AUTOMATED GLASS RACK TRANSPORTERS 
Energy-efficient glass transport as an AGV variant

Ultrasonic sensors are installed on the inside of the wheel arms to clearly identify the glass side, for example in an L-frame. These sensors reliably detect the orientation of the frame. This allows the GTR to place the frame with the glass side on the right or left in the shipping area, depending on the specifications.

Horizontal standard glass safety devices for minimum glass heights of 2,400 mm. Vertical glass safety devices with increased holding force for minimum glass heights of 1,600 mm are available as an option. The ultrasonic sensors mounted on each claw prevent pressure on the glass package. We also offer a third pair of claws as an option. This feature allows LES glass racks to be secured and transported in the middle of the device.

In the glass industry in particular, group-wide standards often apply to warehouse management and control. HUBTEX's main task here is to transfer the orders generated by these systems to the HUBTEX AGV control system and process them. This system takes over fleet management, optimises and monitors the automated, driverless vehicles in the flat glass factory and coordinates their deployment.

The range of services includes route optimisation, battery management, vehicle coordination, maintenance planning, and safety and emergency measures. The aim is to maximise the efficiency of AGV use, reduce operating costs, and increase safety throughout the plant.
 

Ideally, the energy requirements of the GTR should be calculated based on a complete workflow to ensure optimal coordination between battery size, charging capacity and usage profile.

As standard, we equip automated GTRs with a powerful Li-ion battery that is charged via an inductive charging system. Thanks to a high charging current of 400 A, charging times can be kept particularly short. In addition, charging times can be further optimised, for example by using two parallel charging systems, in order to maximise the availability of the vehicle.
 

Simulations of AGVs are an indispensable tool for analysing, optimising and testing processes before the vehicles are deployed in a real-world environment. They are particularly important in the glass industry, where sensitive materials, complex material flows and tight time windows play a central role.
Another important aspect is route planning. Particularly in mixed operation with manual and automated vehicles, risks arise from protective field violations. With the help of simulations, we can check in advance how different scenarios will affect the plant, where potential bottlenecks lie and what impact the use of AGVs will have on productivity, efficiency and safety.

Using detailed feasibility studies, we identify which scenarios achieve the best performance and which challenges need to be considered during implementation. This allows us to lay the foundation for minimising risks, ensuring investment security and realising optimal processes.
 

HUBTEX AGVs are designed for continuous, automated operation. However, in exceptional cases, an operator's station on the vehicle may be useful, for example, to perform infrequent transport tasks, for commissioning or service operations.

The GTR 330E AGV can be operated both in autonomous mode and manually. To do this, the autonomous mode is activated and the driver's seat remains unoccupied. An integrated sensor system ensures that passengers are reliably prevented from riding along in AGV mode (this function can be bypassed for commissioning if necessary).