Fori Automation Blog

High-Capacity Automated Guided Vehicles


Fori Automation recently provided (2) High Capacity AGVs for the assembly of rockets for a large aerospace OEM.

The High Capacity AGVs can lift and transport up to 330,000 lbs. when used as a pair. Each AGV is capable of 165,000 lbs. when used in a single tool configuration. The system is designed to carry several different tools with varying lengths, widths, and total weights. The AGV system utilizes an optical coupler to communicate between the AGVs to coordinate motion and safety.

Each AGV includes (4) servo lift arbors, (6) suspended drive wheel assemblies and (8) suspended caster assemblies. The AGV chassis was custom designed to accommodate all of the different use cases. Each system included (3) different guidance methods for the various use cases within the plant. Currently, the system utilizes semi-automated control, with the ability to be upgraded to fully automated in the future.

The system can repeatedly locate within +/- 1.5mm at pick and drop stations. While driving the vehicle must maintain +/- 10 mm at slower speed. Improved accuracy and repeatability are accomplished through the use of Siemens servo motors and drives. The system is based on a high voltage DC Architecture, with a DC-DC converter to run the high voltage servo motors and drives.

The AGV solution reduced reliance on overhead cranes and other manual material handling methods for moving tooling and product through the plant. The AGVs will improve production flow and improve safety and repeatability for the assembly processes moving forward.

Aerospace Assembly Systems - Tuggers - Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for Composite Tooling Cart Transport


Fori recently supplied (2) automated Tugger AGVs for Aerospace composite tooling cart transport. The Fori Tugger AGVs were supplied to transport a variety of composite tooling parts with total transfer weight up to 30,000 lbs. The Tugger AGV system included auto docking to the product carts. The purpose of the auto docking is to eliminate the need for operator intervention to couple to the carts and transfer them through the assembly plant. The Fori Tugger AGV is utilized in two configurations, first as a Tugger pulling tooling carts in a single direction. The Tugger AGV is also used as a Dock N’ Lock. In the Dock N’ Lock configuration, the AGV automatically connects to the tooling cart and pulls it against the bumpers (shown in bottom picture). The attachment allows the tooling cart to rotate with the Tugger AGV and back it into work stations as required by the process. The Tugger AGVs were commissioned to ensure safe and reliable product transfer. Previously, this transfer was completed with fork lifts or manned tow vehicles. The AGVs eliminated non-value added material handling and provided a hands off system for transporting product through the assembly process.

Automated Guided Vehicles for Composite Tooling Cart Transport


Fori recently supplied (2) automated Tugger AGVs for Aerospace composite tooling cart transport.

The Fori Tugger AGVs were supplied to transport a variety of composite tooling parts with total transfer weight up to 30,000 lbs. The Tugger AGV system included auto docking to the product carts. The purpose of the auto docking is to eliminate the need for operator intervention to couple to the carts and transfer them through the assembly plant. The Fori Tugger AGV is utilized in two configurations, first as a Tugger pulling tooling carts in a single direction. The Tugger AGV is also used as a Dock N’ Lock. In the Dock N’ Lock configuration, the AGV automatically connects to the tooling cart and pulls it against the bumpers (shown in bottom picture). The attachment allows the tooling cart to rotate with the Tugger AGV and back it into work stations as required by the process. The Tugger AGVs were commissioned to ensure safe and reliable product transfer. Previously this transfer was completed with fork lifts or manned tow vehicles. The AGVs eliminated non-value added material handling and provided a hands off system for transporting product through the assembly process.  

Assembly Systems: Cockpit Assembly Line


Fori China recently designed, built and integrated a cockpit assembly line in Shanghai.

Features:

  • Jobs Per Hour: 60 jobs
  • Results: Increased production rate, reduced labor, decreased injury concerns
[gallery ids="1140,1139,1138" type="square" columns="2"] The Fori China project aimed to improve the productivity and ease of assembly for a cockpit. The manipulators were attached to a steel structure that is used for assisting the operator while installing the cockpit assembly into the vehicle. After the cockpit is attached to the manipulator, it is conveyed to the install location, the goal is to reduce potential of damage to the workpiece. Once the workpiece is located within the vehicle, the manipulator holds the panel until tightening of the bolts is completed. The manipulator has improved production efficiency, reduced product damage, and most importantly improve safety for the operators. For more information about Fori's aerospace tooling, please visit our website.

Automated Guided Vehicles for Robotic Drill & Fill System


Fori Automation specializes in the design, build and integration of customer Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for the Aerospace & Defense industries.

Fori recently provided two high capacity Aerospace AGVs for the automated transport of a mobile robotic drill and fill system.

Mobile Robot for Automated Drill & Fill
Image Source

Features:

  • Guidance Technology: Magnetic bar, natural feature/laser contour
  • Capacity: 40,000 lbs./18,181 kg.
  • Safety: Safety scanners and bumpers, Siemens safety PLC, system interlocks
  • Controls: Siemens open architecture
  • Keys to Success: Custom designed chassis, highly accurate and repeatable
  • Results: Improved flexibility
The two high capacity AGVs (transporting mobile robotic platforms with weights up to 40,000 pounds) have been designed to accommodate projected production. The Fori AGVs will be the primary method of transporting the mobile robots between each of the necessary drilling stations. The AGVs were developed to increase system automation, flexibility, and remove the traditional monuments that are generally required for automated drilling applications. The design intent was to build a vehicle that was modular and interchangeable. The AGVs were designed to accommodate multiple mobile robots, the software is modular, and simplifies the communication between the Fori AGV and mobile robot. EI - Midbody AGV (15604) - 1 The Fori AGV is required to locate within +/- 5mm to an existing fuselage transporter. The Fori system utilizes a natural feature and camera based guidance system, which accommodates unexpected location of the transporter. The Fori system overcomes the variability of the fuselage transporters accuracy by measuring the surface of the transporter to generate angular offsets and utilizes a SICK camera and reflector based system for final location. Once positioned, the mobile robot automatically docks to the transporter for power, communication, and pneumatics. Automated movement is handled through the tethered Siemens Mobil Panel. The operators are able to select drill positions on either the Fori HMI or robot HMI. Once selected the Fori AGV is responsible for safely and accurately lifting and transporting the two mobile robots between 16 different drill positions. For more information about our drilling platform AGVs, please visit our website.