A commitment to reducing the environmental impact of Aluminium production has led one manufacturer to replace a pair of diesel-powered, forklift trucks with a single battery-powered, AGV transporter from Madrid-based, DTA by Enerpac. Using a pre-programmed guide path, the Automatic Guided Vehicle’s (AGV) array of sensors ensure the safe movement of coils within the busy factory environment.

 The AGV 15 transporter carries newly rolled 15T aluminium coils to an on-site storage facility. Working 24/7, the AGV replaces two diesel forklift trucks operating three shifts per day. On average the transporter will move 90 aluminium coils daily, over a total distance of 108 kms.

 Safety is critical to the transporter’s operation. The AGV 15 features an array of sensors to ensure safe movement within the factory. These include LIDAR sensors providing the transporter with a 360º full field of view together with forward laser scanning, preventing the AGV from hitting objects in the guide path. It also has a safety bumper designed to detect contact of an object as well as 3D obstacle detection cameras.

 “A DTA by Enerpac AGV is a fully automated solution to the movement of materials and components within a factory or production plant,” says Gonzalo Sebastien, sales director, DTA by Enerpac. “As well as the environmental benefit of replacing two diesel-powered forklift trucks, the transporter’s automated operation will provide on-going productivity and efficiency gains at the aluminium plant.”

 For more information on the DTA by Enerpac AGV vehicles visit www.enerpac.com.