TAWESCO in Kopřivnice tests autonomous AGV truck in real production operation

Testing is taking place in real-world conditions and follows on from the introduction of a private 5G network, on which TAWESCO is collaborating with the operator T-Mobile.

The autonomous AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) was tested in various parts of the plant under different conditions. The tests took place in a busy production hall, where the truck moved between forklifts, crossed rails, and reacted to the movement of people, but also in basement areas with poorer surface conditions and a slight slope. The truck was loaded with the maximum planned weight of 3 tons, and its routes were pre-programmed.

"The aim of the testing is to obtain the most accurate data possible on how autonomous technology behaves in the real environment of our plant. We are interested in the accuracy of movement, safety, response to obstacles, and the possibilities for integration into existing logistics processes," explains Vítězslav Jalůvka, TAWESCO's digitization project manager.

Stable connectivity plays a key role

The tested AGV truck has a load capacity of three tons and is equipped with its own scanning system, safety sensors, and light and sound signals. Thanks to these features, it can move safely among people and equipment and automatically respond to obstacles in its path. The maximum speed achieved meets the requirements for internal transport in production halls. Connectivity plays a key role in testing. In the production hall, the truck is connected to a private 5G network, while in the basement areas, the connection is being tested via Wi-Fi. Initial results confirm that a stable and fast connection is essential for the reliable operation of autonomous devices in an industrial environment.

"We see autonomous logistics as one of the important steps towards more efficient and flexible production management. It supports our long-term strategy of being among the top three companies in Europe in the field of pressed and welded parts," says Margita Rejchrtová, CEO of TAWESCO, about the project.

The evaluation of the first tests is now underway in cooperation with the technology manufacturer. For example, the degree of component wear and tear and the suitability of operating conditions at the plant for long-term deployment of autonomous trucks are being assessed. Based on these results, TAWESCO plans to conduct further tests of various types of autonomous technology with lower load capacities.

"Digitalization and automation are key pillars of further development for the PROMET GROUP to maintain competitiveness and ensure market success. The Smart Factory concept can be summarized as a controlled and gradual development that must respect real operating conditions. Testing autonomous logistics is a logical follow-up to the established 5G infrastructure and another step towards enabling the production system to respond to changing demands in the long term. We believe that building an autonomous system for internal transport will become another key element of the smart factory ecosystem," summarizes Radim Matera, member of the PROMET GROUP board of directors responsible for innovation.

About the Smart Factory project at the Kopřivnice-based engineering company Tawesco

The Smart Factory pilot project – intelligent factories of the future – was launched in Tawescu in July 2025. Its data backbone consists of a private 5G network built in cooperation with T-Mobile. The network already connects several dozen devices, ranging from mobile devices, production machines, and equipment to handling technology. In the future, the entire plant may be connected to the network, which will enable the introduction of autonomous systems and significantly streamline operations management.

For more information, please contact:
Pavel Barvík
Marketing and Communications Director, Promet Group, Press Spokesperson
Tel. +420 602 266 815
pavel.barvik@prometgroup.eu