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Automated guided vehicle

An automated guided vehicle (AGV), different from an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), is a portable robot that follows along marked long lines or wires on the floor, or uses radio waves, vision cameras, magnets, or lasers for navigation. They are most often used in industrial applications to transport heavy materials around a large industrial building, such as a factory or warehouse. Application of the automatic guided vehicle broadened during the late 20th century.

Introduction

The AGV can tow objects behind them in trailers to which they can autonomously attach. The trailers can be used to move raw materials or finished product. The AGV can also store objects on a bed. The objects can be placed on a set of motorized rollers (conveyor) and then pushed off by reversing them. AGVs are employed in nearly every industry, including pulp, paper, metals, newspaper, and general manufacturing. Transporting materials such as food, linen or medicine in hospitals is also done.

An AGV can also be called a laser guided vehicle (LGV). In Germany the technology is also called Fahrerloses Transportsystem (FTS) and in Sweden förarlösa truckar. Lower cost versions of AGVs are often called Automated Guided Carts (AGCs) and are usually guided by magnetic tape. The term AMR is sometimes[1] used to differentiate the mobile robots that do not rely in their navigation on extra infrastructure in the environment (like magnetic strips or visual markers) from those that do; the latter are then called AGVs.

AGVs are available in a variety of models and can be used to move products on an assembly line, transport goods throughout a plant or warehouse, and deliver loads.

The first AGV was brought to market in the 1950s, by Barrett Electronics of Northbrook, Illinois, and at the time it was simply a tow truck that followed a wire in the floor instead of a rail.[citation needed] Out of this technology came a new type of AGV, which follows invisible UV markers on the floor instead of being towed by a chain. The first such system was deployed at the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in Chicago, Illinois to deliver mail throughout its offices.

 
Packmobile with trailer AGV

Over the years the technology has become more sophisticated and today automated vehicles are mainly Laser navigated e.g. LGV (Laser Guided Vehicle).[citation needed] In an automated process, LGVs are programmed to communicate with other robots to ensure product is moved smoothly through the warehouse, whether it is being stored for future use or sent directly to shipping areas. Today, the AGV plays an important role in the design of new factories and warehouses, safely moving goods to their rightful destination.

Navigation

Wired

A slot is cut in to the floor and a wire is placed approximately 1 inch below the surface. This slot is cut along the path the AGV is to follow. This wire is used to transmit a radio signal. A sensor is installed on the bottom of the AGV close to the ground. The sensor detects the relative position of the radio signal being transmitted from the wire. This information is used to regulate the steering circuit, making the AGV follow the wire.

Guide tape

AGVs (some known as automated guided carts or AGCs) use tape for the guide path. The tapes can be one of two styles: magnetic or colored. The AGV is fitted with the appropriate guide sensor to follow the path of the tape. One major advantage of tape over wired guidance is that it can be easily removed and relocated if the course needs to change. Colored tape is initially less expensive, but lacks the advantage of being embedded in high traffic areas where the tape may become damaged or dirty. A flexible magnetic bar can also be embedded in the floor like wire but works under the same provision as magnetic tape and so remains unpowered or passive. Another advantage of magnetic guide tape is the dual polarity. Small pieces of magnetic tape may be placed to change states of the AGC based on polarity and sequence of the tags.

Laser target navigation

The navigation is done by mounting reflective tape on walls, poles or fixed machines. The AGV carries a laser transmitter and receiver on a rotating turret. The laser is transmitted and received by the same sensor. The angle and (sometimes) distance to any reflectors that in line of sight and in range are automatically calculated. This information is compared to the map of the reflector layout stored in the AGV's memory. This allows the navigation system to triangulate the current position of the AGV. The current position is compared to the path programmed in to the reflector layout map. The steering is adjusted accordingly to keep the AGV on track. It can then navigate to a desired target using the constantly updating position.

