Success
Stories

Large-format, highly sensitive workpieces often cannot be transported by a single vehicle. In the cleanroom of an optical systems manufacturer, two AGVs therefore handle the transport together, connected to each other via real-time radio communication through a virtual drawbar. Precisely controlled, highly cooperative, and with all necessary safety precautions in place.

The “Funicular dos Guindais” is a historic funicular in Porto that has been reliably transporting tourists from the banks of the Douro River to Batalha Square since its completion at the end of the 19th century. As part of a general overhaul, the control and safety communication systems for the funicular’s two cars had to be modernized.

The customer wanted to further automate the loading and unloading process of its drying oven. Wired control of the transport carts was not physically feasible: The extreme temperature fluctuations and the harsh environment of the kiln had repeatedly caused failures in earlier, cable-based solutions.

In automotive manufacturing, conveyor vehicles move workpieces along large production lines. These vehicles are equipped with battery-powered mobile workstations that must remain reliably connected to the central control system at all times.

Turntables are a special case in automated production. Due to their rotational movements, the use of cable connections is virtually impossible. Sliding contacts are an alternative, but they often result in downtime. The obvious solution is therefore control via a wireless network.

The “Götterflug” at Belantis Park in Leipzig is a flying carousel in which passengers in 16 gondolas, at a height of about 25 meters and traveling at approximately 50 km/h, can control their flight themselves using small wings attached to their seats. The reliability and maximum safety of the attraction must be guaranteed at all times.

In the manufacturing facility of a Japanese automotive supplier, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) handle material supply directly to the workstations. This saves employees a significant amount of walking and makes the production process more efficient.

In large logistics centers, transfer carts move goods at high speeds through long warehouse aisles. Controlling these carts places the highest demands on wireless communication, both in terms of performance and safety.

Modern stage technology moves people and loads—precisely, safely, and often in very confined spaces. During the modernization of the stage technology at the Landestheater Linz, the existing stage lifts were to be able to be flexibly activated and utilized.

In auto body manufacturing, robots equipped with grippers perform key work steps. The gripper control system relies on cables and connectors that are subject to regular wear and tear. If these fail during continuous operation, the system comes to a standstill, resulting in enormous follow-up costs.

An automotive plant operates around the clock and has several production lines that are supplied by autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The transfer station serves as the central interface between the warehouse and the production line. Hundreds of transfers are handled here per shift.

A Canadian automotive supplier operates a monorail suspension system at its plant in the U.S., which plays a key role in ensuring smooth production and logistics. The control system for this system was to be implemented via radio.