AGV applications in production
Automation must be suitable for the application environment.
Driverless transport systems are used in numerous sectors. Their precise operation is determined by the immediate working environment – for example, the layout of production facilities, safety regulations, the goods being transported, or the local conditions. Therefore, using these systems in manufacturing requires technology that adapts flexibly to real-world processes. No one should dictate operational processes based solely on the specifications of the technology.
Typical challenges depending on the area of application
A platform AGV provides a flexible foundation for automated transport within a company's material flow. It can be used to supply production and assembly lines, for transport between warehouses and supermarkets, or as a basis for tugger train and milkrun concepts. Crucially, the platform should not be considered in isolation, but rather as the starting point for a customized, comprehensive solution.
The type of goods being transported largely determines the technical design. Rectangular stainless steel wire mesh baskets, heavy loads, bulky trolleys, workpiece carriers, or sensitive components each require different fixtures, guides, and transfer mechanisms. The CREFORM pipe plug-in system allows these structures to be flexibly adapted, for example, with side stops, belt conveyors, ball rollers, load securing devices, or ESD-compliant designs.
Every environment has its own specific requirements. In ESD-sensitive production areas, components must be designed accordingly. In laboratory and medical environments, controlled, traceable processes are crucial, for example, with concepts like SMARTFIFO featuring AGV-supported transport and intelligent FIFO racks. Even humid or splash-prone areas are possible if the design, materials, and components are appropriately tailored to the specific location.
The end result is not a standard solution, but an AGV concept tailored to the actual process. In the CREFORM Lean Loop, material flows, ergonomics, interfaces, safety requirements, and environmental conditions are considered before the technical solution is designed. For example, a platform can be transformed into an AGV solution with a CREFORM pipe-connected structure, belt conveyor , and automatic transfer of a stainless steel wire mesh basket to a washing line.
Typical applications of CREFORM AGVs
Material supply for assembly lines
- Just-in-time supply
- Milkrun concepts
- Route train connection
Laboratory and medical areas
- Controlled transport processes
- FIFO concepts
- traceability
ESD environments
- electronics manufacturing
- Fine assembly
- ESD-compliant design
Humid production areas
- Customized components
- Areas exposed to splashing water
- Robust design
heavy loads
- High load capacities
- Large load carriers
- Tight handling
Complex layouts
- Intersection areas
- Mixed traffic
- Narrow roads
Award-winning consulting for AGV deployment
The CREFORM Lean Loop develops the implementation of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) based on real-world processes. Material flows, transfer points, ergonomics, interfaces, and environmental conditions are analyzed before a perfectly tailored AGV solution is created.
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