  • Modulated Lasers The use of modulated laser light gives greater range and accuracy over pulsed laser systems. By emitting a continuous fan of modulated laser light a system can obtain an uninterrupted reflection as soon as the scanner achieves line of sight with a reflector. The reflection ceases at the trailing edge of the reflector which ensures an accurate and consistent measurement from every reflector on every scan. By using a modulated laser a system can achieve an angular resolution of ~ 0.1 mrad (0.006°) at 8 scanner revolutions per second[citation needed].
  • Pulsed Lasers A typical pulsed laser scanner emits pulsed laser light at a rate of 14,400 Hz which gives a maximum possible resolution of ~ 3.5 mrad (0.2°) at 8 scanner revolutions per second[citation needed]. To achieve a workable navigation, the readings must be interpolated based on the intensity of the reflected laser light, to identify the centre of the reflector.

Inertial (Gyroscopic) navigation

Another form of an AGV guidance is inertial navigation. With inertial guidance, a computer control system directs and assigns tasks to the vehicles. Transponders are embedded in the floor of the work place. The AGV uses these transponders to verify that the vehicle is on course. A gyroscope is able to detect the slightest change in the direction of the vehicle and corrects it in order to keep the AGV on its path. The margin of error for the inertial method is ±1 inch.[2]

Inertial can operate in nearly any environment including tight aisles or extreme temperatures.[3] Inertial navigation can include use of magnets embedded in the floor of the facility that the vehicle can read and follow.[4]

Natural feature (Natural Targeting) navigation

Navigation without retrofitting of the workspace is called Natural Features or Natural Targeting Navigation. One method uses one or more range-finding sensors, such as a laser range-finder, as well as gyroscopes or inertial measurement units with Monte-Carlo/Markov localization techniques to understand where it is as it dynamically plans the shortest permitted path to its goal. The advantage of such systems is that they are highly flexible for on-demand delivery to any location. They can handle failure without bringing down the entire manufacturing operation, since AGVs can plan paths around the failed device. They also are quick to install, with less down-time for the factory.[5]

Vision guidance

Vision-Guided AGVs can be installed with no modifications to the environment or infrastructure. They operate by using cameras to record features along the route, allowing the AGV to replay the route by using the recorded features to navigate. Vision-Guided AGVs use Evidence Grid technology, an application of probabilistic volumetric sensing, and was invented and initially developed by Dr. Hans Moravec at Carnegie Mellon University. The Evidence Grid technology uses probabilities of occupancy for each point in space to compensate for the uncertainty in the performance of sensors and in the environment. The primary navigation sensors are specially designed stereo cameras. The vision-guided AGV uses 360-degree images to build a 3D map, which allows the vision-guided AGVs to follow a trained route without human assistance or the addition of special features, landmarks or positioning systems.

Geoguidance

A geoguided AGV recognizes its environment to establish its location. Without any infrastructure, the forklift equipped with geoguidance technology detects and identifies columns, racks and walls within the warehouse. Using these fixed references, it can position itself, in real time and determine its route. There are no limitations on distances to cover number of pick-up or drop-off locations. Routes are infinitely modifiable.

Steering control

To help an AGV navigate it can use three different steer control systems.[6] The differential speed control is the most common. In this method there are two independent drive wheels. Each drive is driven at different speeds in order to turn or the same speed to allow the AGV to go forwards or backwards. The AGV turns in a similar fashion to a tank. This method of steering is the simplest as it does not require additional steering motors and mechanism. More often than not, this is seen on an AGV that is used to transport and turn in tight spaces or when the AGV is working near machines. This setup for the wheels is not used in towing applications because the AGV would cause the trailer to jackknife when it turned.

The second type of steering used is steered wheel control AGV. This type of steering can be similar to a car's steering. But this is not very manoeuvrable. It is more common to use a three-wheeled vehicle similar to a conventional three wheeled forklift. The drive wheel is the turning wheel. It is more precise in following the programmed path than the differential speed controlled method. This type of AGV has smoother turning. Steered wheel control AGV can be used in all applications; unlike the differential controlled.[2] Steered wheel control is used for towing and can also at times have an operator control it.

The third type is a combination of differential and steered. Two independent steer/drive motors are placed on diagonal corners of the AGV and swivelling castors are placed on the other corners. It can turn like a car (rotating in an arc) in any direction. It can crab in any direction and it can drive in differential mode in any direction.

