Can transport robots cope with inclines?
A frequently asked question is whether our mobile transport robots are capable of coping with inclines and declines. This issue often arises in brownfield projects where historical structures lead to interconnected halls having height differences, usually bridged by ramps. While forklifts and electric pallet trucks navigate these ramps effortlessly, mobile transport robots may face challenges depending on the load and ramp incline. Each ramp is assessed individually to ensure safety, as it’s crucial to prevent the load from slipping or tipping. Typically, AGVs are capable of managing inclines up to 3 degrees (5%), which equates to a height difference of around 50 cm over 10 meters. For safety, using ramps with steeper inclines in an AGV’s route is discouraged.
What should be the condition of the floor?
For optimal performance, mobile transport robots require a level surface. They operate effectively on concrete floors with minor irregularities. However, transitions featuring grids, brushes, or scraping devices require individual assessment to ensure smooth crossing.
Challenges arise with significant floor damage, such as large potholes or broken surfaces, which can potentially cause load slippage or even impair robot functionality. If an AGV gets stuck due to such damages, the load must be manually unloaded and the robot freed, causing significant delays and disruptions in the production process.
Safety always comes first. We conduct individual assessments to determine whether sections of routes with inclines and uneven floors are navigable by our mobile transport robots, taking all safety aspects into consideration. This includes adherence to the VDI Guideline 2510, which sets clear safety standards for automated guided vehicles. As an AGV manufacturer, we use these specifications to derive measures to minimize the risk of your vehicles. For more information on the VDI machinery directives, please click here: Fahrerlose Transportsysteme – Leitfaden Sicherheit | VDI. In coordinating projects with our customers, we consistently collaborate to formulate solutions that meet these rigorous safety standards.