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Automativ Guided Vehicles

Automated, self-driving ground vehicles

AGV layouts and paths

Automativ Guided Vehicles (AGV) automate internal material flows, from component replenishment to the removal of finished products. They consist of automated, self-driving vehicles with built-in controllers, electric drive and battery technology. They follow predetermined paths that are marked on the floor as lines, laid as magnetic or inductive strips, or they follow individual floor markers, often in the form of RFID tags.

In the WinMOD-SIMLINE system, ground paths are simulated using parameterisable path elements such as straight lines, curves and junctions from a 3D library. This means that the paths are always visible in the virtual 3D layout, even if they are not actually visible in reality. Ground markers, obstacle objects and sensor reflectors are also installed as 3D library elements. You can assign individual data to RFID tags. .

For virtual commissioning (VC), the plant control system is then connected to the WinMOD system via fieldbus coupling.

FTS Vehicle behaviour

The WinMOD-SIMLINE system uses CAD-based 3D vehicle models as highly individual, tailor-made customer solutions with individually configurable 3D vehicle sensors. They include all common types of underride and lift shuttles, pallet AGVs and fork AGVs.

Depending on requirements, the 3D vehicles move via magnetic or inductive strips, RFID tags or line layouts. To this end, 3D vehicle sensors are used to record and evaluate the respective path system in real time, as well as to simulate mutual vehicle recognition and obstacle detection.

The vehicles can be loaded and unloaded with any transport goods. Direct combination with other 3D technology simulations from the WinMOD-SIMLINE system, such as Robotics, is of course possible. This allows complex logistics processes such as fleet control, traffic management with prioritisation, zone regulations and track & trace functionalities to be comprehensively tested and validated. The integration of modern safety functions (e.g. scanners, emergency stops, optical signals) can also be tested and validated with these VC.

Further factory automation solutions

Container conveyor technology

Sorting and picking systems for small items such as cartons, plastic boxes or other piece goods. Transport is via classic roller conveyors, belt conveyors
as well as the typical cam roller conveyors found here,
Belt curves and accumulation roller conveyors.

Pallet conveyor technology

This area of technology encompasses conveyor systems that transport and sort pallets and mesh boxes. The conveyor elements are large roller and chain conveyors combined with lifting, rotating and shifting tables. Magazines for empty pallets are also typical here.

Automatic Storage-Retrival Systems

These systems are usually fully automated high-bay warehouses that are operated by storage and retrieval machines and controlled by distributed automation systems. Warehouse management systems generate the orders for storage and retrieval.

Pick-and-place systems

Automated systems that pick up parts from A to B and place them down again with a defined orientation – typically for loading, sorting, picking or packing. Core systems are industrial robots (Delta, SCARA, 6 axes, Cartesian) or gantry axes.

robotics

Robotics plays a central role in modern manufacturing by enabling the automation of production processes and increasing efficiency and precision. Robots are used in various areas, such as welding, assembly, painting or packaging products. 

production lines

Production lines combine processes, material flow and controls into a production system with guaranteed cycle times and quality. They consist of combinations of assembly, processing and testing stations. In addition, there is transfer technology, buffers and often a highly specialised automation system.

Electric overhead and floor tracks

Electric Monorail Systems are used as connecting conveyor technology over long distances. The overhead trolleys run fully automatically with integrated electric drives and controls and are usually routed via a central control system.

Power and Free (P&F)

This chain-driven overhead or floor conveyor technology is powered by continuously running power strands (chains). Transport trolleys are coupled in, transported, decoupled at stoppers and buffered via chain drivers („dogs“).

Automativ Guided Vehicles

Automated self-driving vehicles as a connecting material flow solution. Driving is either completely trackless via defined tracks or markers (AGV) or via free navigation with automatic dynamic obstacle avoidance (AMR).

mechanical engineering

Engineering discipline for the development, manufacture and maintenance of machines, plants and production systems. Typical applications include machine tools, handling technology, automotive/aerospace, packaging and assembly plants.