27/11/2024 • Make light work of heavy transport loads with SEW-EURODRIVE UK
· Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are revolutionising how materials are handled, increasing the efficiency of transporting finished goods across warehouses and factories
· SEW-EURODRIVE has introduced an innovative solution, developing mobile logistics assistants which efficiently transport large load carriers weighing up to 1500 kg within company premises
· Powered by a lithium-ion battery with inductive charging, the robots feature intelligent navigation and communication for seamless operation
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are fully automated vehicles that can pick up and transport loads within a logistics or factory environment, ideal for use across warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
An AGV system is made up of versatile, mobile, autonomous and cooperative robots, that can ease the workload of employees. Assistance systems actively support people in their work - they know which goods they are transporting, and based on the order, they can individually calculate a route through the factory.
SEW-EURODRIVE has developed innovative mobile logistics assistants, designed to transport large load carriers, such as pallets and cage pallets weighing up to 1500 kg. These mobile robots are optimised for use within industries ranging from logistics to retail which regularly operate with heavy loads, improving the efficiency of material handling.
AGV systems offer a number of benefits, including reduced labour and costs, increased safety and accuracy, and an easier adjustment period with new processes.
• Our mobile logistics assistants have been designed to drive under load carriers to lift them up with ease. The lifting capacity allows them to raise loads by 150 mm, and customer-specific load-handling devices can be integrated for tailored solutions.
The assistants are equipped with a reliable load detection system, meaning they can pick up loads without any human interaction. This ensures an efficient operation, as well as reduced costs, with less need for manned transportation.
• Safety sensors are important in AGV systems, for identifying and assessing proximity to humans or machinery.
Our assistants use free contour navigation with a parking function, allowing precise movement and positioning in production and logistics environments, meaning there is no need to establish safety zones.
AGVs can also operate in extreme temperatures or hazardous environments, and can be used in situations where contact with personnel needs to be limited as much as possible.
At SEW-EURODRIVE, we offer specialised designs of our logistics assistants for use in ISO Class 6 cleanroom applications, which can be used in industries such as food manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. These models are specifically designed to transport heavy loads in controlled environments, such as moving materials in and out of airlocks.
• AGVs follow pre-defined paths within a factory or warehouse, as they move from one location to another.
Our logistics assistants give you the option to adjust processes and paths yourself, so that that you can respond quickly to changing requirements within your production or logistics environment.
This reduces the risk of downtime, increasing your overall productivity and efficiency.
All our assistants are powered by a lithium-ion battery, which charges inductively through a maintenance-free process using the MOVITRANS® contactless power supply system.
The contactless charging during operations means the logistics assistants can handle high-capacity workloads without frequent downtime.
In an SEW-EURODRIVE AGV system, communication is handled via Wi-Fi and 5G networks. Our logistics assistants are equipped with the VDA 5050 communication interface (the standardised interface for AGV communication) via MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport), enabling the connection of various vehicle types to the fleet management system.
SEW-EURODRIVE’s MAXOLUTION® connected fleet manager serves as the control system for the autonomous transport system, accepting and prioritising orders and assigning the most appropriate vehicle for each task.
By choosing SEW-EURODRIVE, you’re benefiting from the experience we have with clients across various industries from manufacturing to logistics.
Our assistance systems can be individually configured to match your application and needs, ensuring you can meet the requirements of your customers.
Andrew Turnerfrom SEW-EURODRIVE UK said, “Our logistics assistants are designed with mobility and ease of load handling in mind, with features to prioritise orders and assign appropriate vehicles for tasks.
“The logistics assistants can also handle high-capacity workloads with low downtime. Contactless charging is also available for further ease, showcasing how SEW-EURODRIVE continues to innovate in the world of automation, as we move towards Industry 4.0.”
SEW-EURODRIVE's logistics assistants offer a versatile and intelligent solution for your autonomous transport needs. Explore how they can enhance efficiency and streamline operations in your facility by getting in touch with our sales team today.