Siemens Netherlands and VDL Automated Vehicles will launch this autumn the second generation of their automated logistics platform based on Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for industrial companies with mixed traffic on their premises. To reinforce this intensive cooperation, Dirk De Bilde, CEO Siemens Netherlands, Edwin Willems, Senior Vice President VDL Groep and Karel Smits, business unit manager at VDL Automated Vehicles signed a cooperation agreement.
The knowledge and experience of Siemens and VDL are being combined to further develop the required infrastructures, such as energy and network, and a virtual simulation (the so-called digital twins) for the second generation of electric AGVs.
Applications
VDL has been building AGVs for application in port areas for years. They are deployed at the world's largest, most modern container terminals. Since 2017, VDL has also been focusing on smaller AGVs for industrial companies with so-called 'mixed traffic' on their factory premises. This hybrid form of automated and non-automated transport is becoming increasingly relevant in the European market, due to its many application possibilities.
Tight labour market
With the second generation of AGVs, VDL and Siemens are responding even better to current challenges facing companies. The increasing tightness in the labour market and shortage of drivers is one of them. Available drivers can perform more the 'outbound' transports, while an automated vehicle - with an availability of 95% - can perform the trips in the field. This also results in higher process stability and continuity.
Less damage with AGVs
Electric transport also helps companies meet their energy targets more easily, become more sustainable and reduce their CO2 emissions. Damage rates are also lower, previous pilots have shown.
From propulsion to digital twins
Siemens supplies the complete drive, automation and digitalisation, from the electric motors to the visualisation software. The software consists of tested, certified building blocks that can be used for various functionalities in the vehicle. In addition, the company also provides the security solutions needed within an automated system.
Simulation
The complete system is first built in a virtual environment. Next, the logistics process is simulated in this 'digital twin'. For instance, people walking around in the environment can be simulated, the speed of the vehicle can be increased to achieve a certain performance or charging stations can be added.
Eco-system thinking
Dirk De Bilde, CEO Siemens Netherlands: 'We are pleased to have confirmed the intensive collaboration with our partner VDL. The combination of both our expertises and the platform approach - eco-system thinking - can further accelerate innovations in automated transport for industrial applications in half the time.'
New generation of AGVs
Karel Smits, business unit manager VDL Automated Vehicles: 'In recent years, we have taken a look into each other's kitchen and invested in each other. This has further improved the level of automation of our solution and enabled us to separate the wheat from the chaff in terms of functionality. Our new generation offers the functionality that is really relevant to customers. The state-of-the-art technology of these second-generation AGVs helps industrial companies make their plant logistics more sustainable, efficient, safe and reliable. We look forward to further developing this technology in close cooperation with Siemens over the coming years for successful, broad application in numerous sectors.'
Opening photo: The logistics concept has evolved from an automated means of transport to an integrated logistics solution, including charging stations and everything around them (illustration: Siemens)
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