Automatic guided vehicles in action
ROBOTIC Automation will be presenting its latest generation of automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) on stand 1513 during National Manufacturing Week, to be held at Sydney's Darling Harbour from May 30 to June 2.
An AGV in action.
AGVs are driverless vehicles designed to perform many of the same materials handling duties as forklifts.
According to Robotic Automation, its latest AGV models, supplied by FMC Technologies, have advanced characteristics designed to enhance the machines' performance capabilities.
A fleet of AGVs can be programmed to provide a plant with a 24-hour shift operation in poor lighting, yet with increased safety and less product damage, while also reducing costs.
For example in a warehouse operation, centrally controlled AGVs can redirect and distribute the changing requirements of incoming orders in real time, while co-ordinating the interplay of fleet movements to maximise efficiency.
At the same time, instant feedback is provided through the system to trace stock levels, as well as interface with despatch and ordering department systems.
Robotic Automation introduced its FMC range of AGVs in Australia at a launch seminar held in Sydney earlier this year, and this technology is now being integrated within the RA Group, said managing director Colin Wells.
"We have watched the development of AGVs over the past 25 years to the point where we can be entirely confident in their long term viability," he said.
For the past 18 years, Robotic Automation has been delivering automated solutions to production challenges for companies of all sizes, in all industries and states across Australia and New Zealand.
Typical robotic applications available through the company include welding, palletising, case packing, materials handling and machine tending.
More recently, other production challenges addressed by using robotic solutions have extended to a wide array of applications including directing the flow of molten metal, spraying enamel to toilet bowls, and water-jet cutting of automotive carpets.
Other Robotic Automation products to be featured at NMW 2006 include:
* Motoman and OTC Daihen leading-edge robot technology with new performance and operational capabilities designed to increase production efficiencies.
* Genesis, a state-of-the-art stretch wrapping system, incorporating advanced maintenance and safety developments, to deliver the best combination of production speed and value-for-money, according to the company.
Other RA Group services to be included in the NMW display include in-house consulting, design, engineering, fabrication, installation and servicing.
17-Mar-2006