Automated Guided Vehicle Systems
Creform Donates AGVs to Alabama Industrial Training Center
Greer, SC—Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products for the design and building of material handling structures and automated guided vehicles has donated two AGVs to the Alabama Industrial Development Training Center (AIDT). The two AGVs, CA-A50060-NSI-SL- BSTAGV, will be used in the lab of the training center facility to simulate manufacturing processes.
The AGV system consists of a loop that’s approximately 150 ft. end to end. On one end, a robot picks blocks that represent the “product” from the top of the cart being transported by the AGV and places them on the conveyor. On the other end, the robot picks from the conveyor and places the blocks on the AGV’s cart. The carts feature a flat carrying deck on top to hold the blocks during transport. Each AGV can move at speeds of up to 164 ft. (50 M)/min and can hold up to 1,332 lb. (600 Kg). Each AGV transports a dolly constructed of Creform pipe and joint and follows a magnetic tape guidepath with embedded RFID tags along side.
The units can handle up to a 50-course program with an HMI touch screen, RFID readers to initiate commands and 5Ghz wireless radio. A Hokuyo 8-bit optical device communicates between the AGV and the stationary devices, while the units feature a powered hitch that allows for automatic coupling and uncoupling.
The AGVs are powered by a 24-volt system with two 62AH 12v AGM batteries An opportunity charging system is incorporated into the system that eliminates the need for the user to change batteries. The DAIHEN Corporation system consists of stations mounted adjacent to the guidepath that feature a wireless charging pad. Each AGV features a receiving charging pad. The power to recharge a battery is sent across an air gap via magnetic resonance technology with no cables or moving parts. With each circuit of the guidepath, batteries are automatically charged by just pulling up to charging station positioned along the route.
The Mission of AIDT, an independent agency under the supervision and oversight of the Secretary of Commerce, is to provide quality workforce development for Alabama’s new and expanding businesses, and to expand the opportunities of its citizens through the jobs these businesses create. Its Total Workforce Delivery System has provided thousands of skilled, motivated employees to Alabama industries since 1971.
The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and implementing these programs.
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Ed Szykula, KST Advertising & Public Relations
szykula@ksthip.com
