Managing the flow of materials is critical to the successful operation of DaimlerChrysler's 2.9 million square foot Sterling Stamping plant in Sterling Heights, Mich. At the facility, a fleet of 14 laser-guided tugging and towing AGVs (FMC Technologies, 215-822-4489, www.fmcsgvs.com) automatically transports finished metal parts from the production area to the shipping dock. With a towing capacity of 30,000 pounds, each vehicle can pull three loaded carts. The vehicles not only transport products loaded onto racks by hand, they also interface with a robotic arm in a fully automated body side panel assembly line.
展开▼
