The food industry is one of the most dynamic and automated industries today. Therefore, it is necessary to update and improve all its processes with advanced technologies, in order to help reduce manufacturing times or the movement of raw materials within the facility. In this blog we explain what an AGV is and what features it needs within this industry.
What is an AGV?
An AGV, Automated Guided Vehicle, is an autonomous vehicle used in a variety of industrial processes to move goods before, during or after the manufacturing process. These vehicles are usually introduced into controlled environments and can use sensors such as lasers or cameras to evade obstacles, such as factory workers. There are also AGVs that operate by filoquestration that are guided by following a line marked on the ground.
In addition, AGVs are an important part of logistics and production in today’s industry.
Necessary characteristics of an AGV in the food industry
This section includes the most important and necessary characteristics of an AGV in the food industry. These include the following:
Food safety
AGVs must meet the food safety standards for the industry in which they are to be installed. Also, cleaning and sterilization must be adequate.
Materials
The materials that make up the AGV must be watertight, protected against water, splashes and elements that can make it dirty. In addition, they must be suitable for contact with foodstuffs and resistant.
Flexibility
AGVs must adapt to changes in production or customer needs. This includes the ability to integrate with other factory processes or customize the route.
Robustness
AGVs must be rugged and durable due to the rigorous working conditions. In addition, it must have good build quality and a design that minimizes the need for maintenance.
Adaptability
It must be able to adapt to different types of loads such as pallets, boxes or trays, whether they have contents or not. However, in order to be adaptable, the size and height of the AGV’s loading platform must be adjustable. Also, the load must be safe and secure at all times, to avoid loss of material or products during transport.
Connectivity and integration
The AGV must have connectivity and integration with the systems already operating in the factory. In this way, an efficient operation is achieved, waiting times are reduced and there is a smooth flow of work, important factors in the food industry. Likewise, AGVs must be easy to use for workers, with intuitive graphical interfaces that show their status at all times, such as problem diagnosis.
Benefits of integrating an AGV
Some of the benefits of integrating an AGV are as follows:
- Improved traceability and tracking of products, since indicators can be introduced to them and know where they are at all times, or if they are loaded or not.
- Reduction of waiting time, both in the manufacturing process and in the transport and delivery of the product to the customer or the carrier.
- Improved energy efficiency due to optimized transport routes and reduced downtime.
- Reduced food damage due to mishandling during transportation.
- Increased flexibility and adaptability to changes in customer demand, as the AGV can be easily reprogrammed for new routing or functions.
Introducing an AGV in any factory, whether food or not, is the order of the day, thanks to the benefits they provide. Now that you know what and which are their specific characteristics for the food industry and their benefits, do you want to apply AGVs in any of your projects? Do not hesitate, Contact with us!
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