What Is an Automatic Transport Device?
An automatic transport device is a device used to transport goods and materials automatically.
It is used in manufacturing processes and in the logistics industry. The use of an automatic transport devices can reduce human labor. Since the work of transporting goods and materials is performed by machines, the burden on humans can be reduced.
This improves work efficiency and allows workers to focus on more important tasks. It also enables rapid transport of goods and materials, thereby increasing productivity. The equipment can work continuously, thereby improving the efficiency of the material handling line and increasing the amount of material transported.
It also reduces the risk of human error and accidents when transporting goods and materials. The equipment performs pre-programmed movements to transport goods accurately and safely.
Applications of Automatic Transport Devices
Automatic transport devices are widely used in a variety of industries. They are especially useful in the manufacturing and logistics industries.
1. Manufacturing Industry
In the manufacturing industry, automated conveyors are used to transport goods between production lines and processes. They contribute to the automatic transportation of parts and products on assembly lines and to the efficiency of production processes.
They come in a variety of forms and shapes and are generally designed to suit each line. They are useful not only in assembly plants but also in plants that handle processes such as chemical plants. Belt conveyors that transport powders and other raw materials are also a type of automatic transport device.
2. Logistics Industry
In the logistics industry, conveyor belts are also used for receiving and storing goods in warehouses and distribution centers. Equipment, such as conveyor belts and AGVs can be used for efficient picking, packing, and shipping operations.
Principles of Automatic Transport Device
There are various types of automatic transport devices, each with a different structure. However, they all have one thing in common: they use sensors to acquire physical information and operate according to a control program.
First, automatic transport devices use sensors to detect surrounding conditions. There are different types of sensors, such as optical sensors and proximity sensors, that detect the position and condition of goods and the environment. The detected information is sent to the control system to guide the control operation.
The information from the sensors is used to control the operation of the automatic transport device. The control algorithm is responsible for controlling speed, acceleration, etc. They also include programs to execute the appropriate operation for a particular task or operation.
Actuators are used to move objects. Actuators can be in the form of motors, pneumatic devices, etc., and drive the transport device or arm. The actuator operates based on instructions from the control system to transport the item.
Types of Automatic Transport Devices
There are many types of automatic transport devices. The following are examples of typical automatic transport devices:
1. Conveyor
This system uses conveyor components, such as belts and rollers, to transport goods. Conveyance routes can be set for straight lines, curves, slopes, etc., and goods can be moved continuously. The system can also be applied to powders and other materials.
2. AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle)
AGVs are small unmanned vehicles that are operated automatically. It uses sensors and control systems to detect its surroundings and moves autonomously to its destination. They come in a variety of forms and are used to transport loads or pallets.
Unmanned vehicles do not have an operator. They are intended to transport goods, such as luggage, and are not supposed to be used on roads.
Meanwhile, AI and data analysis technologies have advanced in recent years. Increasingly, there are types of vehicles that can determine their own travel routes and run autonomously without the use of magnetic tape.
3. Robotic Arm
Robot arms are devices that use articulated arms to grab and transport items. They are used for automation in factories and warehouses and are highly accurate and flexible. Robot arms come in a variety of forms, including parallel robots and vertically articulated robots.
4. Drones
An unmanned aerial vehicle that flies through the air to transport cargo and goods. Currently, they are widely used for surveys of high places. In recent years, their use in the delivery industry has been attracting attention.