How do I move from a manual assembly line to automated?

A question we hear a lot from our customers is: How do I move from a manual assembly line to one which is more automated? And then: How do I do this without major interruptions and/or major cost to my assembly line? Is downtime in my manufacturing, assembly plant, or warehouse unavoidable in making the switch from a manual system to an automated one?

Automatically Guided Vehicles now run along smart tape, and are no longer required to be embedded into the concrete floor of the facility, which immediately saves you time and money and the headaches of downtime while your existing building goes through renovations. AGV’s also run to a pre-determined program written during the manufacturing process in coordination with the client, so the AGV’s hit your lines running.

 

A Manually Guided Vehicle is one guided by an operator who uses a hand-held control to move the unit through its steps. This controller can either be attached to the MGV by a cord or as a wireless remote control. In choosing an MGV you will experience the freedom and ergonomic advantages to moving product from one end of the line or facility to the other.  Our MGV’s are already equipped with most of the AGV hardware so you can translate from manual to automatic for very little money and minimum effort.  

Case studies are available for both versions in multiple designs for a myriad of industries and applications. Handling Specialty has been in business since 1963 and builds AGV’s and MGV’s for some of the most demanding functions.
To better understand whether your facility could benefit from an AGV or MGV system, contact mroper@handling.com for more information and be sure to ask us about our demonstration unit.

 

 

Watch AGV’s Navigate QR Coded Tape for an Assembly Plant.

Whether you call them an AGV or AGC's, automatic guided vehicles have transformed assembly plants, manufacturing facilities and warehousing. Here you can watch as they move along a QR coded tape laid along an assembly line floor where each QR gives a command to the AGV on speed and function.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/dQf83z2B2KU

Why incorporate an automatic guided vehicle into your facility?

Automatic and Manually Guided Vehicles offer industries the opportunity for rapid growth of their manufacturing and assembly lines and come in custom shapes and sizes to fit the application. With an experienced Engineering department and Technical sales professionals to help assess your needs, Handling Specialty is your one stop shop for AGV and MGV's.

Automatic and manually guided vehicles are used for multiple applications in manufacturing and assembly facilities to assist in the transportation of product through the line or from the manufacturing floor to the warehouse. Handling Specialty’s vehicles are custom engineered, programmed and manufactured to our clients tooling, safety and specific operational needs to enhance their facility’s efficiencies and support employee morale by creating an ergonomically friendly work environment.
Find out more on the Handling Specialty website.

It does What?! Improve your Assembly Line with the Newest AGV on the Market

Not all AGV's – otherwise known as AGC's - are created equal. Handling Specialty's customized automatic guided vehicle was designed, built and tested at their facilities for a truck-body builder who required specific application details and safety options which Handling Specialty delivered.

The programming of the unit was developed to read each QR code on the adhesive smart tape placed on the manufacturing floor; altering speed, direction and functionality. A simple, yet advanced system of airbags and wheels at the center of the unit allow it to lift and spin 360 degrees when required. This particular AGV includes a Brushless DC servo motor to keep maintenance costs down, and has the capacity to hold 12,000 lbs.

Not only can this AGC be guided automatically via tape, the unit can also be manually guided when the situation presents itself i.e. positioning the unit or removing it from the assembly line for maintenance and charging its eight TPPL, 48 VDC voltage batteries. By plugging in a hand operated control and turning a key, the laser is disabled and the operator has full control over the AGV’s movements. A series of lights on the side of the AGV alerts the operator when they have control.

Handling Specialty has developed a truly unique take on the traditional Automated Guided Cart/AGC and placed them selves firmly in the future, where technology continues to assist the assembly line in efficiency, ergonomics and safety.

20 units were ordered to revitalize the manufacturing floor of an automotive assembly plant. Find a video of this automatic guided vehicle here

To get in touch with Handling Specialty contact Mike Roper at 1-800-559-8366.