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Rawlplug’s new crew member. You won’t have a chat, but a break together is an option

3 minMichał Raińczuk
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It’s official: the first autonomous vehicle has passed its tests and made its way to the Wrocław manufacturing plant. It’s the first, but definitely not the last one. AGVs will soon start to play an important part in the development of our company’s internal logistics.

What are AGVs?

For those unacquainted with the term, automated guided vehicles (AGV) are somewhat reminiscent of the popular cleaning robots used by many of us to vacuum our homes. Their basic operating principle is similar: both devices first map (or in other words, become familiar with) the rooms in which they are to be operated, and then – once programmed – they begin to perform the tasks assigned to them. But that’s where the similarities end, because there is a chasm separating even the best Roomba from the technologically superior AGV. 

Priority – safety

The AGV which we have chosen following several weeks of testing, is capable of performing about 1000 actions on its own, including tasks such as lifting and transporting raw materials and finished products. It moves not only forwards and backwards, but also to the right, left, and diagonally. It adapts perfectly to the existing space, and follows the tasks assigned.

Dominik Graba

Logistics Manager at Rawlplug

At the same time, the AGV is an extremely safe vehicle. Its Lidar scans the area in real time while dedicated systems react immediately when it is necessary to slow down or stop in front of an obstacle. Also for safety reasons, the vehicle’s maximum speed has been limited to 5 km/h.

Processes made even more seamless

The AGV runs for 6–6.5 hours on a single charge. If necessary, it can be recharged at any time; a five-minute pit stop is enough for it to catch its breath and return to its duties. If an employee working in the area served by the vehicle decides to take a 25-minute break, the AGV is prompted to chill out a bit as well and recharge the battery. 

These kinds of vehicles function on a systemic basis. Their job is to define a procedure and implement it by sequencing processes across the entire plant. They impose certain movements and generate habits, for example, to place specific objects in pre-set locations, and by that means, by definition, they guarantee work safety.

Dominik Graba

Logistics Manager at Rawlplug

All of this is of great importance, since the AGVs (it is likely that two such autonomous machines will have been deployed in the Wrocław facility by the end of this year) are ultimately to serve the entire plant and take care of its internal logistics. 

The AGVs will fit perfectly into the IFS system we are currently implementing, which comprises planning of production, procurement, and purchasing. Soon, we will be storing all raw materials under the roof, while the vehicles will pick them up directly from the machine and deliver them to the right place. Reporting on the completed actions in real time, it will make sure that the process runs smoothly.

Dominik Graba

Logistics Manager at Rawlplug

Eco-logistics

We will soon announce further changes to Rawlplug’s internal logistics. They will be oriented not only towards safety, but also towards environmental protection. Here’s an example. Owing to certain technological developments, we will reduce plastic film consumption by approx. 60–70 per cent per pallet. This eco-friendly effort will allow us to save literally tonnes of plastics. 

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Michał Raińczuk

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