AGV instead of hand cart in e-axle assembly

Motion Technology Company Schaeffler has automated material transportation between the assembly lines for e-axles at its Herzogenaurach site. Mobile transport robots from Safelog are now optimizing intralogistics.

The Schaeffler AGV Middleware control software for the mobile robots was developed in-house by Schaeffler Special Machinery, Schaeffler's internal mechanical engineering company. The AGVs handle the fully automated transportation of the workpiece carriers with pre-assembled components to the final assembly line and the return of the empty carriers to the pre-assembly line. The route is designed as a cycle. With the AGVs, it was possible to minimize the tying up of employee capacities during transport between the assembly lines. At the same time, the continuous material flow has significantly increased output. The company expects a return on investment (ROI) within two years.

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