Path Decision

AGVs have to make decisions on path selection. This is done through different methods: frequency select mode (wired navigation only), and path select mode (wireless navigation only) or via a magnetic tape on the floor not only to guide the AGV but also to issue steering commands and speed commands.

Frequency select mode

Frequency select mode bases its decision on the frequencies being emitted from the floor. When an AGV approaches a point on the wire which splits the AGV detects the two frequencies and through a table stored in its memory decides on the best path. The different frequencies are required only at the decision point for the AGV. The frequencies can change back to one set signal after this point. This method is not easily expandable and requires extra cutting meaning more money.

Path select mode

An AGV using the path select mode chooses a path based on preprogrammed paths. It uses the measurements taken from the sensors and compares them to values given to them by programmers. When an AGV approaches a decision point it only has to decide whether to follow path 1, 2, 3, etc. This decision is rather simple since it already knows its path from its programming. This method can increase the cost of an AGV because it is required to have a team of programmers to program the AGV with the correct paths and change the paths when necessary. This method is easy to change and set up.

Magnetic tape mode

The magnetic tape is laid on the surface of the floor or buried in a 10mm channel; not only does it provide the path for the AGV to follow but also strips of the tape in different combinations of polarity, sequence, and distance laid alongside the track tell the AGV to change lane, speed up, slow down, and stop.

Traffic control

Flexible manufacturing systems containing more than one AGV may require it to have traffic control so the AGV's will not run into one another. Traffic control can be carried out locally or by software running on a fixed computer elsewhere in the facility. Local methods include zone control, forward sensing control, and combination control. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.[7]

Zone control

Zone control is the favorite of most environments because it is simple to install and easy to expand.[2] Zone control uses a wireless transmitter to transmit a signal in a fixed area. Each AGV contains a sensing device to receive this signal and transmit back to the transmitter. If the area is clear the signal is set at "clear" allowing any AGV to enter and pass through the area. When an AGV is in the area the "stop" signal is sent and all AGV attempting to enter the area stop and wait for their turn. Once the AGV in the zone has moved out beyond the zone the "clear" signal is sent to one of the waiting AGVs. Another way to set up zone control traffic management is to equip each individual robot with its own small transmitter/receiver. The individual AGV then sends its own "do not enter" message to all the AGVs getting too close to its zone in the area. A problem with this method is if one zone goes down all the AGV's are at risk to collide with any other AGV. Zone control is a cost efficient way to control the AGV in an area.

 
Forklift AGV with safety laser sensors (fully automated)

Collision avoidance

Forward sensing control uses collision avoidance sensors to avoid collisions with other AGV in the area. These sensors include: sonic, which work like radar; optical, which uses an infrared sensor; and bumper, physical contact sensor. Most AGV's are equipped with a bumper sensor of some sort as a fail-safe. Sonic sensors send a "chirp" or high frequency signal out and then wait for a reply from the outline of the reply the AGV can determine if an object is ahead of it and take the necessary actions to avoid collision.[8] The optical uses an infrared transmitter/receiver and sends an infrared signal which then gets reflected back; working on a similar concept as the sonic sensor. The problems with these are they can only protect the AGV from so many sides. They are relatively hard to install and work with as well.

Combination control

Combination control sensing is using collision avoidance sensors as well as the zone control sensors. The combination of the two helps to prevent collisions in any situation. For normal operation the zone control is used with the collision avoidance as a fail safe. For example, if the zone control system is down, the collision avoidance system would prevent the AGV from colliding.

System management

Industries with AGVs need to have some sort of control over the AGVs. There are three main ways to control the AGV: locator panel, CRT color graphics display, and central logging and report.[2]

A locator panel is a simple panel used to see which area the AGV is in. If the AGV is in one area for too long, it could mean it is stuck or broken down. CRT color graphics display shows real time where each vehicle is. It also gives a status of the AGV, its battery voltage, unique identifier, and can show blocked spots. Central logging used to keep track of the history of all the AGVs in the system. Central logging stores all the data and history from these vehicles which can be printed out for technical support or logged to check for up time.

