Skip to main content
blog | Italian design brought to you by Kollmorgen |
|
2 minute read

Italian design brought to you by Kollmorgen

What comes to mind when you think about Italy? Certainly many of you will think about wine, pasta, Ferrari and Gucci. Others will think about architecture, music, textiles and other esthetically pleasing products. But few know that many things “Made in Italy” were at some stage handled by automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

Automation and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have supported numerous Italian industries for decades, especially those working with large, heavy and/or hazardous materials and products. Moreover, Kollmorgen has been helping these industries improve their efficiency since the 1980s.

"Made in Italy"

One industry that realized early on the benefits of using AGVs in their processes was Italian Ceramics and Tile. In the 1980s, tiles had become, primarily, a mass manufactured, industrial product. Decorative styles had to adapt to the new production methods, which emphasized economies of scale.

To keep up demand, manufacturers introduced automation into their production, including AGVs for managing and storing raw and baked materials, and for handling pallets containing finished products. Many of these AGV installations were designed and developed by Kollmorgen partners in Italy.

Simplified logistics through automation

Designed to handle goods and products inside a plant, AGVs easily integrate with existing manual operations and other automated machines. AGVs move autonomously—automatically and without the need of an operator or fixed structures on the ground—guaranteeing a high degree of flexibility for future developments of a plant or warehouse. They can operate unrestricted in confined existing workplaces, leading to savings in time, energy and space requirements.

Increased safety in all environments

One of the greatest advantages of AGVs is workplace safety. Designed and programmed to execute their tasks without an operator, AGV movement is not hampered by visual limitations, common when handling large materials and products.

Built into all AGVs are components and routines that prevent collisions and accidents with human workers, workplaces fixtures and other AGVs.

Avoiding accidents helps maximize worker safety and reduce equipment maintenance/repair costs. Ultimately, AGV safety contributes to a harmonious workplace, increasing job satisfaction and product quality consistency.

Consult an Expert

Engineer the Exceptional

Learn how to engineer exceptional machines, robots and vehicles with the highest-performing, most reliable motors, drives, automation solutions and more.

Learn More

Related Resources

Kollmorgen Innovation Day, Realizing Ideas at the Cutting Edge of Tech

Realizing Ideas at the Cutting Edge of Tech >

Kollmorgen is all about innovation, constantly investing in collaborations and research projects to exchange knowledge and expertise with partners and universities across the world. Learn more about how Kollmorgen works to enable innovative thinking…
Kollmorgen Innovation Day

All Together For Innovation: More perspectives mean better ideas and better products >

At Kollmorgen, there are more and more female employees every year, which really helps to broaden overall perspectives. Everyone agrees that diversity drives innovation and these values apply to the group at every level.

Interoperability: What it is, and why it matters in the age of automation >

We are now living in a digital world. E-commerce consumers expect goods to be delivered faster and more flexibly than was the case just a couple of years ago. Organizations, retailers, and their warehouse service providers therefore need to find new…
Automation in a Single Day with Game-Changing DIY Platform

Automation in a Single Day with Game-Changing DIY Platform >

Accessible and affordable automation for all has made a giant leap forward with the release of an AMR platform that enables users to install out-of-the box automation technology in less than a day.

The One Big Thing: Innovating Together for a Sustainable Future >

We are no longer settling for unsustainable. More than ever before, we are painfully aware that our ability – or inability - to act over the next few years will directly shape the lives of all future generations. And our best bet to step up to the…
AGV performance: a deep-dive into neural networks

AGV performance: a deep-dive into neural networks >

Machine Learning, Neural Networks – big terms in modern logistics, but what do they actually mean? What we need is an expert to tell us. Paul Hamblin, editor of Logistics Business magazine, meets one.

How Does Kollmorgen Utilize Data Analytics for AGVs? >

The purpose of an AGV system is efficient transportation of goods in a specified environment. The AGV system is a big investment, so it is desirable to have a high degree of utilization as well as a high ratio of deliveries per hour to get a good…

Disrupt Automation with User Experience Design >

Companies working toward the consumer market have long invested in and understood the value of user experience (UX) design. A good user experience is a key differentiator in today's market, and by aligning your company to ensure that your customers…

EasyEngineering Interview with Peter Bladh, Director Research & Development >

Kollmorgen Automation is part of Kollmorgen, which in turn belongs to the NASDAQ-listed Altra Industrial Motion group. The company develops and sells products and services related to automation solutions for applications that include warehousing and…