To implement modern production concepts and optimize intralogistics processes, automated guided vehicles are needed that can navigate freely and offer unrestricted area mobility. One possible solution: the ArgoDrive automated guided vehicle system from Ebm-papst. The control and navigation of vehicles moving over large areas is more complex, and the demands on sensors and safety technology are increasing.

Reduce space requirements and space costs

The space in warehouses and production halls contributes to high fixed costs and is quickly too small for the tasks to be performed. Optimum space utilization makes an important contribution to OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) in existing halls and production areas, but also in new planning. With track-guided transport vehicles, a lot of space must be reserved for the routes. The limited maneuverability results in a high space requirement in the area of curves and load transfer points.

Enabler for modular production

Omnidirectional systems enable any driving maneuver. These include, for example, traversing at right angles to the direction of travel and turning while stationary. Even in very confined spaces, transport vehicles with omnidirectional movement capability can perform precise maneuvers. This saves space by avoiding sudden or temporary obstacles and shortens distances thanks to free navigation.

Application scenarios for high area mobility

The future of manufacturing means flexible production down to batch size 1. As part of this, machines and production lines must be able to be converted quickly through modularization. This also requires flexible material transport between the machines.

The transport solutions must be controlled by sensors to move freely to the next work station - this is ensured by a higher-level localization and control system. This control system recognizes which processing station with which goods must be approached by which automated guided vehicle and issues the corresponding transport orders.

In modern production scenarios, the layout of the areas changes frequently and every angle is utilized. Transport vehicles must therefore be maneuverable and offer omnidirectional mobility. At the same time, the drive technology must ensure fast and safe braking in the event of unexpected obstacles. Another requirement is driving on different floor coverings and negotiating inclines.

Fine positioning for high precision

The omnidirectional movement shows its strengths particularly in fine positioning on the machine and at material transfer stations. Here, millimeter-precise adjustment is necessary in order to be able to push containers into the work station, for example. Equipped with high-resolution sensors and low-backlash mechanics, an omnidirectional drive-steering system positions every automated guided vehicle quickly and efficiently to its destination with maximum precision.

The majority of current automated guided vehicles have a chassis concept with three wheels, where only one wheel is responsible for the steering movement. There are also differential solutions in which the transport vehicle can turn on its own axis, but no lateral movements are possible. Precise positioning requires repeated maneuvering with additional steering or turning movements, which takes up a lot of space and time. Drive concepts for vehicles with omnidirectional movement capability, such as turntables or Mecanum, in turn have special requirements in terms of ground conditions, are slow and often complex.

Efficient realization

The ArgoDrive drive and steering system from Ebm-papst is a new drive solution for automated guided vehicles with area mobility. It combines the propulsion and steering functions in a single assembly. The unit consists of motors, a special gearbox, sensors and all the necessary connections. Two motors contribute to steering, accelerating, driving or braking, depending on requirements. The infinite steering angle allows the vehicle to move in a space-saving manner - even when stationary.

Two driving-steering systems on the left and right side of the driverless transport vehicle already guarantee omnidirectionality. Two additional freely movable support wheels at the front and rear ensure stability. Depending on the size requirements of the automated guided vehicle and the weight of the goods to be moved, three or four drive-steer systems can also be installed. This means that large loads can be handled even on inclines. To meet all requirements, Ebm-papst offers its ArgoDrive drive-steering system in the Light, Standard and Heavy versions for weight classes up to 100, 300 and 500 kg respectively. With four drive-steering systems in the Heavy version, a total vehicle weight of up to two tons is possible.

The article appeared in materialfluss 10/21.