A major manufacturer of agricultural equipment builds its 5000 Series
utility tractors on a new, fully integrated and networked "smart"
assembly line that operates with the help of sixty-two smart AGVs.
The AGVs serve as platforms on which work-in-progress tractors ride
more than a quarter of a mile on an assembly line with 106 workstations.
AGVs are routed through assembly steps, meshing with cross-trained
workers using smart tools in workstations. AGVs do not move from specific
assembly stations until the work is both verified completed by the
control systems and quality parameters have been achieved. The AGVs
also know how to bypass workstations not required in the manufacturing
of a particular tractor.
There can be twice as many labor hours in a high-option tractor as
compared to a basic model. This makes variable routing with smart
AGVs important in juggling production scheduling.
The fleet of 62 AGVs centers around one vehicle design. Each vehicle
is capable of carrying 7,200 lb. gross weight. The platform vehicles
are outfitted with one of three custom fixtures, depending on whether
it carries a tractor chassis, transports an engine or a transmission. |
| Project Type: |
Utility Tractors [80hp and under] |
| Number of Vehicles: |
62 |
| Key Facts: |
140 Employees, Single Shift Operation |
| Facility Size: |
188,000 sq. ft. w/ 1,452ft. AGV Path |
|
 View
PDF Document for this Project - [221KB] |
