otobro AGV Application Case for a Leading Semiconductor Company in Central Taiwan
As global semiconductor demand continues to rise, leading manufacturers are actively embracing smart manufacturing and automation to enhance production efficiency and product yield. A global memory chip leader (referred to as MX Semiconductor) has introduced Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems across its advanced fabs worldwide—including facilities in Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore—to achieve unmanned transport, optimized cleanroom management, and data-driven logistics decisions.
Challenges of Traditional Material Handling
Prior to AGV implementation, FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) and wafer box transport heavily relied on manual or semi-automated systems, which posed several limitations:
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- Labor-intensive and costly: Cleanroom handling requires highly trained personnel operating 24/7 across shifts, resulting in high labor costs.
- Vulnerable to human error and disruptions: Staff shortages or operational mistakes could affect the entire process flow.
- Lack of transparency: Incomplete tracking of transport operations made it difficult to analyze bottlenecks or optimize routes.
- Low flexibility: Fixed-path conveyor systems could not adapt to layout changes or production expansions efficiently.
Beginning in 2022, MX Semiconductor gradually deployed Otobro’s customized AGV systems across its Taiwan and Malaysia fabs, fully integrated with MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and EAP (Equipment Automation Platform). Key application scenarios included:
- Wafer Transport Automation
- AGVs autonomously move FOUPs from storage to processing equipment (etching, deposition, metrology, etc.), dynamically scheduled via MES based on machine availability and job priorities—no human intervention required.
- Smart Obstacle Avoidance & Multi-AGV Collaboration
- In complex cleanroom layouts, dozens of Otobro AGVs equipped with FOUP handling arms operate simultaneously. The system uses cooperative routing algorithms to safely navigate human-AGV shared zones, slowing or rerouting at intersections as needed.
- Cleanroom & ESD Protection Design
- To meet the stringent cleanliness standards of DRAM and NAND production, all AGVs were cleanroom-grade, featuring HEPA filtration, anti-static housings, and ESD-compliant wheels—minimizing contamination and static discharge risks.
- Real-Time Monitoring & Data Analytics
- Every transport task is logged with time stamps, charge status, idle/wait time, and mission success rate. This data supports predictive maintenance and WMS/MES route optimization using big data analytics.
Results & Business Impact
Post-implementation, MX Semiconductor achieved measurable improvements:
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- Over 35% increase in transport efficiency
- Reduced cleanroom personnel traffic, improving air quality classification
- Shorter cycle times, enabling faster order fulfillment
- Decreased idle time of production equipment, improving utilization rates
- Operators shifted from manual handling to high-value tasks such as monitoring and system maintenance
he Vision: Smart Manufacturing Powered by AGVs
The AGV system will be scaled to other global fabs, enhancing supply chain visibility and responsiveness, reinforcing MX Semiconductor’s leadership in the global memory chip market.
Conclusion
The case of MX Semiconductor demonstrates how AGVs are revolutionizing cleanroom operations and driving the transition from traditional semiconductor production to smart factories. In a highly competitive and innovation-driven industry, adopting advanced automation solutions like AGVs is no longer optional—it’s essential for sustaining long-term competitiveness and achieving operational resilience.
＊Due to variations in industry requirements and company operations, equipment configurations and automation strategies may differ. For a tailored consultation, please contact the Otobro team.