Case Study:
Optimizing Communications Reliability for Automated Material Handling

The Challenge

A leading provider of turnkey material handling systems supplies automated conveyors and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to large factories. While these AGV systems help factory owners to enhance operational efficiency and increase productivity, system reliability is a major concern. How can a warehouse that already has some degree of connectivity ensure that its network can stand up to the demands of constantly moving AGVs in an industrial environment?

The Solution

On this project, reliability was key. The provider had to have Ethernet switches that could support industrial protocols, as well as withstand a demanding warehouse environment. For this, the company turned to Moxa’s EDS-516A industrial-grade Ethernet switches to connect the control network and plant-wide communications network. Moxa’s switches were also used to integrate the warehouse’s existing Allen-Bradley PLC with the SCADA system. By using Moxa’s Ethernet switches, the provider was able to connect all of their devices, leading to a more reliable network that could now be managed by staff without any IT training.

For communication with the AGV controls, the warehouse called upon Moxa’s rugged, wireless AWK-3131A series. This device is built to stand up to harsh environments, so it was able to handle the vibrations resulting from the AGVs’ movements. The specialized roaming protocol allowed the vehicles to roam seamlessly between wireless APs.