Case Study Intralogistics with item: AGVs at Audi

With item, a current advertising partner has an interesting case study that belongs in more detail. It is about the transport of system kits. After all, a premium supplier like Audi offers its customers numerous options when it comes to vehicle configuration, which then have to be installed on request. As is well known, almost no two cars are the same. There is always a difference somewhere. The project partner was Grenzebach.

A8 production with many variants in Neckarsulm

The numerous options present multiple challenges for assembly. On the one hand, the right option must be installed in the right vehicle (and the vehicles are on the move). A tugger train, in particular, quickly reaches its limits when it comes to fitting the right row follower. In addition, large distances have to be bridged in a plant. In Neckarsulm - to increase the complexity - warehouse and production are located on different levels, which are connected by freight elevators with a manageable footprint.

Tasks for intralogistics

The project with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) should cover the following tasks(details see here):

• Flexible configuration of staging trolleys
• Largest possible storage space in a minimal footprint
• Simple and ergonomic handling for workers
• Easy conversion and low maintenance
• Planning and assembly of the staging trolleys by item

For this purpose, 30 AGVs from Grenzebach are used, which can flexibly transport up to 24 components simultaneously on a base area of 120 cm x 120 cm. The dimensions of the staging trolleys thus become very relevant, as they determine during operation how large the additional protective zone around the moving transport must be set for the employees and process safety. As soon as an obstacle is detected within the protective zone, the driverless transport system stops for a few seconds. If the blockage, such as an employee standing in the lane, cannot be cleared within this period despite the warning signal, the AGV interrupts the transport until it is released again by the control center. The AGVs permanently report their current location so that a "fleet manager" is always in the picture, if necessary.

One of the advantages of item's staging trolleys is their low weight. This reduces energy consumption. Another advantage of item staging trolleys is their flexibility. They can be easily adapted when changing models with different requirements. item uses screw connections, which increases flexibility. Finally, due to the many electronic components for the interior of the Audi A8, including numerous safety-critical components such as airbags, the carts must also be dissipative within the EPA as part of ESD protection.

Major parts of the project management were carried out by item, i.e. the design and assembly of these customized staging trolleys were provided by item, as can be seen in a PDF.

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In my own business/ advertising
The author of this blog answers companies the question if and how a robot could be used in your company (initial analysis including recommendation). This in the greater areas of Trier and Lüneburg as well as Eastern Germany without Leipzig/ Berlin for 700 € net, in the rest of Germany for an all-inclusive price of 1,750 € net (incl. travel). The low price is possible thanks to promotion. Permanently looking for interesting solutions, he has already seen hundreds of applications. For this reason, his customers also include large companies that have know-how but do not know the entire market. For companies with 250 employees or more or those based in Austria or Switzerland, the flat rate does not apply. You can find more about him here.