Project: Counterbalance ABB

WEWO Techmotion has implemented an extension to an existing AGV system for ABB in Ede, designed to handle the removal of plastic injection-moulded parts. In a previous project, pallet mover AGVs were used to transport products from the production line to a roller rack.

The pallet mover AGVs deliver their load to a specially designed transfer station. From this point, the CB1300 takes over the transport and places the plastic parts in the correct position within the roller rack, including the new top level.

A key aspect of this solution is that the CB1300 works in full integration with the existing pallet movers within a single central fleet management system. As a result, all vehicles operate as a single fleet, transports are optimally distributed, and the logistics flow remains fully coordinated without the need for separate controls or systems.

The process is controlled via sensors linked to the MES system. Both the delivery and picking positions are equipped with sensors that automatically generate transport orders via IO connections. This ensures the entire flow is dynamically controlled based on the current situation on the shop floor.

Smart logic within the system prevents disruptions. For example, a pallet mover automatically waits when a delivery position is occupied, and the MES checks whether a picking location is available before an order is executed.

The result is an efficient expansion of the existing intralogistics system, automating an additional process step without the need for major changes. Thanks to the seamless collaboration between pallet movers and the CB1300 within a single fleet manager, ABB has a robust, scalable and future-proof solution.