Heavy-Duty AGV Development for Hazardous Locations

This case study details a project focused on developing a heavy-duty automated guided vehicle (AGV) designed for use in hazardous locations with explosive gases and dusts. The manufacturer aimed to achieve a load capacity of 2-3 tons and secure ATEX/IECEx certification for operation in Zone 2 and Zone 22 areas. To meet the ambitious timeline for mass production, technical challenges included selecting an appropriate servo drive system, optimizing energy consumption, and managing an expanding project team. The collaboration with Kollmorgen, which provided a tailored motion control solution utilizing AKME hazardous-location motors and AKD servo drives, proved successful. The AGV was developed in less than six months from prototype to launch while meeting stringent safety certifications and performance standards. The resulting AGV is recognized for its effectiveness in safely transporting materials in demanding environments, successfully addressing market needs in factory automation.