Feature

Motorising an Automated Guided Vehicle

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are most often used in industrial applications to transport heavy materials around warehouses or factories. It is critical AGVs don’t fail. The choice of motorisation is key.

30/06/2020 14:46:36

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If you’re thinking about motorising an AGV, maxon has five fundamental points to bear in mind:

1. Choose compact motorisation

Being compact is an important factor in warehouses – in the machinery used
and the storage solutions themselves. Customer demands have increased, and 24-hour delivery is becoming the norm. As things stand, warehouses can no longer afford to be far from major delivery areas. The price per
m2 on the outskirts of a town is not the same as it is in the middle of the countryside, so logistics firms are opting for high-rack storage solutions. This means they need ergonomic robots
that can move vertically and reach required heights. However, it is difficult, if not impossible, to have a compact AGV if the motor is bulky. Therefore, it is essential to choose compact motorisation. Drives
must also be able to fit into restricted spaces, as they are sometimes integrated into existing trucks. A small footprint is a major issue for applications in logistics.

Read the full article in the July issue of DPA.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.