Most companies within the automation field use the “one size fits all” approach. America in Motion first opened its doors in 2007 because it became apparent that there is a growing need for custom automation solutions.
Every Business is Unique and Has Unique Needs
Every company, even within the same industry, will differ from one another, in various criteria, ranging from the size of the company to location, to the business/delivery model. Since each company is so vastly different from one another, their needs are also vastly different, requiring each a unique solution.
There are many differences among businesses that can contribute to the need for custom solutions. For instance…
The shape, size and weight of products being moved within a facility
How many shifts are in operation
Time allotted for charging
Where product is being placed (ex: high up on pallet racks)
Building layout
Scale integration for QC check
Transporting hazardous material
The need for extra features like a camera, additional safety sensors, barcode reader, etc.
Ability to move product outdoors
Need for extensive data reports
Additional product tracking
And so on…
Serving Those That Don’t Fit the Mold
At America In Motion, we understand that customers often require something outside the box, therefore we offer vehicles that don't fit the typical mold. Though some customers are just looking for a cookie cutter automated solution, many are looking for something more. Every operation is different and unique which means a standard solution may not check all the boxes. A lot of businesses settle for predetermined solutions rather than getting exactly what they need. Sometimes this means companies are getting excess features, which could end up costing them more, while other companies are not quite getting what they need, resulting in a less efficient workplace.
A custom automated solution ultimately increases efficiency, ensures maximum optimization of resources at hand and cuts down unwarranted wastage. For example, say a company has 5 foot tall rolls of paper that weigh roughly 5,500 lbs each that need to be moved from one end of their facility to the other. They have 3 shifts working at all times and have minimal time to waste charging batteries. A traditional AGV company may suggest the rolls be put on pallets, which can then be picked up using a fork. They offer 3 forklift sizes, one for 2,000 lb loads, another for 4,000 lb and a third larger option for 8,000 lb loads. They also only have a standard battery option. The customer would have to pick the 8,000 lb option since the middle option would not quite be able to hold the load and they would be stuck frequently charging batteries to keep up with all their shifts. Using a fork attachment to pick up pallets with rolls of paper on top may not be the most ideal way to move their product but that is the best option the traditional AGV company can offer. The customer would ultimately be settling.
On the other hand, a custom AGV manufacturer would be able to create a vehicle that exactly matches the required specs. A clamp attachment rather than a fork would be able to wrap around the rolls allowing for a safe and secure maneuver of the product. Also, a weight capacity of 5,500 lbs to match the load and supercharge batteries in each vehicle cutting charge time down by 75%.
eBOT by AIM
The eBot line by America In Motion, is a way to simplify custom AGV buying. We have the ability to make any custom build, but we also offer a simplified modular approach to picking and choosing the features needed in order to build the perfect AGV or fleet of AGVs specific to your needs.
Similar to building a custom car, you have the ability to select each piece or feature of the vehicle in order to create an AGV to specifically meet the needs of your operation. There are three main pieces to consider when building your eBOT vehicle. First, the robot itself, second, the traffic manager (otherwise known as the computer system that directs the vehicle where to go) and lastly the tracker, which is an optional feature allowing product to be tracked throughout your facility. Throughout every step of the process, there are multiple options to choose from (and of course the option to choose a custom requirement) ensuring you end up with an automated solution best suited for your operation.
These vehicles are easy to modify and further customize as your business grows. Attachments can be swapped, batteries upgraded, and so on, as needed.
Example process of building a custom eBOT:
Interested in seeing if custom automation may be a good fit for your company? Click here to request an analysis from one of our custom AGV experts.