Achieving Robust Wireless Solutions for AGV Integration

December 8, 2024 admin

INDUSTRY

AGV Project – Automation – IIoT – Industry 4.0

BACKGROUND

With the increasing adoption of automation technology, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) play a critical role in large-scale warehouse environments within the logistics industry. These AGVs handle tasks such as moving goods, organizing inventory, and managing stock flow. To support business expansion, a European logistics company decided to increase the number of AGVs in its warehouse and upgrade its control system to meet the demand for more efficient logistics operations. However, in typical warehouse environments, connectivity stability becomes essential due to signal constraints, equipment interference, and the need for real-time data transmission, all of which are crucial for the successful deployment of AGV systems.

CHALLENGES

As the customer expanded their business, they increased the number of AGVs in their warehouse and upgraded their PLC system, creating the need for a PLC upgrade and the use of new protocols.

The old solution could no longer meet the new requirements. A key factor was the capability of the chosen solution to reliably and quickly ensure interaction with the Siemens Profinet/Profisafe server.

Additionally, the AGVs move constantly among metal structures (shelves), which shield the signal and introduce interference. Therefore, radio receiver sensitivity and the use of modern signal transmission algorithms are critically important for setting up wireless networks in warehouses and logistics centers.

SOLUTION PROVIDED

ATOP, in collaboration with our partner Pericom, examined the customer’s requirements and proposed a solution based on the AW5601, Industrial Wireless Access Point. After a series of tests conducted at the customer’s warehouse, together with Pericom, ATOP, and the customer’s specialists, the customer confirmed that the AW5601 outperformed competitor solutions.

Profinet transparent mode, allowing ATOP to ensure reliable and timely Profinet packet transmission
High-quality communication in challenging radio conditions
Industrial-grade construction: IP30 protection and a temperature range of -30 to +70°C
User-friendly and easy configuration via an intuitive web interface

RESULTS

The end customer received a highly performing, competitive, and tailored solution that enables them to scale technological capabilities and ensure reliable connectivity using modern time-sensitive protocols.

PRODUCTS USED

AW5601 series Industrial Wireless Access Point

PROJECT PARTNERS