up charge.
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