E80 use case: Management of intralogistics flows in complex production lines

Summary

This E80 use case tackles the problem of the management of a complex production line serving for diversified production. In factories where complete flow automation is needed, E80 LGVs are capable of handling finished products, and packaging materials to be supplied to production lines.

A smart HMI has been designed that supports the management of automated vehicles for the transportation of goods, compensating variations in role, skills, cognitive capabilities, disabilities, education level and age of operators. Physically impaired subjects are also involved in planning activities, for which little mobility through the plant is required (in situ repair jobs should be handed over to other operators).

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More information & hyperlinks
Country: IT
Address: Viano
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Comment:

The smart HMI was tested in E80, with expert and nonexpert operators working on an AGV in real working environment. The availability of such a tool to guide the use and maintenance of complex vehicles was strongly appreciated by workers, since it simplifies the interaction with the vehicle proprietary user interface and enable structured access to knowledge of specific procedures that have been carried out empirically. Moreover, expert operators are now able to take advantage of their experience and plan ad hoc maintenance plan, customized on the current status of the fleet. 

Comment:

The customisation capability reflects in terms of reduced vehicles downtime and increased assignment of supervision jobs to vulnerable users. Moreover, the maintenance phases are shortened resulting in less downtime that provides an increase of the productivity of the total system (human and automation).