Features/Benefits Provided: Significantly reduce pallet and product damage No plant interruption during installation Flexible solution for changing production demands at plant Safe, reliable and timely delivery of finished product

A seven vehicle automatic guided vehicle (AGV) system was installed to streamline operations in the packaging area of a production plant. The plant produces plastic resin that is used in making durable items such as compact disks. The idea for this improvement came as a result of a Six Sigma Quality Program event.

Much of the production in this facility has been automated for years. But until recently, the movement of boxes from the finishing line to the truck to the warehouse, was done by workers driving fork lifts.

The AGV system was installed to eliminate the non value added jobs so that workers could be reassigned to do more important tasks. The AGV system transports full pallets of finished product weighing up to 4,000 lbs from output conveyors on each production line to the shipping dock area. Each conveyor stand is monitored with sensors and when a full pallet arrives, an AGV is automatically dispatched to pick up the load.

Significant involvement by the customer’s cross–functional team helped assure the success of the project. They took ownership in understanding every step of the project. This involvement helped to provide smooth integration between interface hardware and software.

Throughout the transport process, scanners reading tags on the boxes and pallets, track the material as it is moved through the plant.

is a proud member of AGVS, a Product Section of the Material Handling Industry of America
400 Highpoint Drive
Chalfont, PA 18914
Phone: (215) 822-4600
Toll Free: 1-888-362-3628
Fax: (215) 822-4553
Website: www.jbtc-agv.com