Efficiency and flexibility in automation

Under the MAXOLUTION® brand, SEW-EURODRIVE offers scalable transport and assistance systems for flexible, efficient, and future-proof automation in production, assembly, and logistics. The Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) combine innovative hardware and software components from SEW-EURODRIVE's modular technology kit and are designed for autonomous navigation within the facility and continuous material flow. They are able to move raw materials, liquids and finished products reliably and precisely, minimizing human error and increasing production speed.

“Hygiene and safety are of the utmost importance in the food industry. We are aware of these requirements, e.g. resistance to dust and dirt,” confirms Martin Straub, technology field manager at the Corporate MAXOLUTION® Solution Center. “Our vehicles are also designed to meet the particularly high requirements of cleanroom class ISO 5, including stainless steel surfaces, stainless steel load handling attachments and abrasion-optimized wheels.

Various load handling devices for in-house transportation of load carriers can be flexibly integrated into these logistics assistants via mechanical and electrical interfaces. These include, for example, roller conveyors or a lifting unit for the underride function. Stable conveyor systems for vehicle-to-vehicle transfer and high positioning accuracy ensure controlled loading and unloading processes as well as maximum availability – even in the tighest of spaces. The drive module enables both bidirectional and omnidirectional operation.

The free-moving vehicles navigate within the space using free contour navigation and safe data matrix positioning. They are equipped with a parking function that allows precise positioning with orientation relative to predefined objects. The vehicles are powered by a lithium-ion battery, which is supplied by the MOVITRANS® inductive charging system from SEW-EURODRIVE.

WLAN communication and fleet management

The vehicles communicate via a WLAN client with the advantage of very low latency times (less than 5 milliseconds), high data bandwidth and maximum stability. The interoperable VDA 5050 communication interface also enables simple integration into the MAXOLUTION® connected fleetmanager control system or control systems from other manufacturers. This fleet manager optimizes layout, route order and energy management. It ensures simple planning, simulation and emulation of conveyor lines and offers a central database for precise control and monitoring. The convenient fleet management is based on a no-code platform specifically designed for changeability and user-friendliness, as there is no need for programming to make adjustments in the factory.

Digital services

One highlight of the trade fair concept is the digital networking of the individual "planets" with their exhibits in a central control center. These exhibits continuously deliver data and information to the "cockpit", where all data streams converge and digital images of the exhibits are created. This is where DriveRadar® presents itself, a digital, data-based, intelligent maintenance portfolio with condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. Vehicle data such as position, operating hours, battery level, fault status, order number and order number are collected and visualized in this way.

Gesture-controlled AGV in the experience area of the trade fair stand

SEW-EURODRIVE offers further innovations combined with interaction and entertainment in its experience area at the trade fair. There, too, MAXOLUTION® logistics assistants with specific load handling devices and an AGV that can be controlled by gestures solve intralogistics tasks.