RHI Magnesita automates material flow with AGVs from ek robotics 

In the most modern plant of the refractory industry, transport processes are now almost fully automated: twelve customised automated guided vehicles (AGVs) from ek robotics take over the internal material flow around the clock at RHI Magnesita in Radenthein, Austria from the provision of raw materials to shipping.

The individually designed automated guided vehicle system not only transforms internal logistics, but also significantly improves efficiency, plant availability and occupational safety. The fleet masters complex special functions and high payloads with ease – even in challenging factory environments with narrow passages, tunnel underpasses and crossing traffic.

Tailor-made solution for demanding requirements

The automation was triggered by the high product variety, increasing demands on flexibility and safety as well as an increasing damage rate during manual transportation. “We wanted to optimise all processes holistically and create a consistently coordinated material flow – from the pressing plant to final production and shipping,” explains Andreas Raab, Project Execution & Engineering Europe at RHI Magnesita. The transport robots were precisely adapted to the plant-specific conditions. Tight space and different floor conditions as well as safety-critical interfaces required precise planning and high-performance vehicle technology.

Automated area linking: AGVs in heavy-duty use

The AGV fleet connects all production areas: two transport vehicles are used to set up the presses with moulds weighing up to 6.5 tons. Three others reliably transport the shaped refractory bricks – with individual weights of up to 16 tons – to the tunnel kiln. Further vehicles take the products for post-processing or directly to the high-bay warehouse. The overall system was designed for maximum throughput and optimum integration into the existing plant layout using detailed simulation models. The benefits: significantly reduced set-up times, minimised downtimes and consistently high product quality.

Maximum system availability through full service

RHI Magnesita has implemented a comprehensive service package from ek robotics to ensure that operations run smoothly at all times. This includes the strategic stocking of spare parts on site, proactive and corrective maintenance measures and a 24/7 hotline with individually tailored response times.The post RHI Magnesita automates material flow with AGVs from ek robotics  first appeared on Warehouse & Logistics News.