AGV is a system often used in FMS to keep up, transport, and connect smaller subsystems into one large production unit. AGVs employ a lot of technology to ensure they do not hit one another and make sure they get to their destination. Loading and transportation of materials from one area to another is the main task of the AGV. AGV require a lot of money to get started with, but they do their jobs with high efficiency. In places such as Japan automation has increased and is now considered to be twice as efficient as factories in America. For a huge initial cost the total cost over time decreases.[citation needed]

Vehicle types

  • Towing Vehicles (also called "tugger" vehicles) were the first type introduced and are still a very popular type today. Towing vehicles can pull a multitude of trailer types and have capacities ranging from 2,000 pounds to 160,000 pounds.
     
    Tugger AGVs can move trailers or trains of trailers more safely than a manually operated tugger.
 
Tugger AGV towing multiple trailers in a warehouse environment
  • AGVS Unit Load Vehicles are equipped with decks, which permit unit load transportation and often automatic load transfer. The decks can either be lift and lower type, powered or non-powered roller, chain or belt decks or custom decks with multiple compartments.
     
    Unitload AGV (dual)
  • AGVS Pallet Trucks are designed to transport palletized loads to and from floor level; eliminating the need for fixed load stands.
  • AGVS Fork Truck has the ability to service loads both at floor level and on stands. In some cases these vehicles can also stack loads in rack. They can sometimes lift up to 30' to store or retrieve on high-bay racking.
     
    Forklift AGV with Stabilizer Pad
  • AGVS Hybrid Vehicles are adapted from a standard man-aboard truck so that they can run fully automated or be driven by a fork truck driver. These can be used for trailer loading as well as moving materials around warehouses. Most often, they are equipped with forks, but can be customized to accommodate most load types.[9]
     
    Hybrid AGV picking load
  • Light Load AGVS are vehicles which have capacities in the neighborhood of 500 pounds or less and are used to transport small parts, baskets, or other light loads though a light manufacturing environment. They are designed to operate in areas with limited space.
  • AGVS Assembly Line Vehicles are an adaptation of the light load AGVS for applications involving serial assembly processes.

Common applications

Automated Guided Vehicles can be used in a wide variety of applications to transport many different types of material including pallets, rolls, racks, carts, and containers. AGVs excel in applications with the following characteristics:

  • Repetitive movement of materials over a distance
  • Regular delivery of stable loads
  • Medium throughput/volume
  • When on-time delivery is critical and late deliveries are causing inefficiency
  • Operations with at least two shifts
  • Processes where tracking material is important

Handling raw materials

AGVs are commonly used to transport raw materials such as paper, steel, rubber, metal, and plastic. This includes transporting materials from receiving to the warehouse, and delivering materials directly to production lines.[10]

Work-in-process movement

Work-in-Process movement is one of the first applications where automated guided vehicles were used, and includes the repetitive movement of materials throughout the manufacturing process. AGVs can be used to move material from the warehouse to production/processing lines or from one process to another.[11]

Pallet handling

Pallet handling is an extremely popular application for AGVs as repetitive movement of pallets is very common in manufacturing and distribution facilities. AGVs can move pallets from the palletizer to stretch wrapping to the warehouse/storage or to the outbound shipping docks.[12] [13]

Finished product handling

Moving finished goods from manufacturing to storage or shipping is the final movement of materials before they are delivered to customers. These movements often require the gentlest material handling because the products are complete and subject to damage from rough handling. Because AGVs operate with precisely controlled navigation and acceleration and deceleration this minimizes the potential for damage making them an excellent choice for this type of application

Trailer loading

Automatic loading of trailers is a relatively new application for automated guided vehicles and becoming increasingly popular. AGVs are used to transport and load pallets of finished goods directly into standard, over-the-road trailers without any special dock equipment. AGVs can pick up pallets from conveyors, racking, or staging lanes and deliver them into the trailer in the specified loading pattern.[14] Some Automatic Trailer Loading AGVs utilize Natural Targeting to view the walls of the trailer for navigation. These types of ATL AGVs can be either completely driverless or hybrid vehicles.[15]

Roll handling

AGVs are used to transport rolls in many types of plant including paper mills, converters, printers, newspapers, steel producers, and plastics manufacturers. AGVs can store and stack rolls on the floor, in racking, and can even automatically load printing presses with rolls of paper.[16]

