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Flexible production with AGVs

Smart solutions for automated guided vehicle systems From electrification to automation – everything from a single source.

Two automated guided vehicle systems in front of a production environment with people

To make processes more efficient and increase flexibility, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are increasingly taking over transportation tasks in production, logistics, and the service sector.

For the electrification and automation of your automated guided vehicle system (AGVS), we offer a modular, coordinated portfolio of products and solutions that includes software, hardware, and services. At the heart of our solution portfolio is our open platform, which enables seamless integration into your existing processes and systems.

Our solutions for automated guided vehicle systems

A control platform for your AGV

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

Safe human-machine collaboration

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

Connection of different navigation systems

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.

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 - Phoenix Contact, Senior Project Manager, Manufacturing Engineering

Reliable communication

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 from the vehicles to higher-level systems. The introduction of the future technologies 5G and WLAN 6 is opening up completely new possibilities for AGV communication. Higher bandwidth and deterministic behavior enable larger fleets with higher availability and shifting the vehicle intelligence to the edge or to the cloud.

Particularly high availability – Decide which data is to be processed via WLAN or directly between the machine and your automated guided vehicle system via NearFi.
Predictive maintenance – Resolve connection problems before they occur by monitoring the 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 will take effect starting in 2025.

Electrification from a single source

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.

Integration of different charging methods

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.

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.

Working towards the Smart Factory With our AGV solutions, we offer you:

Flexible function extension with apps, communication on all levels, and integrated engineering in one tool with the open PLCnext control platform
Extensive safety expertise – from consulting and innovative products to comprehensive solutions
High flexibility through adaptation to different navigation systems and easy extension with ROS connection
A comprehensive all-in-one portfolio that is available worldwide and expert knowledge to fully electrify your AGVS
Robust products for reliable wireless communication, with integrated REST interface for fast configuration and operational diagnostics
Easy adaptation to different battery management systems (BMS) with CAN bus

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FAQs

Optimization of our AGVs in Blomberg’s production facilities

Virtual line following in Phoenix Contact production at Blomberg

Is Phoenix Contact now building AGVs?

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.

What is the difference between AGVs and AMRs?

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.

Where are our solutions used?

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.