YKK Mediterraneo of Ascoli Piceno has decided to equip its entire assembly department with two AGV shuttles to transport empty boxes to the machines and to collect full boxes, containing assembled parts, and take them to collection stations and then taken to the autostore warehouse.

Two side-loading AGVs were used, each equipped with four mini conveyors to load and unload the boxes completely independently, depending on the required production flow.

Using QR code navigation, the points on the layout were defined so that the AGV could position itself in front of the station, both forward and reverse, for greater flexibility.

Unlike the system previously installed at this customer, where AGV traffic control was entirely handled by the AGVE system called BAM, in this case the MES was left free to control the AGV point-to-point, ensuring maximum production flexibility, depending on the batch sizes required by the assembly stations.

This was possible because the AGV moves within two very narrow aisles, where it is physically impossible to have intersections to manage to prevent the two shuttles from blocking each other.

Commissioning was carried out gradually, inserting the machines into the system step by step, so as not to disrupt production and to initiate the new management without incurring potential delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

Orders for AGVs are received by the higher-level control system, developed by Mecatron.

The AGV system manager has been upgraded to supervise and control both AGV systems.

AGV navigation type: QR codes

Traffic controller: a server provided by the customer with TCP/IP communication toward the field, which includes Host communication, AGVs communication via WiFi, PLC communication.

Charging concept: charging stations with contacts on the side of the AGV, when batteries are low, the vehicle is sent there to stay and charge, as well the AGV goes on charger when there are no transports to execute.

This AGV system is working over three shifts.

Number of AGVs: 2

AGV manufacturer: AGVE

Function: AGV navigation software development and AGV traffic controller and order handling development.

Year: 2021