Creform, a company based in Greer, SC, has engineered a new Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) designed to handle heavy frames within automotive assembly operations. The innovative model, HA-B Bi-directional AGV, is constructed with fabricated steel to ensure both strength and durability. The vehicle measures 80 inches in length, 28 inches in width, and 30 inches in height.
Features and Capabilities
The HA-B AGV stands out with its bi-directional capability, facilitated by Creform’s bolt-on drive units. This unique feature allows each end of the AGV to independently follow the guidepath, ensuring precise and repeatable tracking. The dual drive wheels enhance the AGV’s load capacity and allow for lateral movement, making it ideal for space-restricted environments. This lateral travel capability enables the AGV to shift sideways into an interface position for automated lifts or manual operations. Additionally, the vehicle can perform 90° or 180° spin turns for added maneuverability.
The AGV is equipped with several advanced features to ensure consistent load transfer and alignment. It can be easily loaded and unloaded using a forklift and includes frame-detecting proximity sensors for additional safety. The powered engage/disengage mechanism allows operators to raise or lower the drive wheels, facilitating manual repositioning when needed.
Performance and Integration
The HA-B AGV can travel at speeds up to 50 meters per minute and has an impressive load capacity of 4,400 pounds (2,000 kilograms). It offers extensive programming capabilities with a 50-course programming feature and a 128-command capacity via a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screen located at one end of the AGV. The system includes input/output monitoring, course programming, error messaging, and logging features. Safety is further enhanced with an electro-mechanical emergency and parking braking system, and the AGV is powered by 24V batteries.
For navigation, the AGV reads floor-mounted RFID tags for position feedback and uses command tapes adjacent to the magnetic tape guidepath. Onboard radio equipment ensures continuous communication with the plant’s traffic control system.
Operational Efficiency
The AGV operates on a route featuring ten stops and runs for two shifts per day. It automatically stops and starts based on signals from the traffic control system. The HA-B AGV is part of a larger 20-vehicle system integrated into an assembly line. The PC-based traffic control system is connected to the plant’s overall production system, ensuring seamless integration and operation.
Creform’s HA-B Bi-directional AGV represents a significant advancement in AGV technology, providing robust solutions for the complex demands of modern automotive assembly operations.