76 DC VELOCITY JULY 2017
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Heavy-duty AGV: In response to a customer’s request for an
economical way to tow heavy loads in its warehouse, Creform
built a Tugger AGV that provides the client, an automotive
supplier, with a “hands free” system for moving finished goods,
production parts, and supplies. The single-direction one-ton drive
Tugger AGV was designed to operate in a multishift mode with
heavy-duty usage in mind, but with the need to be lightweight,
flexible, and affordable. It was constructed with a heavy-duty
steel base and a top structure built with rigid 28mm Creform pipe
and metal components.
The AGV can tow two carts. The hitch is affixed directly to the
base and is designed to handle the rigors of industrial towing.
(With this application, the starting and stopping forces are quite
high, hence the need for a robust steel base.) The hitch is mounted to a plate that bolts to the frame and is easily height-adjust-able with basic tools to match the height of the trailer tongue.
In addition to towing, the AGV also features a utility load deck
for miscellaneous boxes and supplies that can ride along with
the tugger. Although heavy duty in nature, the frame is designed
so that the unit can be easily and safely lifted with a forklift for
maintenance.
This Creform Tugger AGV follows a peel-and-stick magnet-ic-tape guidepath that is easy to install and modify. It follows a
1,000-foot path with a long single run and a loop at either end
to reverse direction. For this particular customer’s warehouse, the
guidepath was covered with heavy-duty protective cover tape to
give the surface-mounted tape some visibility and durability. An
embedded guidepath is available for high-traffic areas.
The AGV tugger also features a convenient handle for manual
movement. By raising the spring-loaded drive wheels off the floor
with the electrically powered drive-wheel release, workers can
push the AGV around as a manual Creform cart.
A unique feature added to this particular system is an appli-cation-specific countdown alarm. If the AGV is stopped or
otherwise delayed for more than 30 seconds, an alarm sounds
to get the attention of nearby associates. The vehicle boasts a
2,200-pound ( 1,000-kilogram) load capacity and 121-pound
(55-kilogram) draw bar. It can travel at speeds of up to 131 feet
per minute ( 40 meters per minute).
The vehicle is equipped with a 24-volt system powered by two
12-volt AGM batteries. In regular operation, the batteries are
maintained by an opportunity charging system. The connection
between AGV and the charging station is made via mechanical
contacts, and the charge station features a smart charger and
eight-bit optical transmitter/receiver so the AGV and charge station can automatically communicate with each other. (Creform,
www.creform.com)
In-vehicle terminal: RuggON Corp. has launched the VX-601, a
rugged in-vehicle terminal suitable for difficult environments and
diverse applications such as intralogistics, cold chain logistics, and
harbor freight handling.
The VX-601 is a full-featured industry-standard computer
that’s based around a powerful Intel Core i5-6300U 2. 4 GHz
CPU, with up to 8GB of memory, an 80mm M. 2 SSD for storage,
and internal mini-PCIe slots for expansion.
The VX-601’s user interface design features an ultra-bright
1,200 nits display that dims automatically in low light to save
power and prevent eyestrain. A special anti-reflection layer is
available to help keep the screen readable in direct sunlight.
Dedicated user-programmable function keys around the touchscreen provide instant access to important operations, including
brightness and volume. A tough projected capacitive touchscreen
(PCT) option is available for improved gloved operation.
RuggON says the VX-601 is built from the ground up for durability and reliability, with IP66 (IEC 60529), MIL-STD-810G, and
IEC 60721-3-5 Class 5M3 compliance. Waterproofed external
connectors are available. Operating temperature range is - 30
degrees C to 55 degrees C, with an optional defroster/defogger
to keep the screen readable. The VX-601 can be used in any environment, indoors or outdoors, the manufacturer says.
The VX-601 accepts a wide power input range, from nine to 60
VDC, for compatibility with almost any vehicular electrical system.
The built-in rechargeable 4500mAh battery pack not only acts as
an uninterruptible power supply during brief power outages, but
also provides 1. 5 hours of working time for mobile use or when
an external power source is not available. Smart power management features include ignition sense support to prevent glitches
caused by voltage transients. The power connector features an
easy-release hand-rotatable mechanism to prevent accidental
power-cable detachment.
The VX-601 supports Windows 10 Io T, and the company offers
a diverse range of accessories and peripherals to suit any application. (RuggON Corp., www.ruggon.com)
1-D/2-D bar-code scanner: ScanSKU, a manufacturer of rugged Android-based bar-code scanners, has released its M Series
1-D/2-D bar-code scanner. The company says it added the 2-D
compatible scanner in response to the growing use of 2-D bar
codes (QR codes) within the logistics and retail industries.
The new scanner features a hard-key keyboard, Micro SD slot,
SIM card slot, GPS tracking capability, and a removable battery
with optional charging dock. The device can operate in temperatures ranging from - 25 to + 70 degrees C with a four-inch backlit
touchscreen.
ScanSKU says it is unique among hardware manufacturers in
that it also pairs its devices with in-house software. The M Series
scanners come with the ScanSKU Stocktaking application, a customizable app that allows users to capture additional data while
conducting an inventory count, such as recording the condition
of parts with the built-in five-megapixel camera. Stocktake results
can be e-mailed directly from the device with the click of a button as soon as the count has been completed. This integration
between hardware and software means the package can be used
straight out of the box. (ScanSKU, www.scansku.com)
