Uncover how HMS Networks’ wi-fi experience and Anybus merchandise took Mercedes-Benz’s Automated Guided Car (AGV) set up to the following degree.
When Mercedes-Benz needed to increase their AGV set up, they referred to as HMS. HMS offered the wi-fi experience, merchandise, and arms on help to make sure the AGVs moved effectively and safely across the manufacturing unit.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz, a globally acknowledged automotive producer, is famend for its revolutionary know-how, craftsmanship, and luxurious design. At their state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing unit in Ludwigsfelde, over 70 AGVs transfer automotive elements to the meeting line. These AGVs transport all the pieces from heavy engines to smaller electronics throughout distances starting from 300 to 800 meters. Every AGV is provided with an on-board Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) from Siemens or Schneider Electrical, which ensures their environment friendly and protected navigation.
Good communication is vital
Guiding the AGVs successfully depends on good communication between the AGVs and the manufacturing unit’s management system. This communication allows the manufacturing unit to trace the AGVs’ whereabouts, cargo, and real-time standing.
Mercedes-Benz’s earlier AGV system used Bluetooth know-how and HMS’ Anybus Wi-fi Bolt and Anybus Bridge merchandise. Nonetheless, they needed to enhance the system’s effectivity and have the ability to adjust to the Equipment Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which turns into necessary in January 2027. Maximilian Lichan explains: “Whereas Bluetooth labored effectively, we now need to improve our AGV system to help greater throughput, quick roaming, and decrease latency. We additionally must adjust to the soon-to-be necessary EU security laws. Equally essential, we wish the gear and specialists from the identical firm, and we wish them to return onsite, set up the gear, and confirm that all the pieces works”.
Time to see how HMS helped implement a wi-fi system to satisfy the wants.
HMS wi-fi specialists pave the way in which
Mercedes-Benz offered key info, reminiscent of floorplans, to HMS’ wi-fi specialists. Utilizing this info, HMS first performed a predictive web site survey to find out the optimum placement and variety of entry factors required. HMS then visited the manufacturing unit to confirm the accuracy of the survey and make any obligatory changes.
HMS’ wi-fi specialists have been onsite to make sure the set up labored as deliberate.
Mercedes-Benz used the up to date predictive web site survey to put in the required energy retailers and community cabling. As soon as the required infrastructure was in place, HMS returned to put in and configure the Anybus Wi-fi merchandise earlier than verifying that the set up labored as deliberate.
Anybus wi-fi merchandise
The wi-fi infrastructure makes use of Anybus Entry Factors powered by Anybus PoE L2 Managed Switches, with an Anybus Wi-fi Bolt II mounted on every AGV. The Anybus Wi-fi Bolts deal with communication from the AGVs to the visitors management system and connect with the 12 totally different entry factors within the manufacturing unit’s ceiling. As an AGV strikes out of vary of 1 entry level, it transitions to the following, making certain uninterrupted communication.
Entry Factors have been strategically positioned across the manufacturing unit to make sure seamless connectivity.
A vital side to the challenge’s success was the utilization of the 5GHz frequency band, whereas the Bolt II’s similarity to its predecessor additionally simplified the set up. Maximilian explains: “We needed to make use of the 5GHz frequency band the place we’ve got 4 devoted channels that did not intrude with our present techniques. It was additionally handy that the Bolt II suits in the identical gap as the unique Bolt”.
The outcomes
With the wi-fi experience of HMS and their Anybus Wi-fi merchandise, Mercedes-Benz efficiently achieved its purpose of environment friendly and protected transportation of products inside the manufacturing unit. Maximilian fortunately displays on the result: ”All the pieces labored as we hoped. The connection may be very steady, and we at the moment are capable of adjust to the protection equipment regulation. The help for extra bandwidth has even allowed us to handle and configure the AGVs remotely, which, whereas not a key goal is a pleasant bonus”.
Lastly, what are your tricks to customers who’re considering of going wi-fi?
“A key issue for us was that HMS have been readily available to design and set up the wi-fi infrastructure. That was essential for us. We needed to have wi-fi specialists onsite to make sure that all the pieces went easily. We’re not wi-fi specialists, HMS are. We make vehicles, which you in all probability already knew”, Maximilian provides with a smile.
Be taught extra at: www.anybus.com and www.mercedes-benz.com