Automatic Guided Vehicles Maximize Space in Automotive Stamping Plant

The use of automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) has opened up a large amount of unused manufacturing space in this automotive stamping plant. A fleet of five AGVs pick up steel blanks at the receiving area load stand. The vehicles transport the steel about one-half mile up a ramp leading to the second floor. The AGVs then transfer the steel to a press for stamping into truck door and hood panels. A second fleet of AGVs pull three trailers, take away the racks of door panels to a work-in-process station where they’re staged on three high racks to await final assembly and shipment. The system has increased productivity within a “fork-free” manufacturing environment.