Service agreement at Furhoffs Rostfria

Case studies

Through Elektroautomatik and the business unit Elektroautomatik Service, Furhoffs has a service agreement that helps them with preventive service, remodelling and acute faults in production.

About Furhoffs

Furhoffs Rostfria offers everything from their own products in the field of plumbing, stainless steel fittings for public buildings, elegant design benches for the home environment to contract production in stainless steel.

The factory and head office are located in Skövde, where both development and manufacturing take place.

Flexible robotic cell for carton erecting

Case study

Elektroautomatik has developed and delivered a robotic cell for erecting and taping corrugated cardboard boxes for a customer. The solution handles 240 boxes per hour and can easily be adapted to different box sizes.

The customer needed a flexible solution to efficiently manage boxes of various sizes. The result was a versatile system with a robot capable of handling four different box sizes.

– “The unique aspect of this solution is that you can refill a magazine while the robot continues working with the others. Additionally, operators can easily adjust the settings to allow the system to handle different sizes in the same process,” says Per-Åke Dahlberg, Technical Sales Representative at Elektroautomatik.

Features: Picking from four magazines

The robotic cell is designed for maximum efficiency:

  • Four magazines are used for feeding boxes into the system.
  • Boxes are automatically erected and taped before being transported further.
  • The robotic cell allows the magazines to be refilled during operation, minimizing downtime.

Turnkey delivery and safety

Elektroautomatik provided a complete turnkey solution, including:

  • Risk assessment and CE marking of the entire system.
  • Project management, design, installation, and operator training.
  • All safety functions were defined and calculated using the Sistema software.

Repeat purchase after a successful project

The long-standing relationship between the customer and Elektroautomatik resulted in the customer purchasing an additional identical system after the project’s success.

Technical overview

  • Energy types: Electric and pneumatic
  • Cycle time per box: 15 seconds
  • Box feeding: Four magazines for feeding flat-packed boxes, refillable during operation
  • Taping and folding: Integrated unit for taping and folding
  • Robot: KUKA KR 30-3 with custom tooling for box handling
  • Transport system: Conveyor for outgoing folded and taped boxes
  • Safety: Functions defined with Sistema
  • Control system: Siemens failsafe PLC
  • Remote support: Ewon router for remote service access
  • Designed for: 3-shift operation

Self-charging AGVs to Scania’s factories in Sweden and Brazil

Case study

Elektroautomatik via the business area Mobile Robotics has supplied Scania with a flexible AGV system that recharges continuously. The system, which contains 76 AGVs, was delivered to Scania’s engine factories in Sweden and Brazil.

When Scania developed a new product line and needed to construct a new assembly line, they chose to replace the fixed monorail track with AGVs. Mobile Robotics landed the order which included a total of 76 AGVs, for both Scania’s factory in Sweden and Brazil.

Unique for this solution is that the installed AGV type is a hybrid model which can be automatically charged during the assembly sequence through an induction line in the floor.

–  AGVs are charged whenever they stand on the line, which makes recharging much more efficient than using the typical charging plate method, says Carolin Almström, lead project manager at EA Mobile Robotics.

A moveable and expandable flexible solution

The solution also offered Scania a lot of flexibility, both in terms of ergonomic adaptation and possibility to expand the system. It is possible to adapt individual workstations by adjusting both the height and angle based on the elements for assembly, which means that the assembly process can be tailored all the way down to operator level.

– It’s very easy to change and expand this kind of system. If the customer wishes to move the facility, it’s not a problem. A new charging line can easily be installed in the floor at the new facility and the AGVs can be moved within days, continues Carolin.

Elektroautomatik Mobile Robotics delivered a complete solution. The concept included a track system and a robotic cell that uncouples Scania’s new product from adjacent equipment and docks it automatically to the AGV.

The AGV system was delivered to Scania in Sweden late 2020 and in Brazil early 2021.

Learn about our AGV & AMR solutions

AGVs increase lithium battery production capacity for warehouse trucks

Case study

Through its Mobile Robotics division, Elektroautomatik has delivered an advanced AGV system (Automated Guided Vehicles) to Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing Sweden (TMHMS). The AGVs function as mobile workstations in the assembly line for lithium batteries, significantly increasing production capacity and efficiency.

