The new PF3 automated guided vehicle, or AGV, from Stäubli Robotics captured this year’s Best Smart Product award in the international Red Dot Design competition. The company announced yesterday that it will present the PF3 for the first time in North America at Automate 2023.
“AGVs have become integral to industrial intralogistics, literally doing the heavy lifting in and around manufacturing facilities,” said Stäubli. “The PF3 features an ultra-compact yet robust design and handles payloads of up to 3 tons, delivering a footprint-to-payload ratio that leads the market – and paves the way for new applications across multiple industries.”
Pfäffikon, Switzerland-based Stäubli claimed that it is a leader in high-payload AGVs with a complete portfolio of platforms, forklifts, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) known for high-precision omnidirectional positioning and payloads of up to 500 tons. The company's U.S. headquarters are in Duncan, S.C.
Stäubli Robotics added that it is a leading manufacturer of quick-release couplings, robots, and textile machinery. It has a workforce of more than 5,500 employees, a presence in 29 countries, and a comprehensive distribution network in 50 countries.
PF3 AGV designed for ease of use, safety
Stäubli said it designed the PF3 with a low profile and to operate within very narrow spaces on the factory floor. The new robot can maneuver around obstacles and carry out positioning precision of +/-5 mm (0.19 in.), it said. With the lift unit, it has a height of 400 mm (15.7 in.).
“Plus, smart features offer future-proof production and a streamlined workflow,” said the company.
The PF3 uses standard software interfaces and an electric and mechanical interface for third-party add-ons. It battery is designed for up to 7,000 recharging cycles at up to 80A.
An all-around LED strip and 45-degree inclined touch panel provide an ergonomic operator experience, said Stäubli. These can increases user acceptance and ease integration, it added.
For safety, the PF3 is equipped with a 360-degree human safety scanner, five emergency stop buttons, a collision avoidance sensor, and an LED strip that communicates the AGV’s status.
Accessories include a table, stations for EU and U.S. pallets, and a remote control.
Stäubli to show rugged robot at Automate
Stäubli said it built the robot on its patented drive unit. The AGV is “constructed of industrial-proof components, delivering outstanding performance in terms of productivity as well as total cost of ownership,” asserted the company.
The PF3 is also easy to own and maintain, according to Stäubli. It uses a “drawer” maintenance concept, which means parts are easily accessible from the sides of the AGV and can be changed in minutes.
Stäubli will present the PF3 at Booth 2632 at Automate, which will be from May 22 to 25 in Detroit.
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