In the manufacturing industry, production and processing can be classified into two different kinds: discrete manufacturing and process manufacturing, according to product production and processing methods. Discrete manufacturing refers to the process in which multiple parts are processed through a series of discontinuous processes and finally assembled into products; process manufacturing refers to the process in which the processing object changes from raw materials to semi-finished products or finished products through a series of continuous processes. Process manufacturing is typical in chemical materials, food processing, printing and paper making, non-ferrous metals, steel manufacturing, and other industries.
01 Process Manufacturing
Compared with discrete manufacturing, the features of process manufacturing are as below:
Fixed Process Flow: Once the production of products under the process-based manufacturing mode is confirmed and put into production, the process flow and plant equipment will be frozen and will not change for a long time. The cost of the rebuild will be high when embracing a new project.
The Process is Seamless: The entire manufacturing process is coupled with each other, and the manufacturing process cannot be interrupted. Once a specific link stops or slows down, it will impact the subsequent process.
The Processing Process is Long and Complicated: Raw materials go through multiple production lines and are transported and stored in buffer areas, storage areas, raw material warehouses, semi-finished product warehouses, finished product warehouses, etc. The processing process is long, and the material transportation route is complicated.
With different manufacturing models, those who realize the automation upgrade of the factory's internal logistics will also encounter various difficulties. Only by combining the manufacturing model of the enterprise and adapting to the current situation can we solve the real problems and pain points of customers. VisionNav Robotics, the global supplier of autonomous industrial vehicles and autonomous logistics solutions, integrates software and hardware products for customers in the process of manufacturing. It roots in customer needs and helps customers reduce costs without changing the layout of customers' manufacturing plants.
02 Software and Hardware
> The product is stable and efficient, covering all processing links
The core of process manufacturing lies in continuous and stable production between processes. As an autonomous forklift that mainly connects material transfer between processes, stable and reliable product performance, and continuous and efficient operating efficiency are very important.
Autonomous forklifts such as the P series, Slim series, R series, L series, and Q series of VisionNav Robotics cover the indoor horizontal transfer, line-side transfer, shelf access, and outdoor scenarios of long-distance transfer in process manufacturing. The forklifts can quickly respond to task requirements and efficiently connect process flow, thus improving material transfer efficiency.
VNP15 Counterbalance Stacker AGV
Applicable Scenarios: Horizontal transfer, line-side transfer, shelf access, cargo stacking, etc.
VNSL14 Pallet Stacker AGV
Applicable Scenarios: Narrow-aisle horizontal transfer, line-side transfer, low-level access, etc.
VNR14 Reach Truck AGV
Applicable Scenarios: Indoor horizontal transfer, line-side transfer, high-level access, etc.
VNL14 Pallet Stacker Forklift AGV
Applicable Scenarios: Indoor horizontal transfer, line-side transfer, shelf access, etc.
VNQ60 Autonomous Tractor
Applicable Scenarios: Indoor and outdoor all-weather, long-distance, large-tonnage material hauling.
> Intelligent scheduling via RCS
Comparing each process of process manufacturing and the automation equipment on it to islands, the system is the channel connecting these islands.
VisionNav Robotics independently researches and develops the Robot Control System(RCS) to connect with the customer's upper-level system and open up equipment data so that autonomous forklifts can seamlessly connect to various automation equipment such as conveyor lines, hoists, and robotic arms in the enterprise workshop; through intelligent scheduling and path planning, tasks are assigned to autonomous forklifts, so that autonomous forklifts can transport materials through the "pipeline" planned by the system.
03 Study Case of Intelligent Manufacturing
> VisionNav X Chemical New Material Enterprise
Solution:
VisionNav RCS + 2 VNP15 Counterbalance Stacker AGV + VNQ60 Autonomous Tractor
Project Outcome:
The indoor VNP15 autonomous forklift docks the conveyor and the flatbed trailer to realize the transfer of raw materials from the paint workshop to the buffer area.
Docking Conveyor
VNQ60 autonomous tractors transport raw materials to each workshop according to the requirement, complete the outdoor material transfer operation process, and realize the automation of the whole process of logistics.
Outdoor Transfer
> VisionNav X Printing and Packaging Enterprise
Solution:
VisionNav RCS + 2 VNSL14 Pallet Stacker AGV
Project Outcome:
Two VNSL14 Pallet Stacker AGVs are deployed on the first and second floor of the project, connecting the elevator and the conveyor line, completing the process of entering and exiting the semi-finished products, and realizing the automatic management of warehousing and logistics.
Horizontal Transfer
>VisionNav X Food Processing Enterprise
Solution:
VisionNav RCS + VNR14 Reach Truck AGV + VNMR15 small Reach Truck AGV
Project Outcome:
VNR14 reach truck AGV + VNMR15 small reach truck AGV are deployed in two sections of projects A and B, respectively. In Area A, the VNR14 reach truck AGV realizes the round-trip transfer of semi-finished products from the inbound buffer area and the high-rise shelf area to the outbound buffer area according to the task requirements.
High-rise Warehousing
In Area B, two VNMR15 small reach truck AGVs are connected to the roller line, and the semi-finished materials are transferred from the roller line to the outbound buffer area.
About VisionNav Robotics
VisionNav® Robotics is a global supplier of autonomous industrial vehicles and intralogistics automation solutions. Based on 5G networks, AI&Machine Learning, Environmental Perception, Deep Learning, and Servo Control technology, VisionNav has developed 9 product series for full-stack scenarios to automate industry logistics. VisionNav has served more than 30 countries and deployed 200+ projects around the globe, and partners with 50+ Fortune 500 companies, covering auto manufacturing, tire, food, petrochemical, e-commerce, 3PL, pharmaceutical, and other industries.
Media Contact
Iris | Marketing Manager
xchen@visionnav.com
