Do automated guided vehicles (AGVs) used in an operation Increase Efficiency? It can increase. However, before purchasing, it is useful to make sure that these vehicles can work in the same environment as your employees.
When it comes to adding productivity and efficiency to operations, Nowadays Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) have become a common practice. Considering that AGVs are included in many facilities, it is clear that some changes need to be made to achieve full adaptation. Because these vehicles work in close contact with real people.
Such new automation and especially AGVs bring new changes in your warehouse. In daily business encounters, new measures are essential to protect employees and your new equipment from any work-related accident.
The first issue to be addressed is the reorganization of the workspace. To prevent possible accidents, floors and corridors should be separated in going and coming directions. This will be a good start for the transition to the new process.
· Reduce the risks of collisions and accidents by creating marked lines for AGVs and people. You can achieve this by using ground straps and suitable home bases for AGV's.
· Determine the operation zones which is going to be used by AGV's.
· Remember that your employees will share the same space with the new AGVs. So providing necessary training and safety signs are essential
If you have decided to add an AGV to your facility, some important points need to be considered. Of course, you are aware of the current risk points in your warehouse and you work accordingly. But with the addition of AGVs, new security risks will arise. AGVs will share the same space not only with the workers but also with the other equipment in your workspace, and an appropriate arrangement for this sharing is essential.
When incorporating AGVs into an existing or newly built facility, establishing a clear line for these robots is a top priority. Adding them to a brand-new operation gives you the freedom to coordinate the movement areas from scratch. A second possibility is to place the AGV on an existing floor layout. Contrary to popular belief, this situation is extremely easy as long as you pay attention to the right points.
You need to consider multiple issues together to get a clear line of work. The first is the use of floor tape or special markings so that all your employees know the routes AGVs will take.
Establishing these marked roads will help prevent costly accidents and raise awareness of the working line of AGVs for everyone, from inspectors to visitors. Another aspect is to identify any areas in your facility where you don't want footpaths and new equipment to pass through (hazard areas, tight areas, etc.). Finally, you need to determine where your vehicles will park and turn and mark these areas accordingly. Because you don't want obstacles like pallets or containers to be placed in front of an AGV home base!
Identifying "zones" for your AGVs to operate goes along with establishing the right lines. You need to revisit all the areas your robots will pass through daily and determine which areas will be exceptional. Factors to consider when deciding on these zones are:
Space Clearance – When creating travel zones, remember that the recommended space between any load-bearing vehicle and an external structure (such as a pallet rack) should be a minimum of 6 meters.
Hallway Sharing – Just as employees must be aware of AGVs around them, it is important to ensure that there is enough space in your corridors and areas for both man and machine to coexist. Also, when designing these corridors, be sure to add extra space for an employee to exit the corridor if necessary (emergency escape route).
Once these factors are met, you can continue to create zones for your AGVs. No matter how many work zones you have set up, each should be determined based on the gap between the robot and the nearest fixed structure. Exclusion of doors and door surrounds from AGV access will greatly increase security. Restricting robotic access at doorways where people pass by keeps both sides safe.
As with any innovation to your operation, adding an AGV and using it at full capacity depends on the willingness of the employees. Remember that your employees will share space with and (often) cross paths with AGVs.
To prepare your current workforce for incoming robots, first make sure that the right training is received. Education cannot be ignored. Every employee should be aware of how to share their space with an AGV and how to interact with them daily.
The software available in each AGV is essential for the correct operation of the process. You don't want your robots to stray from the path unexpectedly or to catch an employee off guard with an unexpected move. Making sure each one (light or reflective) is visible will help raise awareness.
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