Machine Building

AVT Europe NV

Completion: 2023

AVT Europe, Belgium

Essen,

The specific challenge addressed by AVT Europe was the transportation of delicate tomatoes from a sorting center to an auction, located 250 meters apart
Traditional forklifts were time-consuming, and stacking pallets posed a risk to the tomatoes
AVT needed to develop an AGV, named Automaatje, that could autonomously transport eight pallets of tomatoes efficiently, addressing the outdoor environment challenges.

AVT Europe developed the Automaatje, an AGV capable of autonomously transporting eight pallets of tomatoes
The AGV's robust design considered outdoor conditions such as rain, sun exposure, and slippery surfaces
To address navigation challenges, AVT implemented an ANS+ system with laser sensors measuring distances to transponders embedded in the asphalt, ensuring accurate navigation

The openness of SIMOVE is a huge advantage. We can program everything ourselves. Other systems are often black box

Jens Deckers, Sales Manager Transport Solutions at AVT Europe

Efficiency: Automaatje compensates for its speed by handling more pallets autonomously, resulting in significant savings in energy, time, and personnel resources.
Safety: Cameras and sensors register the surrounding environment, ensuring the AGV avoids obstacles and adjusts its course if needed, reducing the risk of accidents and damage.
Robustness: The AGV's design considers outdoor challenges, including rain, sun exposure, and variations in road surfaces.
Cost-Effective: Utilizing Siemens' open AGV platform, SIMOVE, allows for easy customization of routes, reducing the need for manufacturer intervention and associated costs.
Reliability: The Automaatje's navigation system, based on transponders and laser sensors, ensures precise positioning and reliable performance.
Scalability: The SIMOVE platform enables the possibility of deploying multiple Automaatjes on the same route, with Master Control preventing collisions and offering expansion possibilities.
Partnership Benefits: AVT's long-term use of Siemens products facilitates easy diagnostics and collaboration, allowing for the development of innovative solutions to customer challenges.