 
Roll Clamp AGV

Container handling

 
Container terminals showing a container being loaded onto an unmanned automated guided vehicle

AGVs are used to move sea containers in some port container terminals. The main benefits are reduced labour costs and a more reliable (less variable) performance. This use of AGVs was pioneered in 1993 at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. By 2014 there were 20 automated or semi-automated port container terminals around the world which use either or both automated-guideway vehicles and automated-stacking-cranes.[17] The original AGVs used diesel power with either hydraulic or electric drives. However more AGV use battery power and automated battery swap, which reduces emissions and lowers refueling costs but cost more to purchase and have shorter range.[18]

Primary application industries

Efficient, cost effective movement of materials is an important, and common element in improving operations in many manufacturing plants and warehouses. Because automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) can deliver efficient, cost effective movement of materials, AGVs can be applied to various industries in standard or customized designs to best suit an industry's requirements. Industries currently utilizing AGVs include (but are not limited to):

Pharmaceutical

AGVs are a preferred method of moving materials in the pharmaceutical industry. Because an AGV system tracks all movement provided by the AGVs, it supports process validation and cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice).

Chemical

AGVs deliver raw materials, move materials to curing storage warehouses, and provide transportation to other processing cells and stations. Common industries include rubber, plastics, and specialty chemicals.

Manufacturing

AGVs are often used in general manufacturing of products. AGVs can typically be found delivering raw materials, transporting work-in process, moving finished goods, removing scrap materials, and supplying packaging materials.

Automotive

AGV installations are found in Stamping Plants, Power Train (Engine and Transmission) Plants, and Assembly Plants delivering raw materials, transporting work-in process, and moving finished goods. AGVs are also used to supply specialized tooling which must be changed.

Paper and print

AGVs can move paper rolls, pallets, and waste bins to provide all routine material movement in the production and warehousing (storage/retrieval) of paper, newspaper, printing, corrugating, converting, and plastic film.

Food and beverage

AGVs can be applied to move materials in food processing (such as the loading of food or trays into sterilizers) and at the "end of line," linking the palletizer, stretch wrapper, and the warehouse. AGVs can load standard, over-the-road trailers with finished goods, and unload trailers to supply raw materials or packaging materials to the plant. AGVs can also store and retrieve pallets in the warehouse.

Hospital

AGVs are becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare industry for efficient transport, and are programmed to be fully integrated to automatically operate doors, elevators/lifts, cart washers, trash dumpers, etc. AGVs typically move linens, trash, regulated medical waste, patient meals, soiled food trays, and surgical case carts.

Warehousing

AGVs used in Warehouses and Distribution Centers logically move loads around the warehouses and prepare them for shipping/loading or receiving or move them from an induction conveyor to logical storage locations within the warehouse. Often, this type of use is accompanied by customized warehouse management software.[19] To avoid damage to fragile goods, AGVs are preferred in warehouses that handle fragile items since human errors are reduced to almost zero. Warehouses with hazardous goods have primarily adopted this technology as they can operate in extreme conditions like passing through freezers.[20]

Theme parks

In recent years, the theme park industry has begun using AGVs for rides. One of the earliest AGV ride systems was for Epcot's Universe of Energy, opened in 1982. The ride used wired navigation to drive the 'Traveling Theatre' through the ride. Many rides use wired navigation, especially when employees must frequently walk over the ride path such as at (the now-closed attraction) The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios.[21] Another ride at Hollywood Studios that uses wired navigation is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a combined drop tower/dark ride. The elevator cars are AGVs that lock into place inside separate vertical motion cabs to move vertically. When it reaches a floor requiring horizontal movement, the AGV unlocks from the vertical cab and drives itself out of the elevator.[22]

A recent trend in theme parks is a so-called trackless ride system, AGV rides that use LPS, Wi-Fi, or RFID to move around. The advantage of this system is that the ride can execute seemingly random movements, giving a different ride experience each time.

Battery charging

AGVs utilize a number of battery charging options. Each option is dependent on the users preference.

