Asti Mobile Robotics has developed a driverless transport system for the transportation of sample paper for Schoeller Technocell. The Felix Schoeller Group is a manufacturer of specialty paper. The new automated guided vehicle (AGV) is an important step in the automation of logistics.

In production, sample paper rolls with a length of 1 to 2 m and a weight of up to 30 kg regularly have to be transported between the coater and the central laboratory. By integrating the proANT 485 AGV, the company hopes to achieve an automated transport process that will reduce the workload on employees. Only the material transfer is still carried out manually at the defined positions. Previously, the rolls were transported manually. The employees had to cover a distance of 220 meters. This involves passing through three high-speed gates. To make matters worse, the transport route falls into a highly frequented area where people and, in some sections, manned forklift trucks and electric trolleys move around.

The proANT 485 is a customer-specific production. The vehicle was equipped with a spotlight and is painted in a signal color. The headlamp generates a blue light cone that creates a spot on the ground approximately 4 m in front of the AGV. This allows the approaching AGV to be recognized at an early stage, especially in intersection areas. Furthermore, a signal light was attached to a pole on the AGV to make it additionally recognizable.

Doors open automatically

The proANT 485 at the charging station. © Schoeller Technocell

As both people and industrial trucks are on the transport route, orange flashing beacons have been installed at four points in the hall. As long as the AGV is in this area, these are switched on automatically. A potential-free contact is required to operate automatic doors. This opens the door and keeps it open until it is pressed again. Transmission can take place via LAN or WLAN. For transmission via LAN, a network cable must be available at the respective control points. The transmitted signal triggers the opening of the corresponding door. The AGV sends the signal to the network modules to control the respective components. Two positions - one at the coater, the other in the central laboratory - are equipped with a charging station. The AGV only moves between these two points. If the AGV is at one of the points, a button on the AGV can be used to generate an order to the other point. An existing order can be deleted via the AGV's web interface. The journey ends at the two destination points with the connection to the charging station. Charging at both points eliminates the need for complex battery management.

To familiarize employees with the new technology, Schoeller first rented a proANT AGV as a test vehicle. The company then organized a training course for the workforce on how to use the new robot.