Heavy load AGVs
A New Generation of Heavy Capacity AGV Systems
Based on the Wheellift technology, a new generation of heavy and ultra heavy capacity AGV systems is emerging in the form of self-contained, gas or battery powered AGV transporters for assembly or process applications where loads of 30 tons and greater must be handled, yet provide all of the nimble characteristics of conventional lighter capacity AGV systems. This new technology allows multiple AGVs to come together under single large loads and work in tandem when the length and/or width of the loads require. Tandem operating AGV systems have been studied in theory, but Wheellift offers the first practical application in situations where the loads are greater than 30-tons.
Heavy load moving system AGVs
This new generation of heavy load moving system AGVs dramatically expands the roll of AGV systems in heavier manufacturing and process environments. Because of the extremely heavy loads being handled, and the duty cycles required, these new wireless technology systems use an LPG engine/generator package to provide continuous uninterrupted power. These new AGV systems can handle both inside and outside operations on factory floors and surface conditions that would not be possible with conventional AGVs.
As part of the Waverly, Iowa based Doerfer group of companies, TDS Automation Inc. has been quietly building an expanding presence in automated material handling and manufacturing systems for several years, where they have specialized in very custom LPG based systems that the leading conventional AGV companies, like HK Systems, FMC, Ford, and Jervis B. Webb were not willing to supply in favor of their own proprietary technologies. Because of their willingness to develop and furnish customer requested AGV systems with PLC controls, it has proven to be the cornerstone of TDS’s expanding roll in sophisticated custom AGV based manufacturing systems by now adding the ability to build much heavier capacity AGV systems that too has dramatically expanded those capabilities.
For applications that require the automated moving of very heavy loads, TDS has opted to use the Barrett AGV systems inertial guidance technology, where travel is along a virtual path. Barrett is a major leader in the field of virtual path inertial guidance based on solid state gyroscope navigation assists. Barrett has a highly credible history, dating back to their beginnings as Ripstat, who were the nation’s leading AGV systems manufacturer for many years. Barrett AGV was then in turn purchased by Moore Industries, and was then ultimately merged with another AGV company in a longer picture pursuit that left the line of business and agreed to release the engineers from the acquisition. Many of the highly specialized navigation technologies to be retained are now with TDS and offered as part of their newest AGV systems and solutions.