Recently John Hayes, Vice President of US Sales and Marketing for Seegrid, was interviewed by Tim Floyd, National Sales Director for Trilogiq USA. Floyd and Hayes talked about the current trends of automated guided vehicle (AGV), or driverless vehicles, in the automotive industry. The Q&A interview can be found on Seegrid’s website and is entitled, “Why Flexible AGVs Make Sense for the Automotive Industry.”
Hayes explained, “Flexible AGVs will play a major role in streamlining the automotive industry. By implementing flexible AGVs, the automotive industry is able to address the non-stop demand for improved productivity. These unmanned vehicles drive a decrease in labor costs, improve safety and health of workers, and improve efficiencies. The trend in the automotive industry right now is supermarket kitting. When automation is added to the supermarket kitting application, the result is a higher delivery frequency. By utilizing the flexibility of AGVs, upfront costs are reduced compared to the financial risk involved with traditional automated guided vehicles which utilize laser, tape, or wire guides to operate.”
Hayes gave examples like Daimler Trucks North America. The company needed flexibility to change routes and was faced with rising labor costs. Similarly, AISIN USA Manufacturing needed to improve cycle times and develop continuous lean process improvements.”
Hayes commented that recent data suggest that flexible AGVs actually increase jobs instead of eliminating them; these jobs are typically spent in other areas of the process. “Leon from Giant Eagle was a general warehouseman and took over the project of managing and maintaining the robot fleet. He was responsible for setting up all the routes and training the robots. Leon is just one example of many who are placed into a more fulfilling role. Different roles support different processes in manufacturing and distribution centers.
To read the entire blog, go to: http://blog.seegrid.com/Blog/bid/329232/Why-Flexible-AGVs-Make-Sense-for... .
About Seegrid
Seegrid Corporation provides simple, affordable, flexible vision-guided automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to the material handling industry. Seegrid robotic industrial trucks, flexible AGVs, are revolutionizing the movement of materials in manufacturing and distribution environments. Seegrid automated pallet trucks and tow tractors optimize workflow processes by increasing productivity and reducing costs, creating economic and operational advantages. Robotic industrial trucks deliver a rapid return on investment, improve facility safety, and reduce equipment and product damage. Fast Company magazine named Seegrid as one of the Top 50 World’s Most Innovative Company in 2013 and among the Top 10 World’s Most Innovative Robotics Company in 2013. Follow Seegrid Corporation on Twitter at @Seegrid.
Source: http://www.seegrid.com