Elektroautomatik AGV & AMR
Case study
The customer, a leading automotive manufacturer with a global presence, needed to upgrade the production line at one of its facilities in France. The challenge was to deliver a reliable AGV system with 15 units to streamline the transportation of chassis during the manufacturing process.
The existing equipment needed replacement to maintain stable production. To ensure an efficient production flow, the customer required a solution that was both reliable and tailored to their specific needs.
Elektroautomatik developed and delivered a proven AGV system that met the customer’s needs:
The project was characterized by regular Teams meetings and a shared digital platform to facilitate smooth collaboration. The customer participated in the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at Elektroautomatik, and a pre-installation site visit to the French facility ensured that the installation area was prepared and that the project could proceed as planned. After commissioning, the collaboration continued with follow-up meetings and remote access to the equipment, enabling quick adjustments when needed.
This project is a clear example of Elektroautomatik’s ability to deliver international automation solutions. With reliable AGVs and tailored support, we created a solution that meets the customer’s unique requirements and contributes to more efficient production.
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For a customer in the automotive industry, Elektroautomatik Mobile Robotics has delivered an AMR system consisting of six AMRs. Their task is to transport products on pallets between various portal-loaded machines and through a robotic cell in the factory.Since the AMRs operate in an environment shared with forklifts, operators, and pedestrians, safety and flexibility were two key factors during the purchasing process.In the delivery, the AMR system communicates with both the machines and the robotic cell to ensure safe entry and secure pickup/drop-off of pallets.– “With AMRs performing the work, you get predictable and safe transports in an open layout. You also gain a more flexible production process compared to using a traditional forklift, a pallet jack, or a fixed conveyor system,” says Oskar Kurtti, Sales Manager at Elektroautomatik Mobile Robotics.Previously, all these transports were handled manually. With the new solution, the customer immediately achieved a more efficient production flow.The AMRs are differential-driven and contour-navigating. Charging is automatic and wireless at fixed locations, making the system highly flexible.– “A contour-navigating AMR system allows the customer to quickly adapt the movement patterns on the floor if future needs change,” says Oskar.The result for the customer was a reliable and flexible solution that does not require additional resources.
Lithium batteries: The AMRs are equipped with lithium batteries for increased capacity and longer lifespan.Differential drive: The drive mechanism consists of two drive units mounted in the middle of each long side, allowing the AMR to rotate around its own center point.Contour navigation (SLAM): The AMR uses its laser scanners and its surroundings as a reference to navigate freely without any tracks or fixed installations.Optical navigation: Complementing contour navigation (SLAM), a camera ensures precision stops at pickup and drop-off positions. The camera reads a taped QR code on the floor.Wireless charging: Contactless charging via a charging plate on the AMR. This type of charging is very fast, flexible, and efficient.BlueSpot: A lamp projecting a strong blue light onto the floor in the AMR’s direction of travel to enhance visibility for its surroundings.
Elektroautomatik 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. EA 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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