Battery swap

"Battery swap technology"[23] requires an operator to manually remove the discharged battery from the AGV and place a fully charged battery in its place after approximately 8 – 12 hours (about one shift) of AGVs operation. 5 – 10 minutes is required to perform this with each AGV in the fleet.

Automatic and opportunity charging

"Automatic and opportunity battery charging"[23] allows for continuous operation. On average an AGV charges for 12 minutes every hour for automatic charging and no manual intervention is required. If opportunity is being utilized the AGV will receive a charge whenever the opportunity arises. When a battery pack gets to a predetermined level the AGV will finish the current job that it has been assigned before it goes to the charging station.

Automatic battery swap

Automatic battery swap is an alternative to manual battery swap. It might require an additional piece of automation machinery, an automatic battery changer, to the overall AGV system. AGVs will pull up to the battery swap station and have their batteries automatically replaced with fully charged batteries. The automatic battery changer then places the removed batteries into a charging slot for automatic recharging. The automatic battery changer keeps track of the batteries in the system and pulls them only when they are fully charged.

Other versions of automatic battery swap allow AGVs to change each other's batteries.

While a battery swap system reduces the manpower required to swap batteries, recent developments in battery charging technology allow batteries to be charged more quickly and efficiently potentially eliminating the need to swap batteries.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Intel | Data Center Solutions, IoT, and PC Innovation". Intel.
  2. ^ a b c d "The Basics of Automated Guided Vehicles" 2007-10-08 at the Wayback Machine. AGV Systems. Savant. 5 March 2006
  3. ^ "Guidance options for AGVs" Jervis B. Webb Company, 2007.
  4. ^ "Inertial (Magnet)Navigation" 2016-10-21 at the Wayback Machine Egemin Automation Inc., 2014.
  5. ^ "Specifications for Platforms" (PDF).
  6. ^ AGV Drive and Steering Options December 7, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Transbotics Corp., 2009
  7. ^ Olmi, Roberto (2011). (PhD thesis). Ferrara (Italy): University of Ferrara. Archived from the original on 2017-02-23. Retrieved 2012-11-20.
  8. ^ "Sonar sensor and mounting". University of Birmingham. 5 March 2006
  9. ^ "Hybrid AGVs" 2014-03-29 at the Wayback Machine. Egemin Automation Inc., 2014
  10. ^ "Common AGV Applications: Raw Material Handling" JBT Corporation. 18 March 2009
  11. ^ "Work in Process Movement with AGVs" JBT Corporation. 18 March 2009
  12. ^ "Pallet Handling AGVs" 2014-02-02 at the Wayback Machine JBT Corporation. 18 March 2009
  13. ^ Laser Pallet Handling AGVs with Yale Balyo Corporation. 31 August 2017
  14. ^ "Automated Trailer Loading AGVs" JBT Corporation. 18 March 2009
  15. ^ "Automatic Trailer Loading Solutions" 2016-10-31 at the Wayback Machine Egemin Automation Inc., 2014
  16. ^ "Common AGV Applications: Roll Handling" JBT Corporation. 18 March 2009
  17. ^ Martín-Soberón, Ana María; Monfort, Arturo; Sapiña, Rafael; Monterde, Noemí; Calduch, David (2014). "Automation in port container terminals". Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 160: 196. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.12.131.
  18. ^ Ma, Ning; Zhou, Chenhao; Stephen, Aloisius (2021). "Simulation model and performance evaluation of battery-powered AGV systems in automated container terminals". Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory. 106: 102146. doi:10.1016/j.simpat.2020.102146.
  19. ^ "AGVs for the Warehouse" 2014-03-29 at the Wayback Machine Egemin Automation, Inc., 2013
  20. ^ "Smart Technologies for E-commerce Fulfillment | SIPMM Publications". publication.sipmm.edu.sg. 2021-01-18. Retrieved 2022-07-15.
  21. ^ [written, the Imagineers; Wright, designed by Alex (2010). The Imagineering field guide to Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World : an Imagineer's-eye tour (1st ed.). New York, New York: Disney Editions. p. 39. ISBN 978-142311593-9.
  22. ^ Robinson, Cindy (director) (December 25, 2005). Modern Marvels: Walt Disney World (DVD). Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, FL: A&E Television Networks. ASIN B000CS461O.
  23. ^ a b "Battery Charging Systems for Automated Guided Vehicles" 2016-10-19 at the Wayback Machine. AGV Battery Charging Systems. Egemin Automation Inc. 26 October 2006