Background: Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing Sweden

Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing Sweden, based in Mjölby, is home to one of the world’s largest factories for the development and production of warehouse trucks. The company operates according to “The Toyota Way” – a philosophy focused on efficiency and quality in every production process. As part of their operations, lithium batteries for the trucks are also manufactured, and the need to increase production capacity led to the implementation of an AGV system from Elektroautomatik Mobile Robotics.

Advantages of the AGV solution

The new solution provides TMHMS with a safe, flexible, and accessible system for production. In the workflow:

  • Lithium batteries in various sizes and capacities are assembled and tested.
  • Each AGV handles up to two batteries at a time, depending on size and model.
  • The AGVs are equipped with integrated lift tables and turntables to improve ergonomics and efficiency in the assembly process.
  • Return paths are used efficiently, as the AGVs pick up new material on their way back to the next assembly step.

“TMHMS is incredibly skilled in efficient production processes and incorporates this thinking into every step,” says Oskar Kurtti, Sales Representative at EA Mobile Robotics. “The solution has provided TMHMS with a safe, accessible, and flexible system.”

Addition: Integrated Andon system

As part of the delivery, an Andon system was included, offering clear and detailed status information about the ongoing production.

Why lithium batteries?

In recent years, lithium batteries have become an increasingly popular choice in Toyota’s trucks due to several advantages over lead-acid batteries:

  • Longer lifespan
  • Higher energy density
  • Faster charging
  • Smaller and lighter batteries with the same capacity
The AGVs function as mobile workstations in a lithium battery assembly line.

Framgångsrik renovering av AGV:er

Case studies

Sustainability and cost-efficiency are essential for companies striving for long-term success, yet many face the challenge of balancing these two demands.

As market expectations continue to rise and companies are pushed toward substantial investments to keep up, the value of extending the lifecycle of existing equipment is becoming increasingly clear. This shift—from constantly investing in new machinery to instead optimizing current resources—opens the door to innovative solutions that promote both economic and environmental sustainability.

A challenge in the automotive industry: Ageing AGVs in need of new life

Our customer, a leading player in the automotive industry, faced a specific challenge in their effort to achieve both economic and sustainable growth. Two of their TC20-model AGVs, originally implemented in 2001 and later upgraded by us in 2015, had accumulated an impressive 70,000 operating hours. Despite this extensive service life, a carefully planned refurbishment showed that these AGVs could continue to play a central role in the production flow. The refurbishment was not only a cost-effective decision but also a clear demonstration of our commitment to maximizing the value of existing resources in line with modern sustainability principles.

From inspection to optimization

The refurbishment was carried out with meticulous attention to detail, thoroughly reviewing and optimizing components to ensure maximum performance and longevity. The step-by-step process included:

  • A thorough inspection of the electrical and mechanical systems
  • Restoration of missing components such as main switches, fuses, terminals, cabling, drive brakes, and drive servos
  • Replacement of defective parts to secure optimal functionality
  • Installation of new software and precise configuration of all relevant components

  • Updates to the PLC program for improved control and efficiency
  • Verification and testing of all electrical connections
  • Comprehensive test runs to ensure top-level performance before returning the AGVs to the customer

Measurable benefits: Economy meets environmental responsibility

Thanks to the extensive refurbishment, the AGVs are expected to remain in service for several more years, providing the customer with significant investment savings. The extended lifespan reduces the need to manufacture new units, contributing to a more sustainable production cycle. Elektroautomatik’s work reflects our strong commitment to lowering environmental impact by offering solutions that benefit our customers economically while also supporting environmental responsibility.

Sustainable refurbishment is a strategy for the future

This project showcases the tremendous potential of refurbishing and upgrading existing equipment. By giving these AGVs a new lease on life, our customer has not only realized substantial cost savings but also strengthened their sustainability efforts. Elektroautomatik demonstrates how technical expertise and environmental awareness can work hand in hand to create value across industries.

The original from 2001

Efficient production and better ergonomics with AGV systems

Case study

Challenges in Production and Logistics

Our client in the automotive industry faced a significant challenge when investing in a new factory building to consolidate the production of gearbox variants. To ensure future production capacity and streamline logistics, they needed a solution that not only saved space but also improved ergonomics and automated non-value-adding transportation. Alternative solutions, such as conveyor systems or manual transport, would have required larger areas, resulted in poor ergonomic conditions, and increased staffing needs.

