Wiegand-glas Enhances Efficiency with Fahrerlose Transportsysteme (FTS)

Table of Contents

• Wiegand-glas Enhances Efficiency with Fahrerlose Transportsysteme (FTS)
  • Automated Transport Processes Drive Maximum Efficiency
  • FTS solution Tailored for the Packaging Industry
  • Long-Term Success Through Automation
  • About ek robotics GmbH
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) at Wiegand-Glas: A Q&A Guide
  • What are Fahrerlose Transportsysteme (FTS) or Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)?
  • How does wiegand-Glas use AGVs to enhance efficiency?
  • What are the specific benefits of using AGVs for intralogistics at Wiegand-Glas?
  • What type of AGVs does wiegand-glas use?
  • What are the key features of the CUSTOM MOVE AGVs used by Wiegand-Glas?
  • How does Wiegand-Glas ensure the long-term success of its AGV system?
  • Can you summarize the key information about the AGV implementation at Wiegand-Glas?
  • What is ek robotics’ expertise in AGV solutions?
  • What are the potential future automation projects for Wiegand-Glas?

The Wiegand-Glas Group,a leading provider of glass adn PET packaging solutions,has been leveraging Fahrerlose Transportsysteme (FTS),or Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs),from ek robotics for over two decades to optimize its intralogistics processes. At the Schleusingen, Thuringia location, the third AGV system within the group commenced operations in June 2020, ensuring a seamless flow of materials in production.

Automated Transport Processes Drive Maximum Efficiency

In Schleusingen, wiegand-Glas produces up to 3.5 million glass containers daily across seven production lines. The finished products are palletized, shrink-wrapped, and transported to height-adjustable transfer positions. From this point, the fahrerlose Transportsysteme from ek robotics take over all transport tasks to the warehouse.

Björn Bayer, from the Quality Management and Glass Control project team at Wiegand-glas, emphasizes the impact of this technology: “Diese Automatisierungslösung steigert die Effizienz unseres Standorts erheblich und sichert unsere prozesse langfristig.” This translates to: “This automation solution significantly increases the efficiency of our location and secures our processes in the long term.”

FTS solution Tailored for the Packaging Industry

The CUSTOM MOVE series transport robots from ek robotics are deployed, specifically designed for the demands of the packaging and beverage industry.These robust vehicles boast high maneuverability and load capacities of up to 3,000 kg. Equipped with two chain conveyors and hold-down devices, they transport loads up to 2.8 m high and complete over 120 transport orders per hour, even within the confined spaces of the 650 m long course.

Long-Term Success Through Automation

After more than four years of operation at the Schleusingen site, Wiegand-Glas confirms the successful implementation of the automation. Through training at the ek Academy, employees can independently make adjustments to the system.

Björn Bayer summarizes the benefits: “Die FTS-Anlage läuft ohne zusätzlichen Personalaufwand und erfüllt unsere Erwartungen voll und ganz. Wir sehen großes Potenzial für weitere Automatisierungsprojekte.” In English: “The AGV system runs without additional personnel costs and fully meets our expectations. We see great potential for further automation projects.”

With the successful implementation of the FTS solution, Wiegand-Glas demonstrates how modern intralogistics increases efficiency and makes companies future-proof. ek robotics proves its expertise in developing customized FTS solutions for the industry.

About ek robotics GmbH

ek robotics is among the world’s leading manufacturers and system integrators of innovative high-tech transport robotics for production and warehouse logistics. At five locations worldwide (hamburg, Germany, headquarters), Reutlingen (Germany), Milan (Italy), prague (Czech Republic) and Buckingham (Great Britain), the transport robotics specialist with over 300 employees creates smart, networked and flexible transport solutions for the fully automatic, in-house material flow of its globally operating customers. For more than 60 years, ek robotics has repeatedly set new standards in the automation industry and benefits from decades of experience in the growth, manufacture, integration and turnkey delivery of Automated Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS). With convincing support over the entire AGVS life cycle, the AGVS pioneer supports its worldwide customers even decades after commissioning.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) at Wiegand-Glas: A Q&A Guide

This article explores how Wiegand-Glas, a leading packaging solutions provider, uses Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), known in German as Fahrerlose transportsysteme (FTS), to optimize its intralogistics. We’ll delve into the benefits, implementation, and technology behind this automation solution.

