Background

Auto components manufacturer expected to create an automated material handling system for better use of space and drive operational efficiency. The legacy operation involved:

Components had to be picked or placed in the storage areas.

  • Picking components and placing them in storage
  • Storage system consisted of multiple floors, with multiple rows and columns

Implementation

  • HMI / SCADA screens to display vacant and occupied slots
  • Used S7 300 CPU and drivers to control automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for finding exact vacant location, as well as managing retrieval from specific location
  • Communication system between AGVs and control system was designed through WLAN system

Outcome

  • Higher ROI on plant through optimum usage of space
  • Enhanced efficiency through time and cost management
  • Dust and noise pollution eliminated, as compared to systems that used cranes for pick and place operations
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS)