Toyota container transport AGV finalist for Good Design Award
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
AGV automates transport work in storage yards, leverages software to help optimize loading
IRVINE, Calif.—Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) has been selected for the 2012 Good Design Best 100 for its Automated Guided Container Transport System.
Toyota’s new product automates transport work in storage yards and leverages the software technology to help synchronize and optimize overall loading and unloading operations.
The AGV deployment system enables efficient dispatch of AGVs in conjunction with other cargo-handling equipment such as gantry cranes in operation at the container yard.
The end result is increased productivity through a reduction of idle time of cranes and container trailers.
Full-scale automated operations were first implemented in early 2012 by the Tobishima Container Berth Co., Ltd. at the Port of Nagoya, Asia’s only automated terminal.
“The Automated Guided Container Transport System is a perfect example of fusing the design of a physical object with the design of a social system (structure),” according to one Good Design Award judge.
As an award finalist, Toyota’s design is a candidate for the ‘gold’ award.
The winner will be announced Nov. 25.
The Good Design Awards, established by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP), recognize designs that positively impact lifestyle, industry and society in general.
The awards showcase designs that are both effective in form and function.
