Screw lifts in AGV carts

AGVs (automated guided vehicles), also known as mobile robots, are devices that do not require constant operator supervision to function. They first appeared in the 1950s, and in Europe, AGVs began to spread in the 1960s and 1970s, including at VOLVO plants, where as many as 186 devices were in operation. They were used to transport vehicle bodies between workstations. Today, the popularity and demand for such devices continue to grow. It is estimated that the AGV market will reach $3.2 billion by 2025. Pivexin Technology offers a very broad range of products in the field of AGVs, including components responsible for propulsion: electric motors, gearboxes, controllers, as well as industrial automation subsystems. Often, in larger AGVs, besides the drives responsible for vehicle movement, a lifting mechanism is also required to handle loads. Typically, only a few millimeters of lift are needed. Here, screw lifts from the renowned manufacturer NEFF Gewindetriebe GMBH come into play. Thanks to their compact design, the M/J series lifts can be successfully installed in AGVs, where mounting space is limited. The wide load capacity range of the lifts (from 250kg to 50T) allows for the selection of the right solution for any application. Additionally, the lifts come in two main versions: N – moving screw and R – moving nut, further enhancing customization options to meet customer requirements. In cases where there is insufficient space for a lift or the required lift stroke exceeds the AGV’s capacity, we can offer an interesting alternative. Recently, our product lineup has expanded to include telescopic lifts from the S-TEG and M-TEG series. This innovative solution involves the use of multiple screw segments working together, enabling a very low-profile design. For example, a 3-segment telescopic lift with a mounting height of 350mm can achieve a stroke of up to 600mm! And that’s not all—the number of segments can go up to 7! The screw mechanism is highly stable, capable of generating up to 91kN of force and achieving high speeds of up to 150mm/s. It can also be combined with the proven M-series lift gearbox.