Table of contents
1. What is manufacturing process automation?
Automation in manufacturing processes involves using technologies, systems, and automated equipment to perform production tasks with minimal human intervention. The primary goals of automation are to enhance productivity, improve product quality, reduce production costs, and increase flexibility in the manufacturing process.
2. Why automation is important?
In the era of Industry 4.0, automation has become an inevitable trend to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and meet the ever-increasing market demands. One of the most prominent technologies in automation is the Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) and Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR). This article will provide you with a deeper understanding of AGV/AMR, their role in manufacturing, and how to apply this technology to your business.
3. What is Robot AGV/AMR?
AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle): An AGV is an automated vehicle that is guided along a fixed path using physical markers such as colored tape or barcodes. They are typically programmed to follow predetermined routes.
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot): An AMR is a more intelligent autonomous robot that uses advanced navigation technologies like SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to automatically build maps and locate itself within a space. AMRs can adapt to changing environments and plan flexible routes.
Find out more about the AGV/AMR differences here
Driven by their flexibility and rapid deployment, AGV/AMR solutions are becoming increasingly attractive to manufacturers. We – Rozitek are focused on driving down upfront costs to deliver a competitive ROI, often within 18-24 months
4. AGV/AMR role in the era of IOT 4.0
Industry 4.0 has created a competitive landscape where manufacturers must adapt or be outpaced. Those who leverage the latest technologies will gain a significant edge.
AGV/AMR is a prime example of AI in action
- Machine learning and route optimization: AGV/AMR uses machine learning algorithms to automatically learn and optimize movement routes, avoid collisions, and increase work efficiency.
- Environment recognition: Thanks to sensors and image processing algorithms, AGV/AMR can recognize and adapt to changes in the working environment, such as the appearance of workers, and unexpected obstacles.
- Intelligent decision making: The central control system (RCS) combined with AI helps AGV/AMR make intelligent, flexible decisions during operation, such as choosing the shortest route, avoiding congestion
5. Popular applications that Rozitek successfully deployed for customers
Over the past 2 years in the Vietnamese market, Rozitek has deployed over 100 robots for various applications. Popular use cases include:
- Transporting goods from the material warehouse to the production line using the THOR model, capable of handling pallets up to 2000kg and lifting up to 5m.
- Intra-factory transportation between production stages using the FLASH model, which is flexible and can operate in confined spaces (850mm aisle width) safely alongside workers thanks to sensors.
- Transporting finished goods from the production line to the finished goods warehouse using the THOR pallet mover.
- Sorting goods within the warehouse, such as small items with the BEAST model, which features a flexible gripper and camera for quick item recognition, or pallets with the THOR model for high-level storage.
Other applications and solutions depend on the factory’s layout and current processes. Contact Rozitek for consultation.
6. Then how to apply AGV/AMR?
A comprehensive AGV/AMR implementation involves:
(1) Needs assessment: Identifying automation opportunities/factory pain points
(2) Robot selection: Selecting the most suitable robot model.
(3) System design and integration: Designing a customized solution.
(4) Deployment and commissioning: Installing and starting up the system.
(5) Ongoing support and maintenance: Ensuring long-term system performance
7. Case study
Rozitek’s client, the leading Japanese corporation IRISO, has successfully implemented an AMR system using our FLASH and BEAST models. The results are impressive:
- ROI achieved in just 13.08 months
- Monthly profit: $6,581
- Monthly cost reduction: $8,928 (after 13.8 months of ROI)
Rozitek offers free consulting, design, and implementation services. We also provide on-site robot demos to help customers assess suitability and make necessary adjustments.
Contact us for a free consultation: info@rozitek.com