This AGV System operates 24/7 and facilitates the Vehicle Systems (AGVS) movement of stacks of empty and full boxes of cheese on pallets to and from the pickup/drop off locations.  The WMS communicates with the AGV control system and generates orders to/from the robots.

Order generation to initiate moves from storage to grading, as well as any required “dig out,” occurs via JBT standard AWI interface messaging.  The warehouse’s WMS requests the delivery of pallet stacks to the packaging robots from the AGV control system.  Then, the AGV control system dispatches vehicles to collect empty pallets and drop them off at the desired location.
 

Counterbalanced AGVs are equipped with three- stage hydraulic lifts and 52-inch-long forks to handle either 2 pallets back to back or 1 pallet of cut products to/from the work-in-progress (WIP) room and Cooler.
By automating the movement of these materials throughout its facility, this food manufacturer saw increased efficiency in its operations. Plant workers became available to perform more important tasks,  and the warehouse’s throughput increased. Overall, this supplier’s decision to automate was a homerun.