Fori Automation recently provided (2) high capacity Aerospace AGVs for the automated transport of a Mobile Paint System for aircraft painting and sealant.
The (2) high capacity AGVs are utilized as mobile platforms for the transport of a mobile paint system. The paint system is for painting and sealant applications within the general assembly area. The mobile paint system seals to the outside of the aircraft fuselage, allowing for paint and sealant activities in the general assembly area of the plant.
The AGVs were developed for the transport and staging of this system. Each AGV includes (4) powered drive wheels, (4) lifters and (8) suspended swivel casters. Once the AGV moves the system into position, the AGV and system are lifted and leveled. The mobile paint system is leveled in order to maintain a proper seal to the fuselage section for pressurization. After the paint and/or sealant apply is complete, the AGV retracts the lifts to lower the mobile paint system. Once lowered, the AGV and paint system are transported to the home position to wait for the next fuselage section to be loaded into the work position.
Each of the AGVs is outfitted with (4) powered drive wheels. The powered drive wheels enable omni-directional travel and fine positioning. The AGV is required to locate within +/- 5 mm at final position. The lifters are fully adjustable, including 6” of total stroke. The suspended swivel casters were provided in order to overcome the +/- 19 mm of floor variation in the plant. Suspended swivel casters also improve weight distribution across the entire AGV system.
Control of the AGVs & mobile paint system is completed via Siemens tethered HMI. The positioning, lift and level is completed automatically via preprogrammed sequences.
Can you tell us about your role at Fori? I started at Fori in the mechanical engineering department. Being new to this particular position and industry, I started out as a detailer, progressed to a designer and as of recent have taken on the role of Project Engineer.
What does a typical day look like for you? A typical day consists of overseeing multiple projects. Coordinating designs directly with our customers as well as working closely internally throughout various other departments to ensure the project runs smoothly. It is a very hands on position which I really enjoy! What is your favorite part about working for Fori? For me, it is seeing a project start as a concept/idea, watching it progress through the design phase in 3d cad, then going through the manufacturing process on our floor before finally being delivered to the customer. It is a rewarding experience seeing our final product in the production environment.
What has been the most exciting/important innovation at Fori that you have witnessed? In my time at Fori, the most exciting innovations have been our AGV (automated guided vehicles) systems and technology. Each one is unique per customer request and requirements from automotive to aerospace. It really gives you a glimpse of the future of manufacturing and automation.
Describe some of your favorite projects completed at Fori or your proudest moment? My favorite projects are the ones that require creative solutions. In particular, one of my proudest moments was when we were experiencing complications on a machine in the field and I was able to identify the issue and provide a quick solution.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about a career at Fori Automation? Fori is a fast paced environment where you can challenge yourself, innovate and advance your career.
What does true leadership mean to you? Working side by side, encouraging and inspiring others. It is providing the tools to maximize success and goals on an individual or team level. What is something most people don’t know about you? I don’t drink coffee.
What have you gained from working at Fori? I have gained many new skillsets in my time at Fori. Most notably, looking at challenges from a different perspective and thinking outside the box. No one project is the same and has its own set of challenges and roadblocks to overcome.
How do you define success? I see success as accomplishing personal goals, challenges or tasks you set out to do. If you can set your mind to something and work to your full potential to achieve that goal, then that is true success - the goal itself is subjective.
When you’re not at work, what are you most likely doing? Mountain biking or planning my next trip out west.
Hi-Speed Stand Alone Headlamp and ADAS Auditing with Pneumatic Centering Platform.
The high speed audit headlamp system utilizes an automatic Y and Z positioning gantry similar to what is used on production machines. Combined with the pneumatic centering platform, it provides for a means of auditing a wide variation of vehicle model headlamps with the Fori high resolution camera system. The high speed audit system provides improved throughput compared to manual headlamp audit systems.
High speed headlamp audit applications require the platform be mounted to the plant floor, so an entrance ramp is included for pulling into the platform, and backing off.
The system also provided the means for adding floor targets for a calibration check of the surround view camera system. The equipment can be utilized for adding other ADAS calibration devices in the future.
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High speed headlamp audit applications require the platform be mounted to the plant floor, so an entrance ramp is included for pulling into the platform, and backing off.
The system also provided the means for adding floor targets for a calibration check of the surround view camera system. The equipment can be utilized for adding other