Smart solutions for automated guided vehicle systems

From electrification to automation – everything from a single source.
Autonomous robots in an industrial manufacturing environment
AGVs and AMRs

Flexible transport solutions with AGVs and AMRs

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are increasingly handling transport tasks in production, logistics, and the services sector – delivering greater efficiency and flexibility. Our modular portfolio of solutions comprising software, hardware, and services supports you in the electrification and automation of your automated guided vehicle system (AGVS). At its heart is our open platform, which can be seamlessly integrated into existing processes.

Our solutions for automated guided vehicle systems

PLCnext Technology
Safety in the AGV
Virtual line following in AGVs
PLCnext Technology

The open interfaces of our PLCnext Control platform allow you to continue using your existing IT systems and customized fleet management system as usual. This makes connecting and replacing your existing components easy and flexible.

Additional advantages:

  • Time savings and error prevention in programming – Due to our modular system and easy-to-integrate apps.
  • Safety integrated – Our safety solution is integrated into the AGV control system in accordance with current standards simply by connecting the safe PLC.
  • Compliant with directives – ISO 6244 certification directly meets the requirements of the new Machinery Regulation for cyber resilience.
  • App store – Our modular software for controlling your AGV is available in our app store.

Find out more about PLCnext Technology
Safety in the AGV

Safety is always the top priority in human-machine collaboration. This is why the legal requirements (DIN EN ISO 3691-4) also demand that an AGVS be safeguarded and that safety aspects be considered. Our portfolio of safety products makes it possible to implement the necessary applications for your AGVS safely, such as the emergency stop concept, safe motion monitoring, or field switchover.

  • Safety in the AGV – Whether you need a safety relay or an integrated safety controller, we have the solution for your AGV application, in accordance with ISO 3691-4.
  • Safety integrated – Our safety solution is integrated into the AGV control system simply by connecting the safe PLC.
  • Safety consulting – Our range of safety services is rounded off by training, consulting, and certifications from our safety experts.

Find out more about functional safety
Virtual line following in AGVs

The openness of our PLCnext Control bridges the gap between classic control functions and AGV navigation. By using innovative technologies, we provide solutions for precise localization for transferring materials or for dynamic work environments.

  • Ready-to-use modules reduce the effort required – Ready-made blocks make it easier to implement the navigation methods of virtual line following and line following. For open-source navigation systems, we offer a tested ROS coupling.
  • Implement your own approaches – By using high-level language programming, Docker, and ROS, you can also implement your own approaches directly on the control system.
  • Choice of manufacturer – Our solutions provide flexible connections to various sensor and drive manufacturers.

RedViking and Phoenix Contact develop innovative solutions for AGVs

RedViking, based in Plymouth, Michigan, provides innovative technical solutions for a variety of industries, including the automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment, and defense industries. RedViking chose to work with Phoenix Contact because of the reliability and transparency as well as the breadth and flexibility of its products.
Do you often face challenges such as product availability, high costs, and working with outdated technology? We can help you to master these challenges and refine your innovative solutions.

Wireless products for AGVs
AGV automation and electrification
DC/DC converters
Wireless products for AGVs

Our Wireless Ethernet product portfolio is designed for a variety of AGV systems and meets the different requirements worldwide in terms of robustness and reliability for seamless communication between the vehicles and higher-level systems. The introduction of future technologies such as 5G and WLAN 6 opens up completely new possibilities for AGV communication. Higher bandwidth and deterministic behavior enable larger fleets with higher availability and shift vehicle intelligence to the edge or the cloud.

  • Very high availability – decide which data should be processed via WLAN or directly between the machine and your automated guided vehicle system via NearFi.
  • Predictive maintenance – resolve connection issues before they occur by monitoring signal strengths and identifying possible coverage gaps before they cause problems.
  • WLAN 6 – use the powerful network to communicate with your AGV at a very high level of performance and to avoid failures.
  • Security-compliant – our devices already comply with the security requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), which comes into effect in 2025.

AGV automation and electrification

In any AGV, power and a large amount of data and signals must be reliably distributed. The limited space also requires a compact wiring concept.

Your advantages at a glance:

  • One-stop shopping – Everything from a single source!
  • Reduced consumption times – Due to our worldwide sales network.
  • Optimized installation time and startup – Innovative assembly methods as well as Push-X and Push-in technology make integration into your AGV easier.

DC/DC converters

From conventional charging methods, such as plug-in charging, to inductive charging technology, PLCnext Control and the CAN interface make it easy to integrate battery management. Our DC/DC converters reliably provide the 24 V voltage for the electronic components. They avoid drive-side interference on the electronics and reliably compensate any voltage fluctuations.

We use automated guided vehicles in our production warehouse. The openness of the AGV platform makes it easier for us to connect the various systems. By directly integrating safety into the controller, we ensure safe human-machine collaboration.

Björn Eilert, Senior Project Manager, Manufacturing Engineering
Björn Eilert
AGV expert and Senior Project Manager in production at Phoenix Contact in Blomberg

AGV expert and Senior Project Manager in production at Phoenix Contact in Blomberg

That is why we are the right partner to equip your AGVs with electronics and automation systems.

Our focus is on working together with our customers as partners. Our AGV team works hand in hand with you to develop innovative and customized solutions that are precisely tailored to your specific requirements.

We work together with dedication and enthusiasm to break new ground and turn your visions into reality. You can rely on our expertise. Let’s shape the future of automated guided vehicle systems together. Contact us for more information.

AGVS solutions

AGV solutions for your smart factory

Our solutions for automated guided vehicle systems (AGVS) offer:

  • Extendable functions via app and integrated engineering with PLCnext
  • Extensive safety expertise – from advice to comprehensive solutions
  • Flexible navigation and simple ROS connection
  • Globally available all-in-one portfolio for complete electrification
  • Robust wireless communication with REST interface
  • Compatibility with various battery management systems (BMS) via CAN bus

FAQs

Optimization of our AGVs in Blomberg’s production facilities
Virtual line following in Phoenix Contact production at Blomberg
AGVs in production
Optimization of our AGVs in Blomberg’s production facilities

No, we do not build our own AGVs. We develop components and solutions for automating and electrifying the AGVs and AMRs of our customers and partners.

Virtual line following in Phoenix Contact production at Blomberg

AGVs (automated guided vehicles) or even AGVS (automated guided vehicle system) move along defined routes that are often marked on the floor by lines or magnetic strips. In contrast, AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) navigate independently and adapt their paths dynamically by analyzing their route and environment and reacting accordingly.

AGVs in production

Our solutions for AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) work with various types of AGVs. These include:

Automated guided vehicle systems (AGVS): Different types of industrial trucks, such as standard AGVs, tugger trains, and forklift vehicles for transporting materials in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
Mobile robots: For flexible and dynamic tasks in production and logistics.
Shuttle systems: For fast and efficient transport of goods in automated warehouses.
Heavy-duty AGVs: For transporting large and heavy loads in industrial environments.

Our technologies support the navigation, control, electrification, safety, and energy efficiency of all AGVs, thereby helping to optimize automation and make it safer.