For a new generation of electric vehicles, Invio Automation (Grand Rapids, USA) developed an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for handling and positioning customized battery packs.
Clamping technology is an integral part of the overall system and must reliably meet both mechanical and control-related requirements.
One of the key challenges was to securely fix the battery throughout operation—especially during movement and changing positions of the AGV.
A critical aspect: the platform tilts up to a vertical position during operation.
At the same time, the system had to ensure that the battery remains securely clamped even in the event of a power failure.
In addition to mechanical reliability, seamless integration into the existing control architecture was essential.
A total of 192 electromechanical swing clamps (catalog sheet B1.8310) were implemented across 48 AGVs.
The clamps are controlled via the vehicle’s autonomous control system and are ideally suited for mobile applications with independent power supply.
Their compact design and flexible movement enable easy integration into the AGV layout.
Several technical features were decisive in selecting the clamping solution.
High Clamping Force
The high clamping force of approximately 2.7 kN per swing clamp ensures secure fixation of the battery—even when the platform is tilted or vertical.
Flexible Operation
In addition, the ability to rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise allows flexible adaptation to available installation space and design requirements.
Fail-Safe Function
Another crucial factor was the integrated self-locking mechanism:
Even in the event of a power loss, the clamps remain in their clamped position, ensuring reliable holding of the component. This fail-safe characteristic was a key reason for choosing ROEMHELD.
Beyond mechanical performance, system integration played a central role.
The swing clamps operate on 24 V DC and feature an integrated IO-Link interface, enabling seamless integration into the AGV’s existing control system.
Benefits of IO-Link:
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Point-to-point communication without complex fieldbus systems
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Fast commissioning through standardized interfaces
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Real-time transmission of status and diagnostic data
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Simplified maintenance and troubleshooting
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Increased process transparency (e.g., clamping status)
The combination of high clamping force, integrated self-locking function, and easy system integration results in a robust and reliable clamping solution for mobile applications.
The batteries remain securely fixed under all operating conditions, while full integration into the AGV’s control and communication structure is maintained.
The solution is ideally suited to flexible, automated manufacturing processes in the e-mobility sector.
- 48 AGVs with independent power supply
- 192 electromechanical swing clamps in use
- Clamping force: approx. 2.7 kN per clamp
- Power supply: 24 V DC
- Integrated IO-Link interface
- Clockwise and counterclockwise rotation
- Fail-safe via self-locking mechanism
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