POWERED BY THE INNOVATION HUB
AGF
Project
Automated Guided Forklift.
Phase one
The Problem
By now, most of us are familiar with the benefits of integrating Autonomous Guided Vehicles into motion control plans. AGVs play a vital role in systemizing and automating throughput in various industries, specifically those with integrated end-to-end load-handling systems, allowing AGVs to run continuously.
Solving motion control problems has always been SEW-Eurodrive’s primary focus. “Inspiration for our ideas comes from our customers,” says Brendan Daniels, Chief Design Engineer. “When we are onsite at a clients’ facility, they may unwillingly discuss problems that, in their opinion, are unsolvable. That’s what motivates us to innovate and find a solution”.
The fundamental design principles of an AGV are to autonomously shuttle payloads across a factory or warehouse setting with little or no human intervention. However, AGVs have limitations, specifically when palletized payloads are in the final stages of throughput, usually riding along on a conveyor system ready to be lifted and loaded into a trailer.
Initial Protoype completion
74%
Weight Distribution Testing
45%
Initial Safety Test Complete
85%
Fully Electric Powered
100%
Emission and toxin free testing
100%
Second Phase Testing
31%
Strategy and Ideation
That’s where the Automated Guided Forklift (AGF) comes into play! SEW’s MAXOLUTION® Team of Engineers is in the prototype and early testing phases of its fully automated forklift, capable of lifting, shuttling, and dropping pallets anywhere in a factory or warehouse setting without human intervention.
The most notable difference between an AGF and a traditional AGV is the AGF’s ability to lift and place pallets from one elevation to another, eliminating the need for additional load-handling applications.
The design intent is to systemize payload handling, improve overall safety, and allow businesses the flexibility to custom-create and quickly revise virtual payload motion plans with minimal interruptions or effort.
Target Performace Objectives
*Please note. specifications noted here are preliminary in nature, and are not to be viewed as production model specifications.
( Via addition of counter balance plates) Min 1000 lbs Max 5000 lbs (2272 kg) At 24” load center
Pallet orientation 48×40” or 40×48”
Standard 50 Inches (1.27m)
To Keep overall height of AGV mast below 100” ( trailer height) but project specific mast heights are possible
Design around a modular 400ah Nickel-Metal-Hydride-Cobalt (NIMHC) 4 individual modules, vehicle can continue to run in case of damage to one module ( with reduced energy capacity) Oversized space cavity allows larger or other brand/types of batteries to be used as an alternative if specified by the customer.
Nickel-Maganese-Cobalt-Oxide
Between 20% SOC and 90% SOC, slow charging to 100%
Based on total measured battery usage
5000x batter capacity
EX 5000x400ah=2,000,000ah or 10 years
MAXOULTION’s engineering team carefully reviewed the client’s application using engineering first principles. Power and torque requirements were calculated using site elevation changes, bearing types, requested accelerations, linear speeds, and existing design dimensions, including wheel diameters, sprocket ratios, wheel, and rail materials.
- Determine the feasibility of converting a combustion powered RGV system to a fully electric MAXOLUTION® system solution
- Validating the notion of using Electromagnetic charging as the RGV’s primary power supply
- Meeting the criteria for an environmentally sustainable solution
- Meeting the client’s request for a lower total cost of ownership
- Paid off investment projections within 12- 18 Months
Demonstrated the value of a zero maintenance solution via contactless wireless power exchange
Enrolled client with SEW-Eurodrive`s 24/7/365 localized support program
Reviewed and confirmed the requirements for wet or outdoor-type applications
Introduction to practical, in-market, advanced manufacturing Industry 4.0 technology
Demonstrated how MAXOLUTION® system solutions can mimic existing throughput cycle via advanced manufacturing processes
Showcased the scalability of Industry 4.0 technology
Replace combustion motor with electric emission-free motor
Implementing a long-term environmentally sustainable solution
Drawing on clean and renewable energy to power its RGV system
Eliminating airborne toxins for a safer, cleaner working environment
Check out Phase Two.
POWERED BY THE INNOVATION HUB
POWERED BY THE INNOVATION HUB
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