Precision APEX DYNAMICS gearboxes in mobile robots!

6.3.2019 | Also, when you hear the word “drone” or “robot”, do you think of a “Terminator” or self-steering dron? Even though there are huge steps in the field of robotics, then in the very near future you will find a much less “sexy” robot than the Terminator. AGV vehicles save time for individual professionals who have more time to concentrate on their work.

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle)

AGV is a mobile robot that uses signs, wires, magnets, laser markers, or other devices for space orientation. It is most often used in factories where material transport is needed or in large warehouses where it helps with the transport of goods. Since the end of the 20th century, these robots have become increasingly important in the industry every year.

Application of AGV in logistics

One of the areas where autonomous vehicles are experiencing large-scale transport is the airport. For example, one of the logistics companies has developed a special application for AGV, which deals exclusively with baggage handling at airports. The airport in Lelystad, the Netherlands, will become the first test airport where AGV vehicles will be put into normal operation.

How is AGV navigating?

Mobile AGV-based robots are also known under other names (LGV), SGV (Self Guided Vehicle) or driven trucks, self-propelled vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and more. In spite of many names, each of the vehicles uses one of the following methods to navigate: laser navigation, contour range navigation, magnetic point navigation, wires navigation tape.

Wheelbase for mobile robots

Generally smaller AGVs typically have three wheels, ensuring stability regardless of the surface, since the two wheels are parallel and one wheel is support. When controlling this type of robot, the direction of its ride depends on the speed that drives the wheels – if it rotates evenly, then the robot goes straight, if some slower or slower, then the robot turns. In the case of large AGVs, various control mechanisms are used to control, and often also a number of wheel sets.

The future of AGV

Developments in the world of AGV vehicles are currently very fast. It uses radar and sonar technology to detect obstacles, increasing emphasis on payload, higher speed and, of course, great emphasis on battery capacity. The scope of application is expanding – from automotive factories to warehouses to airports, amusement parks, hospitals or farm robots in agriculture.

High AGV gearbox requirements

However, each application has different design and operating requirements. Some AGV machines run 24 hours a day 7 days a week, others have to be very precise when moving to be able to move between people. In agriculture, where robots become very popular, designers have to count not always on the right terrain or curiosity of farm animals that can behave very spontaneously. For example, an AGV cart should resist an attack of 1,000 kg of bull or cow. Therefore, the gearbox requirements differ in each case but are always high. Due to excessive output bearings and a sophisticated seal, some APEX DYNAMICS series gearboxes are very suitable for these heavy applications. Below is an illustrative example below.

Importance of gearbox for efficient and smooth movement

The APEX DYNAMICS PDR series is the same denominator for all AGV robots and the only limiting element is limited battery performance. Therefore, it is very important to convert electrical energy into a kinetic energy most efficiently and that’s why APEX DYNAMICS has developed a range of low-efficiency gearboxes with high efficiency.

The most suitable planetary gearboxes for AGV applications have the following characteristics:

• • High torque,

• • low clearance for high positioning accuracy,

• • ability to handle higher radial loads (high payload),

• • high axial load to facilitate steering,

• • availability in both the right and rectangular versions for easy installation and access,

• • high gear ratios from 3: 1 to 1000: 1,

• the standard is a three-phase, stepper or servomotor.

For more information on our precise and accurate planetary gears, please visit our website at www.apexdynaczech.cz (info@apexdynaczech.cz) or on the phone +420 577 663 877. For more video submissions and illustrative examples of applications, see the Media section.