Features/Benefits Provided: Significantly reduce product damage and labor costs Flexible solution for changing demands at plant Accommodates standard trailers and dock equipment Safe, reliable and timely loading of trailers

An automatic guided vehicle system (AGVS) was installed to automatically load trailers in a juice beverage plant. Pallets are picked up 24x7 directly from conveyors at the exit of the palletizing lines. The pallets are delivered into standard, over-the-road trailers.

Outside the trailers and in the warehouse, the AGVs navigate with accurate and flexible laser guidance. Laser guidance was preferred because it allowed the customer the flexibility to easily change the system without making any changes to the plant or trailers. Inside the truck the AGVs navigate via additional sensors which precisely control movement.

In addition to adapting to standard trailers, the system needs no special dock equipment. The standard dock equipment used by the manual fork lift trucks was also used by the AGVS.

The AGV Trailer loading system also accommodates multiple trailer loading patterns. Each load pair was offset to provide more even weight distribution and less load shifting during transport.

The system typically moves 120 loads/hr, transporting pallets from 3 pick-up points to trailers at 5 dock locations. This system is scaleable so larger and smaller throughputs can be accommodated by adjusting the number of vehicles.

The system was installed to reduce labor cost and product damage. All goals were met and the customer plans to automate additional facilities.

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