What are Fahrerlose Transportsysteme (FTS) or Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)?

Fahrerlose Transportsysteme (FTS) is a German term that translates to Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in English.these are driverless vehicles used to transport materials in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution centers.Thay follow predefined paths using various guidance technologies such as magnetic tape, wires, lasers, or vision systems.

How does wiegand-Glas use AGVs to enhance efficiency?

Wiegand-Glas utilizes AGVs from ek robotics to automate the transport of palletized and shrink-wrapped glass containers from production lines to the warehouse at its Schleusingen,Germany location. This automation ensures a seamless flow of materials, reduces manual labor, and improves overall efficiency. Key benefits include:

Increased Efficiency: AGVs handle over 120 transport orders per hour.

Reduced Personnel Costs: The AGV system operates without requiring additional personnel.

Long-Term Process Security: Automation secures processes for the long term.

What are the specific benefits of using AGVs for intralogistics at Wiegand-Glas?

Björn Bayer from Wiegand-glas highlights that the AGV system runs without additional personnel costs and fully meets their expectations. The specific benefits include:

Continuous Operation: AGVs can operate continuously, including during off-peak hours or when manual labor is unavailable.

Reduced Damage: Automated transport minimizes the risk of damage to fragile glass containers.

Improved Safety: AGVs reduce the risk of workplace accidents associated with manual material handling.

Optimized Space Usage: AGVs ensure more flexible space usage compared to conventional transport systems.[3]

What type of AGVs does wiegand-glas use?

Wiegand-Glas uses the CUSTOM MOVE series transport robots from ek robotics. These AGVs are specifically designed for the demands of the packaging and beverage industry.They are robust, highly maneuverable, and have a high load capacity.

What are the key features of the CUSTOM MOVE AGVs used by Wiegand-Glas?

The CUSTOM MOVE AGVs deployed at Wiegand-Glas have the following key features:

High Load Capacity: Capable of transporting loads up to 3,000 kg.

Chain Conveyors: Equipped with two chain conveyors for efficient loading and unloading.

Hold-Down Devices: Secure loads up to 2.8 meters high during transport.

Maneuverability: Designed for operation in confined spaces.

How does Wiegand-Glas ensure the long-term success of its AGV system?

Wiegand-Glas ensures the long-term success of its AGV system through:

Employee Training: employees receive training at the ek Academy, enabling them to independently make adjustments to the system.

Reliable Technology: The robust design of the CUSTOM MOVE AGVs ensures reliable operation.

experienced partner: Partnering with ek robotics, a company with over 60 years of experience in AGV systems.

Can you summarize the key information about the AGV implementation at Wiegand-Glas?

| Feature | Description |

| ——————- | ——————————————————————————————– |

| AGV Provider | ek robotics GmbH |

| AGV Model | CUSTOM MOVE series |

| Load Capacity | up to 3,000 kg |

| transport Volume | Over 120 transport orders per hour |

| course Length | 650 meters |

| Key Benefit | Operates without additional personnel, increasing efficiency and securing processes |

| Industry Focus | Packaging and Beverage Industry |

What is ek robotics’ expertise in AGV solutions?

ek robotics GmbH is a leading manufacturer and system integrator of high-tech transport robotics for production and warehouse logistics. With over 60 years of experience, they provide:

Customized Solutions: Development of customized FTS solutions tailored to specific industry needs.

Global Presence: Five locations worldwide: Hamburg, Reutlingen, Milan, Prague, and Buckingham.

Comprehensive support: Support throughout the entire AGVS lifecycle, even decades after commissioning.

What are the potential future automation projects for Wiegand-Glas?

Björn Bayer sees great potential for further automation projects at Wiegand-Glas. This could include:

Expanding the AGV System: Implementing AGVs in other areas of the production facility or warehouse.

integrating with Other Systems: connecting the AGV system with other automation systems, such as ERP or WMS.

Implementing new Technologies: Exploring the use of more advanced AGV technologies, such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).