TAKING THE DRIVER
OUT OF THE
FACTORY
n the 1993 science fiction
film, Jurassic Park, visitors
could take a tour in an
autonomous Ford Explorer
that used tracks on the
ground to navigate.
I
This was a good prediction of future
technological advancements, but the
autonomous vehicles of today are far
more advanced than the Jurassic Explorer.
Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing
director of obsolete parts supplier, EU
Automation, explains how autonomous
vehicles are beginning to transform the
manufacturing industry.
76
PECM Issue 32
A utonomous vehicles in factories
Manufacturing facilities are typically very
large, often spanning several buildings.
Therefore, equipment, raw materials and
finished products must be transported to
the correct location as the manufacturing
process progresses.
Traditionally, humans would conduct
this task. However, autonomous vehicles
eliminate the need for the workforce
to conduct manual handling, meaning
manufacturing factories can reduce the
incidence of injuries and improve staff
health and safety.
When Jurassic Park first opened, an
unlucky driver would have repeatedly
driven the same circular route with
squealing children in the back seat. By
introducing an autonomous Jurassic
Explorer, the staff would have been able
to focus their efforts on other areas.
As well as benefitting individual
workers, autonomous vehicles increase
productivity in manufacturing, as they can
transport a greater mass and move more
quickly than a human. They’re also more
reliable, so late deliveries are avoided,
helping to keep the entire manufacturing
process on schedule.