Avancon’s zone powered concept lets conveyors operate without central cabinets

Each large conveyor system in intra-logistics must operate almost entirely automatically. But does that also make it “autonomous”? Today people often call cars “autonomous” when they can operate without a driver.

Autonomous generally means independent, self-directed, and self-contained. How does a conveyor system operate autonomously?

The Swiss company Avancon SA often calls the conveyor system it developed and patented “autonomous.” Why? What does autonomous mean in this context? Independent, without human influence?

Yes. If you understand the concept correctly, Avancon divides the system into autonomous zones. Avancon calls it the ZPC Conveyor System, which stands for “Zone Powered Concept.” Each track zone—whether roller or belt conveyor—measures the length of the longest item transported. A zone receives information from the zone behind it that an item is ready to move and from the zone ahead that the next zone is free. The zone then releases and forwards the item. In this way, all zones in the conveyor system operate automatically and autonomously without human intervention, controlled by software, controllers, photo sensors, motors, and the drive system.

Avancon designed the ZPC conveyor system so that all elements required to operate each zone sit inside the zone profile: the light barrier, motor, control system, drive system, and necessary cables. From the outside, observers see only the streamlined, anodized aluminum profile.

Previously, installers ran miles of cable to power and control each motor, installed cable ducts beneath conveyors, wired control cabinets, fitted electrical relays, and programmed PLCs. The Avancon ZPC conveyor system eliminates central switch cabinets, cable ducts, and onsite cable pulling, reducing total conveyor system investment by about 30%.

If operators require greater system control or wish to connect to higher-level IT infrastructure, Avancon offers a built-in gateway compatible with most bus systems, PLCs, or EDP systems.

More information is posted at www.Avancon.com