A major copper refinery and precious metals plant had been following the same basic methods for
processing metals, since their operation began in  They were looking for a way to meet customer demands in a highly competitive market. Some of their challenges included decreasing the production cycle, automating a manual process and increasing workplace safety for its employees. In addition, the work environment was highly repetitive, contained high temperatures and potentially hazardous materials as well.

The laser guided vehicle supplier worked closely with
the company to determine the best way to address their current challenges. They automated their metal production process to increase throughput by providing a unique robotic laser guided transport technology.

The transportation robots used for this client were able to withstand both high heat and exposure to chemicals like hydrochloric acid. With the modernization of the plant using this technology and high tech robots, the refinery was able to increase workplace safety for its workers and track production using predictable, consistent and safe handling of heavy cathode blanks. The improvements using the robotics laser technology in the process were noticed almost immediately. The production process for gold decreased from 45 days  to 5 days. In addition, increased efficiency allowed the refinery to add two new metals to their production.

The AGV supplier was able to address the many challenges this client faced and determined a customer-centric solution for a highly repetitive and sequentially variable operation. The automation of this copper refinery’s production process decresed labor cost, decreased the production cycle, increased safety in the workplace, expanded production and increased the consistency in
handling of materials.