Audi Factory Tests Robots to Shuttle Cars
Audi AG's car plant in Ingolstadt, Germany, is testing a pair of robotic systems that pick up and transport cars to an interim storage area, then arrange them according to shipping destination The robot system, dubbed Ray, was developed by Grabenstatt-based Serva Transport Systems GmbH.
Audi AG's car plant in Ingolstadt, Germany, is testing a pair of robotic systems that pick up and transport cars to an interim storage area, then arrange them according to shipping destination
The robot system, dubbed Ray, was developed by Grabenstatt-based Serva Transport Systems GmbH. The company say the devices can arrange cars 60% closer than manually parked vehicles. The Audi installation is similar to one at the Dusseldorf airport which is now in commercial use.
Each U-shaped robot consists of a cross member 9 meters long. Two pairs of arms resembling forklift blades one pair for the front wheels and one for the rears lift the vehicle 10 cm off the ground for transport. Sensors detect the size and wheelbase of each vehicle and adjust the span between the lifts accordingly.
Audi says the Serva system eliminates long walking distances for employees normally used to shuttle cars into the staging area. The company is studying plans to expand the robots to other areas.
RELATED CONTENT
-
When Automated Production Turning is the Low-Cost Option
For the right parts, or families of parts, an automated CNC turning cell is simply the least expensive way to produce high-quality parts. Here’s why.
-
TRW Multi-Axis Acceleration Sensors Developed
Admittedly, this appears to be nothing more than a plastic molded part with an inserted bolt-shaped metal component.
-
Jeeps Modified for Moab
On Easter morning in Moab, Utah, when the population of that exceedingly-hard-to-get-to town in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth has more than doubled, some people won’t be hunting for Easter eggs, but will be trying to get a good look at one of the vehicles six that Jeep has prepared for real-life, fast-feedback from the assembled at the annual Easter Jeep Safari.