AGVs in logistics

Where there is e-commerce, there is inevitably logistics management. After all, what could be more efficient than a network-connected fleet of AGVs to travel around huge warehouses and find the required product in record time? These automated guided vehicles have enabled the automation of all these internal transport tasks. They are able to retrieve goods at height in vertical warehouses before transporting them to the conveying chain. In order to meet the high productivity requirements of order preparation, these AGVs must:

• Be compact and offer high power density. The robots must occupy as little space as possible in order to adapt to the confined spaces. Therefore, they need compact motors without compromising on power.
• Implement SS1 safety regulations to avoid obstacles and collisions with human operators. In terms of the drive, this involves using integrated temperature sensors in the motor as well as electronics to prevent the risk of overheating.
• Be connected to the other AGVs in the fleet, in order to be maneuvered simultaneously within the same space. This connectivity is enabled by EtherCAT, CANopen or I/O bus communication
• With or without electronics, the IDX 56M motors meet all the criteria, whether used for a traction, lifting or steering system.

Conveyors

Whether rollers or belts, conveyors take care of transporting goods to the operations area, where they are scanned, for instance. During this stage, maintenance challenges are decisive, as the slightest breakdown would result in huge losses. Choosing a reliable, connected drive system to minimize maintenance operations is therefore key. This way, motors with integrated electronics can be controlled remotely and perform diagnostics or an update at one time, without having to be near the machine.

• With its communication buses, the range of IDX 56L motors can be controlled remotely, simplifying all your maintenance operations.

Packaging machines

To arrive safely at their destination, goods need to be correctly packaged and labeled. Depending on the size and shape of the product, the packaging machines take care of this stage using multi-axis systems. Generally equipped with several independent motors, these machines need a master to synchronize all the operations in the chain: a master controller. There are also major challenges here in terms of compact size, maintenance and connectivity.

The ZUB master controller from maxon allows IDX 56M or 70 motors to operate in complete harmony: while one retrieves a box, the other is already preparing the tape to seal the parcel.

 

Operator-less delivery AGVs

During the social distancing era, these tele-guided robots have proved their worth. They are able to travel from point A to point B completely autonomously in order to complete their delivery assignment. The recipient can access their order via a single click on their smartphone or by using a QR code. As these AGVs are intended to come into contact with the customer, the design aspect is important. EC Flat motors are the preferred motor type for the cover, as they are especially adapted to confined spaces.

 

Assistance AGVs

The primary task of these robots is to help delivery people by carrying parcels for them. As is the case for autonomous delivery AGVs, the motors of these robots must be even more compact than those used in logistics, particularly for the wheels. IDX can be used for this purpose, or even the new maxon wheel drive concept – motorized wheels with integrated electronics.