Michelin Customer Case Study: AGVs, logistics robotization at the service of performance
In the supply chain, technological innovations are used to optimize value creation. The integration of intelligent logistics robots enables employees' skills to be transferred to high value-added activities.
AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) are among the logistics and intralogistics robots now on the market to optimize warehouse management.
Motorized, guided and autonomous, these intelligent robots move goods around, becoming essential tools for efficient warehouse management.
How have Onet Logistique teams optimized processes by installing AGVs? Here's a look back at the implementation of AGVs at Michelin's Cholet site.
Automatic forklift truck installed at Michelin site Cholet: innovation at the heart of Onet processes
Methods & Innovations Manager Onet Logistique
How were AGVs integrated into the Michelin Chollet site?
"The AGVs were installed at the Cholet site in 2022. They respond to our customer's need to optimize production through innovation. The site covers 48,000 m2 and Onet Logistique operates over 9,000 m2.
Before the installation of the AGVs, we had a forklift operator towing a trailer containing production between two buildings, with 3 people mobilized for this task 7 days a week. Thanks to AGVs, we've been able to redirect our forklift drivers' tasks towards higher value-added functions.
No work was required to set up the AGV, as it works with a carter and reflectors installed at several points along the machine's path".
What are the key success factors
in implementing AGVs on production lines?
Auditing our customers' needs is the first key to success.
The choice of the best robot, from among the AGV fleet on the market, is based on our knowledge and expertise of our customer's needs. This choice depends on the customer's needs in terms of loading capacity, the complexity of the route the AGV takes, human safety requirements, the number of rotations in a day, etc...
Repetitiveness is the key. The first thing to do is to identify all handling operations and flows that are repetitive in nature. The aim, in any optimization principle, is to replace one process with another, justifying the act of replacement.
This is exactly what happened with the AGVs at the Cholet site. The task performed by the machine is an action with no real added value and no potential for optimization. We had to replace this action by a machine, so that we could use our employees for more interesting and motivating value-added tasks.
We've also brought innovation and modernity to the service we've been offering our customer for several years."
What are your responsibilities as head of
Methods & Innovation at Onet Logistique?
"My role is to help our customers set up new logistics projects. New projects are validated in advance with our design office and sales team.
For each project, our priority is to improve the performance of our customer's supply chain. I support our teams in the methodology and innovation required to guarantee performance and the expected results. Anticipation, coordination and load calculation are an integral part of my missions.
On the AGV rollout at Michelin Cholet, my role was to structure the entire project: planning, drafting functional specifications, calculating ROI and ensuring that operators were satisfied with the result.
Further information
What is an AGV robot?
Definition :
AGVs are autonomous goods movers, bringing performance to warehouse management.
The first AGVs appeared in the 50s as material handling trucks, designed to transport pallets. They were then referred to as automatic forklifts.
Adopted in the 70s for the production lines of major companies in the automotive industry, AGVs became an indispensable tool in the early days of industrial automation and flow management. Over the years, AGVs have become increasingly sophisticated, adapting to heavy loads and long distances.
What are the differences between AGV and AMR?
AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) are not self-guided, but move autonomously. These mobile robots, controlled by a WCS (Warehouse Control System), assist the operator. They are controlled in real time to optimize warehouse logistics flows thanks to artificial intelligence.
Consisting of bin systems in a vertical storage structure, their main objective is to improve picking, sorting and inventories. There are different types of AMR, depending on the type of picking performed: from man to product, "Man to goods" AMR, or from product to man, "Goods to man" AMR.
AMRs enjoy competitive advantages because they are more versatile and quicker to set up in a logistics chain, and can be deployed without any special fittings. The major difference between AGVs and AMRs lies in the level of autonomy and the type of technology used.
The different types of AGV
There are 3 main types of AGV:
- Unit load vehicles for transporting a single loading unit
(pallet, shelf or bin), - forklifts fitted with fork sensors used to move pallets,
- self-steering tugs up to 8 tons to pull one or more non-motorized vehicles with loads.
The proposed AGV fleet moves autonomously along a predefined trajectory at speeds ranging from 50 to 150 meters per minute.
Automating processes within a logistics department requires changes in warehouse management. An initial study phase between the logistics service provider and the customer is essential in order to choose the most efficient solution.
There are various technologies for guiding AGVs, which can be divided into two categories: physical and virtual navigation technologies.
Wire-guided AGVs
With wire-guidance technology, AGVs are conscientiously guided along a physical line. These lines can be materialized by a magnetic strip, an inductive wire installed in or under the floor, or painted lines.
This technology uses a sensor built into the vehicle to follow the ground line, measuring left and right deviations to correct the vehicle's trajectory.
AGV with beacon guidance
This technology is very similar to wire guidance. The difference lies in the installation of digital beacons such as flashcodes, RFID tags or magnetic dots embedded in the ground. The vehicle is equipped with a specific sensor to follow the route defined by these beacons.
Onet Logistique, an expert in on-site logistics,
supports its customers in various markets.
With over 20 years' expertise in on-site logistics, Onet Logistics works with numerous players in 4 major markets: automotive, aeronautics, industry and distribution.
Onet Logistique's strengths lie in its dedicated design office and "methods & continuous innovation" team, which supports its customers in their upstream and downstream flow issues.
Logistics consulting and engineering, flow management and control, innovation and expertise: these are the pillars on which Onet Logistics bases its day-to-day activities on behalf of its customers.
Why outsource logistics?
Supply chain management is more than ever a strategic challenge for companies. In a constantly changing world, mastering technological, environmental and social aspects is a complex and risky business.
Today, many companies choose to outsource their on-site logistics in order to control their risks. Discover the main advantages of logistics outsourcing.
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