AMR and AGV mobile robots

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) are already well-known solutions worldwide and major benefits for companies applying these can be recognized. While both concepts are quite similar, they do have some key differences when it comes to the way they work.

AGV robots always follow a predefined path, for example using the magnetic navigation system – a magnetic band or magnetic chord, that can sit on top of the flooring or can be embedded in the floor, depending on the application environment.
AMR solutions use mapping navigation based on SLAM technology that relies on fixed references to the surroundings, after the plant has been mapped. It is allowing the robot to circulate freely without guidance elements on the floor (tapes or tags).

Together with our Partner, Barcelona-based company Kivnon, an expert in innovative mobile robotics production systems, we are able to deliver a full, working production or warehouse system based on these solutions.

Kivnon is a well-known supplier, passionate about robotic solutions, established in 2009. With over 5500 AGV/AMR installed worldwide, they have gained the trust of many leading brands, like Jaguar, Scania, Volkswagen, Faurecia, Inditex, Merck or Idilia.

No matter which solution you are looking for – together with Kivnon we are able to implement both AGVs with magnetic navigation systems and AMRs with SLAM technology based mapping navigation systems.

Guiding technology

Magnetic navigation

The AGV follow a magnetic band or magnetic chord. The magnetic band can be installed either using robust adhesive backing, where it sits on top of the flooring. Or embedded in the floor (requiring civil works) depending on the application envionment.

Mapping navigation

Mapping navigation based on SLAM technology. The circulation of the AGV/AMR is totally free and without guidance elements on the floor (tapes, tags, etc.).

Key advantages of mobile robots

Moving safely among workers

Simple infrastructure

Automatic navigation in dynamic conditions

Adaptation to changing needs

Scalability

Solutions for Intralogistics and Automotive Industries

Below we present the 4 families of Kivnon products and products specification:

MOUSE

K10

Designed to carry load on trolleys with unidirectional movement
Provides flexibility in assembly line processes & intralogistics plants magnetic guidance
AGV able to connect to upper-level maintenance controls and process systems
Maximum towing capacity: up to 2000 N (maximum value for a 5 sec peak, on a suitable ground)
Maximum load capacity by towing: 5000 kg

K11

Designed to carry loads on trolleys with bidirectional movement
Able to follow cyclic fixed or conditional routes and interact with other AGV’s, machines and people
Versatile in long-distance logistics & assembly line processes
Magnetic or mapping guidance
Maximum towing capacity: 2000 N (maximum value for a 5 sec peak, on a suitable ground)
Maximum load capacity by towing: 5000 kg

FORKLIFT

K55A Pallet Stacker

Designed to transport and stack palletized loads
Load types: pallets or similar containers
Bidirectional movement , mapping guidance
Electric lifting with spindle and fixed forks
Load capacity of up to 1200 kg
Lifting height: up to 1500mm

TUGGER

K32 Tractor

Transports heavy loads through logistic plants & pre assembly processes in convoy trailer mode
Unidirectional movement
Magnetic or mapping guidance
Multiple carts can be pulled by this AGV if the total weight does not exceed his capacity
Maximum towing capacity: 1200 N (maximum value for a 5 sec peak, on a suitable ground)
Maximum load capacity by towing: 2000 kg

TWISTER

K03

Designed to lift and rotate loads and capable of rotating 360° on its own axis
Magnetic or mapping guidance
Built in lifting and rotate platform
Maximum payload: 200 kg
Lifting height: up to 50 mm

K05

Designed to carry trolleys or loads on board and capable of rotating 360° on its own axis
Magnetic or mapping guidance
On-board load capacity of up to 500 kg
Maximum towing capacity: 1000 kg

The Applications of Kivnon solutions in the industry

Buffer and Goods-to-Person

K05 and K03 solutions can easily transport loads on board or lift and rotate loads, helping the warehouse to be organized and to be working smoothly. The warehouse employees do not have to manually pick up or carry heavy loads, risking an injury or tiredness. This is also an efficient way to bring the right goods to correct zone eg. the picking zone.

End of line expedition

The AGV/AMR solutions can be used as a way of transportation of the produced goods from the production line to the designated storage area. They can collaborate with people and other machines on the way, and can safely deliver loads of goods. The K32 AGV solution is able to pull carts with loads of up to 2000 kg. Also the K55 model is a good option for these kinds of applications.

Integration with assembly processes

Mobile robots are able to deliver components to the assembly zone, where the employees, or the machines can pick up the parts and use them for further production. Interesting application is also the use of such solutions for transporting goods to or from the palletization area. The MOUSE family solutions: K10 and K11 are able to carry a load of up to 5000 kg and move it around the production site.

Line feeding

Robots provide an automated way to deliver carts of components directly to a production line.The mobole robot can follow the path that will lead it directly to the right production line. Models like K10 or K11 can transport shelves with goods to the production line, automatically unload the right box with materials, and at the same time pick up another box with already produced goods.

Modular and flexible production lines

We can create a regular moving production line using just AGV/AMR solutions, where the components can be transferred on the certain path. During this process employees can easily put together pieces located on slowly moving robots. The production line system is also scalable as mobile robots can assist in modifying the assembly line flow without major cost implications or downtime.

Warehouse Applications

Any of the presented solutions can be applied in modern warehouses, for example for pallet or load transportation processes. The AGV robot can replace traditional forklift with the operator. In storing processes, robots carrying goods are very useful in high density areas, with limited availability for people. This allows for optimizing the use of warehouse space.

These, and more solutions we are able to deliver, install, and commission together with Kivnon. We provide a complete system that matches your company’s needs. If you are looking for more information or you are interested in a specific kind of AGV/AMR solution, please do not hesitate to contact us.