Creform has designed and built an automated guided vehicle (AGV) for a commercial vehicle parts manufacturer. The AGV tows carts holding production parts back and forth between the warehouse and the assembly area.
This project consisted of one single direction, two-ton Creform RA-B40200-CRE1 AGV drive unit. Each end of the tugger, which features dual drive wheels, follows a guidepath independently and can maneuver in close quarters. It operates in a multi-shift environment and is built with heavy-duty usage in mind, but with the need to be lightweight, flexible and affordable.
The AGV is built with a sturdy steel frame and a hitch that is affixed directly to the steel frame, all designed to handle the rigors of industrial towing. The frame is designed so that the unit can be safely lifted for maintenance with a forklift. In addition to towing, the AGV also features a utility load deck for misc. boxes and supplies that can ride along.
An operator interface panel is positioned atop the electrical panel and features an HMI screen with WIFI connection to off board systems that are used for vehicle position monitoring. The unit includes an RFID reader, with tags embedded in floor with unique numerical assignments, and uses the data retrieved from the floor to make routing decisions and initiate other functions such as speed and obstacle sensor view changes.
The AGV is equipped with a 24-volt system powered by two 12-volt 160AH AGM batteries on a battery tray. This tray is supported by rollers on the AGV, battery transfer cart and battery charging station.
