AGV wireless evolution

MERCEDES-BENZ Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its innovative technology, craftsmanship, and luxury design. At the company's state-of-the-art automotive factory in Ludwigsfelde, over 70 AGVs move automotive parts to the assembly line. These AGVs transport everything from heavy engines to smaller electronics across distances ranging from 300 to 800 meters. Each AGV is equipped with an on-board Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) from Siemens or Schneider Electric, which ensures their efficient and safe navigation.

Communication is key

Guiding the AGVs effectively relies on good communication between the AGVs and the factory’s control system. This communication enables the factory to track the AGVs' whereabouts, cargo, and real-time status.

Mercedes-Benz’s previous AGV system used Bluetooth technology and HMS’ Anybus Wireless Bolt and Anybus Bridge products. However, they wanted to improve the system’s efficiency and be able to comply with the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which becomes mandatory in January 2027.

Maximilian Lichan from Mercedes-Benz explains: “While Bluetooth worked well, we now want to enhance our AGV system to support higher throughput, fast roaming, and lower latency. We also need to comply with the soon-to-be mandatory EU safety regulations. Equally important, we want the equipment and experts from the same company, and we want them to come onsite, install the equipment, and verify that everything works."

HMS wireless experts pave the way

Mercedes-Benz provided key information, such as floorplans, to HMS’ wireless experts. Using this information, HMS first conducted a predictive site survey to determine the optimal placement and number of access points required. HMS then visited the factory to verify the accuracy of the survey and make any necessary adjustments.

Mercedes-Benz used the updated predictive site survey to install the required power outlets and network cabling. Once the required infrastructure was in place, HMS returned to install and configure the Anybus Wireless products before verifying that the installation worked as planned.

Anybus wireless products

The wireless infrastructure uses Anybus Access Points powered by Anybus PoE L2 Managed Switches, with an Anybus Wireless Bolt II mounted on each AGV. The Anybus Wireless Bolts handle communication from the AGVs to the traffic control system and connect to the 12 different access points in the factory’s ceiling. As an AGV moves out of range of one access point, it transitions to the next, ensuring uninterrupted communication.

A critical aspect to the project's success was the utilisation of the 5GHz frequency band, while the Bolt II’s similarity to its predecessor also simplified the installation.

Lichan explains: "We wanted to use the 5GHz frequency band where we have four dedicated channels that didn’t interfere with our existing systems. It was also convenient that the Bolt II fits in the same hole as the original Bolt."

With the wireless expertise of HMS and the Anybus Wireless products, Mercedes-Benz successfully achieved its goal of efficient and safe transportation of goods within the factory.

Lichan happily reflects on the outcome: “Everything worked as we hoped. The connection is very stable, and we are now able to comply with the safety machinery regulation. The support for more bandwidth has even allowed us to manage and configure the AGVs remotely, which, while not a key objective is a nice bonus."