Automated guided vehicles – also known as AGVs – are self-guided or autonomously guided vehicles used mainly to transport heavy materials. These vehicles do not require an operator or driver to be onboard the vehicles and can be pre-programmed to travel certain routes or transport materials at certain times.
While automated guided vehicle systems are becoming increasingly popular and have multiple applications in multiple industries, they have been used in the automotive industry for some time now and have revolutionized the way material handling is carried out in automotive manufacturing.
The Applications of Automated Guided Vehicles in the Automotive Industry
Automated guided vehicles make manufacturing vehicles and automobiles much more efficient. This is because of how material handling is automated with the help of these vehicles. But the actual applications of AGVs in the automotive industry go way beyond simply handling materials. Here are some examples of how AGVs are used in the automotive industry:
Raw Material Delivery
Raw material delivery involves the delivery of raw materials such as steel, aluminum, rubber, plastic, oil, petroleum, and more. Raw materials handling is usually carried out in the initial stages of automotive manufacturing.
Pre-production Staging
Before the manufacturing of an automobile can begin, a pre-production environment needs to be created to ensure that the manufacturing can be carried out securely. This staging involves significant material handling, which automated guided vehicles are used to carry out.
Chassis Lines
Chassis lines carry the different components of completed automobiles and hold the completed automobiles together. These heavy lines can be transported to and from the assembly line with the help of automated guided vehicles.
Assembly Lines
Different automotive components are assembled at assembly lines in manufacturing plants. These heavy components can be transported on automated guided vehicles.
Just-in-time Parts
Some automotive manufacturing plants do not hold all automotive raw materials, components, or parts in their inventory and receive them exactly when they are needed for assembly. These are known as just-in-time parts. Automated guided vehicles can be used to transport these just-in-time parts from arrival all the way to the assembly lines.
Finished Automotives Transport
Lastly once the automobiles are finished, they are transported from the assembly line to storage or to bulk loaders for transport to dealers and showrooms using automated guided vehicles.
The Types of Automated Guided Vehicles You Will See In the Automotive Industry
There are many different kinds of automated guided vehicles on the market, and most automated guided vehicle systems in the automation industry will include at least a few of the following kinds of vehicles:
- Automated Guided Carts– These are the most common and most basic kinds of AGVs and have very few features. They are essentially just carts that can be programmed with navigation systems and carry materials and heavy loads from one location to another.
- Forklift AGVS– Forklift AGVs function exactly like regular forklifts. The only difference is that the former does not require an operator, whereas the latter is operated by a human.
- Towing AGVs– Towing AGVs are also known as tugger AGVs and usually tow or tug load-carrying vehicles like carts behind them in a train formation. These vehicles are well suited for handling large quantities of materials that need to be dropped off at different stops on a route.
- Unit Load AGVs– These automated guided vehicles are smaller and are designed to carry just one unit of material or single items. These kinds of AGVs are used mostly to carry automotive parts to and from assembly lines.
- Heavy Burden AGVs– These AGVs carry larger loads and very heavy materials. In the automotive industry, you might see these vehicles transporting finished automobiles.
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)– AMRs are less common but much more technologically advanced AGVs. They can follow routes using advanced navigation systems, cameras, and sensors. They are well-equipped to transport materials following multiple routes in complex spaces like manufacturing plants and storage facilities.
The Benefits of Automated Guided Vehicle Systems for the Automotive Industry
Automated guided vehicle systems can offer several benefits to the automotive industry, particularly in the way that they help increase efficiency and productivity in manufacturing plants. With AGVs that are run without a driver or operator, there is no need to rely on a human to work these machines. They are run through pre-programmed software, and there is no need for interruptions in case a worker is unwell or not available.
The integration of AGVs into the manufacturing process for automotive can be quite seamless. This is because of advanced technology like wired navigation, magnetic guide sensors, collision avoidance, zone control, etc. The AGVs know exactly where to go and how to get there seamlessly. They can also be tracked to see where they are in a manufacturing plant and what items or materials they carry so nothing gets lost or misplaced. This also offers increased reliability and optimization for moving materials.
And finally, a huge benefit of AGVs is the extra support offered to workers. Workers in the automotive industry must do less labor-intense and repetitive tasks involved with material handling when AGVs are available. This means fewer workplace injuries and happier workers.
Heavy Load Moving Machinery by Hovair Systems – Automated Guided Vehicle Systems
Hovair System offers a wide range of sustainable heavy load management solutions at cost-effective rates. The company has worked with some of the most prominent businesses in the automotive industry, such as GM.
If you are looking for automated guided vehicles to use in material handling and would like to purchase these vehicles for your automotive industry business, Hovair Systems can help. They offer a range of material handling equipment, including automated guided vehicle systems. Get in touch with them now for more information.
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