KLT and ½ EPAL Transport with MiR250 Fleet

To optimize intralogistics processes, SPIE AUTOMATION installed a MiR250 fleet at Blum-Novotest, including a Shelf Carrier Top Module, elevator, and roller door integration. In addition to custom mobile shelves for classic KLTs, the vehicles also transport custom carts for ½ Euro pallets. Thus, 90% of intralogistics processes can be handled by the fleet.

Challenge and Objective

Demand for its products has significantly increased at Blum-Novotest. This is due to higher demands on manufacturing precision and the potential for automation of manufacturing processes on machine tools.

For its intralogistics processes, Blum-Novotest had various material and floor carts in use. These were manually transported by employees to the respective stations on different floors. The objective was therefore to present Blum-Novotest with the best possible, flexible automation solution and to implement it on site. Test setups were carried out in advance at SPIE AUTOMATION in Pfullendorf.

Solution

In an initial coordination meeting, the then-current process and the envisioned, optimized workflow in production logistics were discussed. From the customer’s side, the initial approach was the handling of individual transport carriers – One Piece Flow. However, this solution would not have fully utilized the potential of the AMR MiR250 from Mobile Industrial Robots. Instead, cross-floor goods transport with a MiR250 Shelf was evaluated. The openness, simplicity, intuitive handling, and collaborative approach of the system were decisive success factors – also for the cooperation with the system integrator SPIE AUTOMATION.

A first cart (prototype) was created by Blum-Novotest, which was tested and checked for weaknesses on-site at SPIE AUTOMATION. After evaluating the necessary travel distances and anticipated transport orders, two MiR250 robots with a shelf module were planned. The design of the sources and sinks, as well as the placement of the charging station, was jointly developed.

In the first step of implementation, the gate control in two production areas and the elevator connection with the manufacturer were implemented, and the MiR Fleet software was installed and tested. Sporadic errors in the manufacturer-specific communication with the elevator could be analyzed, localized, and finally resolved through a software adjustment.

The safety acceptance (CE) of the MiR250 robots and the carts designed by Blum-Novotest (for KLTs and ½ EPAL) was carried out by SPIE ESCAD. Further areas (sources and sinks) will be directly integrated by Blum-Novotest, and the missions will be expanded.

Benefits

Blum-Novotest was able to significantly improve the flow of intralogistics processes. The elimination of travel and waiting times freed up valuable employee resources. Thus, over 1200 km of travel distance have been saved so far. In addition, there were long waiting times in front of and in the elevators. Furthermore, the automated transport system was able to standardize logistics processes. This increases efficiency and reduces the error rate.

Through iterative and agile implementation, Blum-Novotest was quickly able to gain a foothold in the new technology, understand and master it – which was important to the customer as a technically oriented company. It is now able to further develop the system without additional support.

At the same time, full automation was deliberately foregone. The missions for the two robot systems must be triggered manually. Employees should view the AMRs as tools and feel responsible for them. This sustainably prevents the emergence of a competitive situation.

To meet the increased demands, the requirements for our internal processes, and the incentive for efficient production at the German site, Blum-Novotest has developed a 10-year agenda for optimizing and automating overall logistics. The AGV project, a part of this agenda, was successfully implemented quickly, efficiently, and with a short ROI. 95% of intralogistics processes can be handled by the fleet. Further expansion of the fleet or connection to other automated storage systems is possible and planned.

These SPIE AUTOMATION Strengths Were Applied

About our customer
Blum-Novotest is a technology leader in manufacturing metrology. Founded in 1968, over 650 employees now work in branches in Europe, USA, South America, and Asia on customer- and future-oriented solutions for the most advanced measurement and testing technology in the automotive, aerospace, and machine tool industries.

Industry
Manufacturing Metrology

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I found the collaboration with SPIE AUTOMATION to be collaborative, solution-oriented, and uncomplicated – with a clear focus on a functional and pragmatic solution. Some issues that seemed complex at the beginning of the project, such as the integration of the elevator, were easily resolved in cooperation with SPIE AUTOMATION, without compromising functionality or safety. This sub-project was another important step towards an automated and digital future.

Florian Knörle
Head of Purchasing & Logistics
Member of the Management Board
Blum-Novotest

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