Overview
A metal manufacturer wanted to explore whether Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) could support a key material-handling process within its facility.
Like many organizations evaluating automation, the company needed answers to several important questions:
- Could AGVs operate reliably within the existing facility?
- Could deployment be completed without disrupting production?
- Would a proof-of-concept provide enough operational insight to support future investment decisions?
Adding complexity, a critical part of the route included a narrow travel corridor and a tight turn into an operating work area. The customer also faced a tight evaluation schedule, leaving little room for delays.
Our Solution
During the site assessment, our team identified the challenging route as a potential risk to the project's timeline.
The solution used the MaxMover™ CB D 2000 Autonomous Counterbalance Forklift, configured to support the customer’s material transport workflow.
Rather than waiting to address the issue during commissioning, the team recreated the route layout and operating conditions at our test facility and validated the navigation strategy prior to deployment. This enabled the customer and our team to review the solution before deployment while reducing implementation risk and helping ensure a smooth on-site rollout.
With the route validated in advance, on-site deployment focused on execution rather than troubleshooting. We mapped the facility, commissioned the MaxMover™ CB D 2000, and integrated it into the production environment while manufacturing activities continued uninterrupted. Installation and commissioning were completed in four days with no production downtime.
Within days, the MaxMover demonstration system was operational, allowing the client to complete their evaluation within two weeks instead of three that had previously been allotted.
Value Delivered
Many organizations see automation as a strategic opportunity but remain concerned about implementation risk, disruption, and whether a solution will fit their operations.
This proof-of-concept provided the manufacturer with a real-world evaluation of AGV technology in an active production environment.
During the evaluation period, the AGV successfully performed the complete material transport workflow, allowing the customer to assess operational fit, usability, and overall feasibility before making a larger automation investment.
Key outcomes included:
- No Production Downtime
The customer maintained normal operations throughout installation, commissioning, and testing.
- Accelerated Deployment
The project was completed approximately one week ahead of the already-tight schedule.
- Reduced Project Risk
Potential challenges were identified and addressed before on-site deployment, helping streamline implementation.
- Real-World Validation
The customer evaluated AGV performance in a live operating environment rather than a simulated test scenario.
- Greater Confidence in Future Automation Decisions
The proof-of-concept provided practical insight into how automation could support long-term operational objectives.