In the realm of automated manufacturing, Heli has emerged as a pioneer, showcasing how tailored solutions can transform warehouse operations. By integrating Kollmorgen technology into specialized high-reach Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Heli successfully tackled the unique challenge of stacking 3-ton pallets of soft bags with finesse and precision. This innovative approach not only elevated efficiency and safety but also marked a significant leap in operational reliability.

At a urea manufacturing plant in Xinxiang, China, a Chemical Company embraced the concept of smart automation and sought to optimize its warehouse processes. The goal was to seamlessly move heavy pallets laden with soft bags of fertilizers from packaging to storage and onward to the outbound goods area. The introduction of AGVs became a pivotal part of this initiative, enabling the company to achieve 24-hour operation with a consistent and predictable throughput.

Heli, as the driving force behind this transformative endeavor, implemented specialized high-reach AGVs, leveraging the cutting-edge capabilities of Kollmorgen NDC Solutions. These solutions encompassed order routing, traffic management, vehicle navigation, and control, all powered by laser navigation technology operating on a robust 5G network. The integration with the Warehouse Management System (WMS) ensured a seamless flow of operations, enhancing overall warehouse efficiency.

A distinctive challenge in this project involved the need for AGVs to adeptly stack two tiers of pallets, each carrying soft bags weighing up to 3 tons. The varying compression of bag contents on the lower pallets presented a potential hurdle, which Heli addressed by equipping the AGVs with high-precision fork sensors. These sensors granted the AGVs the ability to execute loading and unloading tasks with flexible position tolerance, overcoming the complexities associated with uneven bag compression.

The Chemical Company has lauded the automation initiative as a resounding success. Impressively, the implementation timeline from project initiation to operational site was less than six months, with AGV commissioning completed within a mere 45 days. Heli’s AGVs, featuring Kollmorgen technology, have not only ushered in safer operations with minimal damage to goods and equipment but have also significantly enhanced precision and efficiency, resulting in an impressive 60% cost savings. This success story underscores the transformative impact of innovative AGV solutions in the evolving landscape of automated warehousing.