SCDigest Editorial Staff

Otis Technology, a manufacturer of gun care systems for military applications, has decided to use a new generation of intelligent automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to support its Lean manufacturing strategies through an automated, but flexible, way to move materials around the factory floor in its Lyons Falls, NY production facility.

Continued sales growth necessitate that Otis look at more advanced material handling automation solutions to maintain high levels of productivity, the company says.

The new AGV technology is being provided by RMT Robotics, using the company's ADAM line of AGVs.  The automated material handling system will be used primarily to deliver components parts to manufacturing work cells in a just-in-time (JIT) fashion.

Several developments in AGV technology are happening that are making AGV-based systems more attractive in manufacturing and distribution, says SCDigest Materials Handling Editor Cliff Holste.

"The more dynamic nature of today's manufacturing and distribution environments have in the past made it difficult for traditional AGVs, with their limited and static movement paths, to really work well in many environments," Holste said. "That is really starting to change, with AGV systems that are much more flexible in their movement and their ability to understand the environment they operate in. This is really a significant change for the industry."

RMT Robotics, for example, says that its ADAM AGV system is capable of “random origin to random destination” movement, as well as having the ability to navigate around obstacles that are expected and unexpected.

Operations Director Mike York of Otis Technology says, “New technology, like RMT’s ADAM, will continue to play a key role in Otis Technology’s success, growth and sustainability.”