Case Study: NSK — from the first AGV to a transport automation programme
The NSK AGV deployment at the NSK Steering Systems Europe plant in Walbrzych is an example of a partnership that does not end with a single project. It began with automating transport using a robot from the All in One series — and today we are discussing further processes in which autonomous transport is replacing manual transport runs.
Context: steering system production
NSK is a Japanese group known for bearings and steering systems, present in global automotive supply chains. The Walbrzych plant operates under an automotive regime: repetitive deliveries of components to assembly lines, KLT containers, pallets and full traceability of the flow. It is an environment in which in-plant transport has to be predictable to the minute.
From the first robot to an automation programme
The first step was the deployment of an AGV from the All in One series — a modular platform that handles load transport without an operator. The deployment was documented on video, which we will show in the full case study.
The partnership has developed towards a programme covering further transport processes:
- pallet deliveries between the warehouse and assembly (the GEAR BOX process),
- transport in the repacking process (REPACK),
- delivering KLT containers from flow racks directly to the production lines — with the robot carrying the flow rack on board,
- communication between the robots and the customer's WMS.
Why this is an interesting case
The NSK case illustrates a mature automation path well: instead of a one-off robot purchase, further flows are taken on in stages, process by process, with system integration in the background. This approach limits risk and allows the team to get used to the technology before the fleet grows.
The full case study with data and video footage — coming soon to the Academy. You will find transport robot models in the AGV and AMR robots category.
