With this project we definitely achieved our targets to optimize and digitalize our production facilities.
Increased

safety

Improved

product flow

Higher

digitalization of the facility

Increased

traceability of loads

About Schaeffler

The Schaeffler Group is a global automotive and industrial supplier with high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications, in addition to rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications. The main development centres in Germany are Herzogenaurach, Schweinfurt and Bühl, which operate in a network with other development centres in Europe, Asia, North and South America.

The challenge

Schaeffler Bühl aimed to digitalize its intralogistics by introducing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) into production. The goal was to automate the transport of full and empty containers up to 1,000 kg between machines and the shipping area. The AGVs had to navigate narrow aisles, handle floor changes and conveyors, integrate with internal software and fleet management, and meet high safety standards while allowing future automation steps such as labelling before shipping.

  • Tight spaces
  • High safety standards
  • Load handling on the floor, conveyors and machines
  • AGV fleet management needs to be compatible with Schaeffler's middleware
  • High availability and ability need to cover the shifts

The solution

Schaeffler Bühl implemented 6 A-MATE® FreeLift AGVs. With their extremely slim design, omnidirectional driving system and electric free lift they can handle loads of up to 1 tonne on the floor as well as on conveyors and racks up to a height of 1.1 meter – even in tight spaces.

Products used

Schaeffler Bühl is using six A-MATE® FreeLift AGVs to handle the internal material transport. The electric free lift allows the handling of up to 1000 kg up to a height of 1.1 m – on the floor as well as on conveyors and machines. With the omnidirectional driving system the A-MATE® FreeLift navigates reliably in the tight spaces and the safety features fulfil Schaeffler’s requirements.