The Need for an Innovative Solution

Without this type of investment, achieving the desired production capacity would have been impossible. Manual handling of materials and products would lead to higher costs and inefficiency while compromising the work environment. It was essential to find a solution that met the client’s high standards for availability, safety, and ergonomics.

Elektroautomatik Delivers Customized AGV Systems

Through its Mobile Robotics business area, Elektroautomatik developed and delivered customized AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) systems that were operational immediately after installation. These systems consisted of over 100 AGVs that served as work and assembly stations, transported gearboxes between different assembly stations, and managed material flows between pre-assembly and main assembly lines. Thanks to this solution, the client optimized space efficiency, ensured high availability, and improved the working environment for their employees.

Successful Outcome Despite Challenges

The project resulted in the successful installation and commissioning of over 100 AGVs during a short installation window in the summer of 2023. Despite challenges such as long lead times for materials and components, Elektroautomatik delivered a solution that met the client’s requirements and expectations. The client chose Elektroautomatik based on previous successful projects, the strong relationship between the parties, and Elektroautomatik’s ability to understand and meet their specific needs through tailored solutions.

Improved Efficiency and Working Environment

By implementing the AGV systems, our client in the automotive industry has not only secured their production for future needs but also optimized material logistics and improved the working environment. This project demonstrates how innovative and customized solutions can overcome significant challenges and deliver real value to the customer.

Spotlight by Västmanland Television: The T3 Factory in Köping is in Full Production

Efficient and flexible AGV solutions at Sandvik

Case studies

Elektroautomatik delivers advanced AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) to Sandvik Machining Solutions and streamlines their material handling. Our AGVs lift powder containers and pallets up to 1,300 kg to heights of 2.5 meters and handle every item in the flow — from small components to heavy load pallets.

Advanced features that boost productivity

With a unique tool changer, the AGVs can handle several different specialized tools, reducing the need for manual handling and optimizing the workflow. The open architecture makes it easy to integrate the AGVs with other equipment, ensuring smooth and reliable processes.

Free navigation with laser scanners

The AGVs are contour-navigated, meaning they navigate freely using laser scanners that rely on the surrounding environment as a reference. This eliminates the need for fixed installations such as wires or floor markers and provides maximum flexibility on the factory floor.

Learn more about our AGV & AMR Solutions

Delivery of AGV Solution to American Navistar Inc.

Case study

Elektroautomatik, through its Mobile Robotics business unit, has supplied advanced AGV systems to Navistar Inc, a leading manufacturer of International® commercial trucks, diesel engines, and IC Bus® school and commercial buses. The first delivery to their Huntsville, Alabama, facility took place in 2021, followed by additional deliveries in 2022 and 2023.

Automation solutions for future-proof production

The deliveries include complete systems for both assembly lines and production-related logistics. The solutions feature:

  • A significant number of AGVs.
  • Custom fixtures.
  • Central units for AGV control and integration with other systems.

“Navistar chose AGV-based solutions over fixed installations to create flexible production setups that meet future needs,” says Pär Knutsson, Sales Manager at Elektroautomatik Mobile Robotics.

Success through innovative solutions

The deal was signed after an extensive evaluation process, including testing of pilot equipment. Elektroautomatik Mobile Robotics customized both hardware and software to meet Navistar’s specific requirements.

“We are proud of these deliveries, which include a wide variety of AGVs and five different systems. This demonstrates our strength and competitiveness,” concludes Pär Knutsson.

Why choose Elektroautomatik Mobile Robotics?

Navistar’s high standards for availability, ergonomics, and safety made Elektroautomatik Mobile Robotics’ proven track record and expertise decisive in their choice of supplier.

About Navistar Inc

Navistar Inc, part of the Traton Group, is a leading player in the U.S. automotive industry, manufacturing trucks, buses, and engines for the global market.

Delivery of Robotic Cell to Swegon

Case study

In collaboration with ABB and the Elektroautomatik Automation business unit, Elektroautomatik has delivered a robotic cell for press braking to Swegon Group AB.

Increased capacity and improved working environment

The new robotic cell has provided Swegon with several benefits:

  • Increased production capacity.Improved working environment for employees.Consistent quality in production results.

About Swegon

Swegon Group AB is a market-leading provider of indoor climate solutions, offering innovative systems for ventilation, heating, cooling, and climate optimization. The company combines technical expertise with connected services to create healthy and energy-efficient indoor environments.