Preventative Maintenance for AGVs

April 30, 2019 - "Press Releases"

Preventative maintenance (PM) for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) ensures top-level performance and consistency on the production line. By following the suggested PM, you are able to prevent costly, unplanned downtime. Because AGVs are a driverless, computer-controlled vehicle that uses the highest degree of complex routing and guidance navigation, it is imperative to avert any issues with preventative maintenance. When AGV’s do not have regular preventative maintenance checks performed, it can cause parts and components to break down or malfunction, which slows or stops production.

Automatic Guided Vehicles that are properly maintained can last for many years, even decades, before needing to be replaced. Keeping a regular preventative maintenance schedule will exponentially extend the life of your AGV and help provide optimal efficiency for you.

At Transbotics, we recommend the following guidelines. Bear in mind that the checks and time intervals between checks given below may need to be adjusted based on the actual operating conditions of the vehicle. It is recommended that the customer develop their own optimized maintenance schedule based on their requirements and experience.

Preventive Maintenance (PM) Intervals:

Daily PM Overview: Transbotics recommends performing this once every shift.

Give a visual inspection and listen for any abnormal sounds during operation.

Check that the battery voltage is within the specified level (specified level will be in specific product manual).

Check for oil leaks or battery leaks.

Check safety systems are undamaged and operating properly.

Clean the optical lenses and reflectors if required, wiping them with a soft, clean, lint free cloth.

TIP: Wipe the lenses using a circular motion. Do not wipe scanner lenses using a linear motion as doing so is more likely to create scratches that impair the “reading” ability of the device.

Check the vehicle for damage, major dents and/or loose panels or doors.

Monthly PM Overview

Inspect Object Detection and Safety Scanners:

Check proper operation of the individual scanners.

Check LED indicator lights for proper operation.

Check for damage to scanners, wiring, and connectors.

Check for proper communication between scanners and software.

Inspect the Grounding Chain for dirt, wear and/or damage. Clean free of any accumulated dirt or debris. Replace if excessively worn, damaged or missing.

Inspect PCB and/or I/O Circuit Board, if present. Use the PCB test buttons to test the fuses.

Inspect Charge shoe(s) and Charge Plates:

Check the contactors/brushes for debris build-up and lightly sand with medium grit sandpaper to clear of oxidation or buildup if required.

Replace contactors/brushes if excessively worn.

Clear the metal contact strips of the Charge Plates of any debris.

Check the spring loading of the brushes. Make sure the brushes move freely in their holders and that the brush springs are undamaged and properly seated.

Check the vehicle interior for any build-up of dirt or debris. If needed, vacuum or use compressed air of 30 psi (0.21 Mpa) pressure or less to blow out dust and debris.

Check by hand to confirm that the terminals do not move easily.

Replace any excessively worn or damaged parts.

Quarterly (Three Month) PM Overview

Inspect all wheels:

Inspect moving/rotating parts for smooth operation.

Listen for abnormal sounds coming from the drive chain bearings during vehicle movement.

Check the tires for cracks, separation from the wheel, damage, hardened “rubber,” excessive or uneven wear.

Inspect all drive/steer/actuator motors.

Check that encoders are securely mounted.

Listen for abnormal sounds coming from the motor and/or gearbox during vehicle movement

Test all vehicle warning and direction lights and check them for damage.

Test obstacle detection system.

Verify that all safety equipment is functioning correctly.

Verify that each E-Stop and Soft Stop pushbutton is working properly.

Inspect the MCD:

Check that all controls and switches are functioning properly on the MCD.

Check that MCD receptacle(s) mounted on the vehicle is clean and in good working order.

Check that the Dust Cover for the MCD receptacle is in place and in good working order.

Check the MCD cord for damage or excessive wear. Replace as required.

Semi-Annual PM Overview

Inspect all drive/steer/actuator motors.

Check for major dents and/or loose panels.

Check for broken welds, stress cracks, and/or other structural problems.

Check that all mounting screws and locking devices are tightened securely.

Inspect entire electrical system:

Check for any loose connections including all controllers and battery connections.

Inspect all connectors, contacts, relays, and fuses.

Check for worn or damaged wiring and/or for worn or damaged wiring insulation.

Verify vehicle tuning.

We understand the importance of keeping your AGV up and running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. If you have any questions, contact Transbotics at +1(704)-362-1115. We are looking forward to working with you to ensure your satisfaction with our top-quality products.

Preventative Maintenance for AGVs

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