Soderlund was actually approached by one such kid-like attendee who happened to be in the mattress business. He imagined a giant cart built of Creform’s 42 mm diameter piping being towed along a production line, carrying a King-size mattress. As the two discussed this potential application, the intimidation factor gradually declined. Whether such a system will actually be built is yet to be determined, but suffice it to say, it COULD be.
Another aspect that tends to calm AGV jitters is the cost of such a basic system. Soderlund talked about AGV systems that can be up and running for as little as $10,000, starting at the base level with a drive unit that can travel multiple routes, guided by a magnetic tape path on the floor. Systems are already used in automotive plants such as GM.
MODEX provided a good immersion into automated vehicles, tape-, laser- and vision-guided. In the latter class, several exhibitors demonstrated automated forklifts. Raul Bravo, president of Balyo, a Paris-based provider of forklift automation, is entering the American market with an eye on that 3PL market just mentioned. His company provides automated reach trucks guided by a proprietary navigation system. He says these can travel without drift for 6500 ft. He says warehousing is a more predictable environment, and that his company’s vehicles can provide an ROI in 12-18 months.
Seegrid displayed its own automated vehicle, the GWS35 walkie stacker, which can automatically pick up, drop, stack, and put away loads up to 72 inches at a maximum load capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Dave Blanchard and I tweeted about these and many other impressive sights and insights at MODEX. We thought the best way to share them with you again would be through a gallery. Click here to go there.
