Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

agv

Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

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Murata Machinery USA has expanded its logistics & automation product offerings with an extensive line of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The A-Series adds seven standard base models to their existing Muratec Premex Series that are customizable for a wide range of load capacities, lift heights, navigation methods, temperature ratings, and software applications.

From their Charlotte headquarters, Murata Machinery will take over and lead all North American operations in partnership with the AGVE Group, directing day-to-day North American sales, installation, service, and marketing operations. [Read more…] about Murata expands AGV range, partners with AGVE Group

BlueBotics to showcase ANT navigation with full AGV fleet demo at Modex

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Autonomous navigation systems developer BlueBotics, which was recently acquired by ZAPI, is heading to Modex 2022 to showcase a unique multi-brand fleet demo of vehicles driven by its ANT technology.

The company’s booth will feature several different brands of vehicles, spanning automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) from across the ANT navigation ecosystem.

This example fleet operation will be the main draw of the company’s show stand. The vehicles will run a small pallet-moving operation, all controlled by one ANT server software project. [Read more…] about BlueBotics to showcase ANT navigation with full AGV fleet demo at Modex

Kivnon’s AGV ROI Calculation Starts on Product Delivery Date

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By Mike Kotzian, managing director, Kivnon USA

Modex 2022 in Atlanta March 28-31 will feature many AGV vendors who cannot deliver product this year. Too much emphasis has been placed on features, advantages, and benefits; too little attention has been paid to delivery dates.

AGV vendors must promise a delivery date with a guarantee not to exceed 180 days from purchase order to delivery. Failing to provide that commitment is unacceptable.

Solving the immediate challenges in production by delivering product by Q3 2022 and mitigating the hiring constraints plaguing industries must be the top priorities. The current state of the supply chain has exacerbated the situation. [Read more…] about Kivnon’s AGV ROI Calculation Starts on Product Delivery Date

AGV vs AMR: What are the differences and which one do you need in your facility

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Today’s manufacturing and logistics industry is facing significant challenges to upgrade and optimize business processes to meet the demands of a modern economy.

Advances in technology make it possible to create more efficient and productive systems through automation and digitization.

Global industrial automation is worth approximately $200 billion – and according to the latest market research study by ResearchAndMarkets.com, AGV and AMR Market is expected to reach $13.2 Billion by 2026 with a growth rate of around 35%. [Read more…] about AGV vs AMR: What are the differences and which one do you need in your facility

Why you’re looking at AGV / AMR technology all wrong

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How can a company looking to implement automation select the AGV/AMR that best suits them? How can automation integrators predict which manufacturers will help them hit the ground running and deploy on time and on budget?

When seeking technology solutions, buyers often look to research reports and industry pundits for guidance. Yet we claim that the current view provided in most reviews is misleading: It is missing a fundamental shift that is happening today in the AGV/AMR market.

That shift is the rise in the importance of agility, speed and customization as a leading success factor. [Read more…] about Why you’re looking at AGV / AMR technology all wrong

Automated Guided Vehicle Systems in Use at Audi

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State-of-the-art automotive manufacturing calls for modularity and versatility when it comes to planning and implementing material supply trolleys for intralogistics. (See video below.)

This is especially clear if you explore the Audi site in Neckarsulm, Germany, where the Audi A8 is manufactured over several floors.

Top-of-the-range models such as the Audi A8 allow customers to choose from a wide range of design options and additional extras to customize their vehicle however they want.

This means that the production teams must stock different types of components in the warehouse and utilize precise advance planning to have the required materials arrive at the line in sufficient quantities and, most importantly, in the right order. [Read more…] about Automated Guided Vehicle Systems in Use at Audi

DFI provides ‘the most reliable brain and cerebellum’ for giant AGV in LCD panel factories

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DFI’s AMR-dedicated AI computer enhances mobility and accuracy of mobile robots

The humble LCD panel was originally one of the Taiwanese government’s “Two Trillion & Twin Star” plan to develop its high-tech sectors. Now, it’s one of the country’s most significant symbols of electronics manufacturing.

With the trend of panel generation becoming larger and larger, in the production line of large-size panels, handling technology is also relatively important. [Read more…] about DFI provides ‘the most reliable brain and cerebellum’ for giant AGV in LCD panel factories

Singapore mega-port implements Stäubli robot charging solution

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PSA Singapore’s new mega-port will have fully automated key operations with AGVs that are automatically charged during the operation process with Stäubli’s QCC high-power charging solution.

In the course of maintenance, the battery systems are exchanged automatically with Stäubli’s Multi Connect System, or MCS.

PSA Singapore is ranked the world’s largest container transshipment hub. To anticipate the future growth in global trade, PSA is constructing the new mega port at Tuas. This future port will feature totally automated terminal operations. [Read more…] about Singapore mega-port implements Stäubli robot charging solution

How are AGVs different from AMRs?

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Automating internal supply chain or logistic flows is always a challenge for both big and small companies. With more and more sophisticated systems, companies are increasingly looking to replace operator dependency and let robots handle the goods transfer activity.

Two automation systems are customer’s go-to option for goods/pallet movement: automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

While AGVs have been around for a long time, drastically increasing their functionality and technology over time, AMRs are gaining traction in recent times. [Read more…] about How are AGVs different from AMRs?

Changing Material Handling Industry Accelerates AGV Robotics

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By John Hayes, Balyo USA

Economic policies from Industry 4.0, Logistics 4.0, and connected warehouses point to the imperative to lower costs, increase productivity, and guarantee quality. There are as many forklift truck operator positions to be filled as there are IT developer and R&D engineer jobs combined.

In the United States, 65 percent of the businesses surveyed by Deloitte (as part of its annual Supply Chain report) noted that it is “extremely difficult” to hire qualified warehouse labor.

Moving pallets is expensive. One of the global Fast Moving Customer Goods (FMCG) leaders estimates spending “almost 380 million dollars per year” for tasks that create no additional value for the business. [Read more…] about Changing Material Handling Industry Accelerates AGV Robotics