Low cost AGV promises hassle-free operation

The automated guided vehicle (AGV) Weasel from SSI Schaefer has been designed for internal goods transport.

Its high flexibility and scalability allow for easy integration into warehouse transport processes. The Weasel can transport containers and cartons as well as miscellaneous products of various sizes (up to 35kg).

Increasingly short product life cycles and constantly changing market requirements call for a high level of flexibility. In some cases, tried and tested continuous conveyors are only able to satisfy this requirement to a limited extent. With the Weasel AGV, SSI Schaefer now offers an innovative solution that is highly impressive in terms of flexibility and scalability. Changing customer requirements and fluctuations in demand can be managed at any time, both cost-effectively and at short notice.

Numerous advantages all add to the appeal of the Weasel. There are no access restrictions in the warehouse, creating room for personnel and material flow. The vehicles navigate along an optical track that can be installed quickly, easily and in a flexible manner. Thanks to its compact design, this AGV can even be used in inaccessible areas.

Goods are transported gently and securely to the intended destination. Another advantage is the easy integration into existing systems. The Weasel is flexible in terms of system customisations and extensions. It can be integrated on a fixed or needs-related basis for handling peaks in output. Both manual and automated connections can be quickly established to internal goods flows. 

Standardised control software permits a use independent from the customer and its sector – there is no need for any complex installation and customisation work. As a result, short-term scaling of the system is no longer a problem. A fleet controller manages the orders generated by the in-house ERP system and assigns them to the relevant vehicles after release. The Weasel follows its route via predetermined waypoints. Power is supplied by maintenance-free rechargeable battery packs, which can be exchanged effortlessly via a quick-change frame and recharged. Low purchase and operating costs as well as low maintenance costs complete the profile of this AGV. 

With the new Weasel AGV, SSI Schaefer demonstrates once again a sustainable innovation and market-driven development while expanding its broad product portfolio.

The IFOY Award in the category "Intralogistics Solution" was awarded to SSI Schäfer's Weasel implementation at Next Level Logistik. In a tight finish, the in-plant fleet solution with Weasel driverless transport systems came in first to secure the title of "Intralogistics Solution of the Year".

Besides the high customer value the key factor in the decision of the jury are the low investment costs of this AGV solution. “Considerably reduced investment costs open new customer perspectives in terms of automated transport solutions,” is the verdict of the jury. "Particularly in the era of Industry 4.0, it is a major advantage for companies if they can flexibly connect different in-plant areas and support processes in the front-to-end logistics environment. This system is especially beneficial for companies and start-ups whose business fields and capacity requirements tend to change at short notice", the jury added.