automated, guided, vehicle, automated, guided, vehicle, different, from, autonomous, mobile, robot, portable, robot, that, follows, along, marked, long, lines, wires, floor, uses, radio, waves, vision, cameras, magnets, lasers, navigation, they, most, often, u. An automated guided vehicle AGV different from an autonomous mobile robot AMR is a portable robot that follows along marked long lines or wires on the floor or uses radio waves vision cameras magnets or lasers for navigation They are most often used in industrial applications to transport heavy materials around a large industrial building such as a factory or warehouse Application of the automatic guided vehicle broadened during the late 20th century Contents 1 Introduction 2 Navigation 2 1 Wired 2 2 Guide tape 2 3 Laser target navigation 2 4 Inertial Gyroscopic navigation 2 5 Natural feature Natural Targeting navigation 2 6 Vision guidance 2 7 Geoguidance 3 Steering control 4 Path Decision 4 1 Frequency select mode 4 2 Path select mode 4 3 Magnetic tape mode 5 Traffic control 5 1 Zone control 5 2 Collision avoidance 5 3 Combination control 6 System management 7 Vehicle types 8 Common applications 8 1 Handling raw materials 8 2 Work in process movement 8 3 Pallet handling 8 4 Finished product handling 8 5 Trailer loading 8 6 Roll handling 8 7 Container handling 9 Primary application industries 9 1 Pharmaceutical 9 2 Chemical 9 3 Manufacturing 9 4 Automotive 9 5 Paper and print 9 6 Food and beverage 9 7 Hospital 9 8 Warehousing 9 9 Theme parks 10 Battery charging 10 1 Battery swap 10 2 Automatic and opportunity charging 10 3 Automatic battery swap 11 See also 12 ReferencesIntroduction EditThe AGV can tow objects behind them in trailers to which they can autonomously attach The trailers can be used to move raw materials or finished product The AGV can also store objects on a bed The objects can be placed on a set of motorized rollers conveyor and then pushed off by reversing them AGVs are employed in nearly every industry including pulp paper metals newspaper and general manufacturing Transporting materials such as food linen or medicine in hospitals is also done An AGV can also be called a laser guided vehicle LGV In Germany the technology is also called Fahrerloses Transportsystem FTS and in Sweden forarlosa truckar Lower cost versions of AGVs are often called Automated Guided Carts AGCs and are usually guided by magnetic tape The term AMR is sometimes 1 used to differentiate the mobile robots that do not rely in their navigation on extra infrastructure in the environment like magnetic strips or visual markers from those that do the latter are then called AGVs AGVs are available in a variety of models and can be used to move products on an assembly line transport goods throughout a plant or warehouse and deliver loads The first AGV was brought to market in the 1950s by Barrett Electronics of Northbrook Illinois and at the time it was simply a tow truck that followed a wire in the floor instead of a rail citation needed Out of this technology came a new type of AGV which follows invisible UV markers on the floor instead of being towed by a chain The first such system was deployed at the Willis Tower formerly Sears Tower in Chicago Illinois to deliver mail throughout its offices Packmobile with trailer AGV Over the years the technology has become more sophisticated and today automated vehicles are mainly Laser navigated e g LGV Laser Guided Vehicle citation needed In an automated process LGVs are programmed to communicate with other robots to ensure product is moved smoothly through the warehouse whether it is being stored for future use or sent directly to shipping areas Today the AGV plays an important role in the design of new factories and warehouses safely moving goods to their rightful destination Navigation EditWired Edit A slot is cut in to the floor and a wire is placed approximately 1 inch below the surface This slot is cut along the path the AGV is to follow This wire is used to transmit a radio signal A sensor is installed on the bottom of the AGV close to the ground The sensor detects the relative position of the radio signal being transmitted from the wire This information is used to regulate the steering circuit making the AGV follow the wire Guide tape Edit AGVs some known as automated guided carts or AGCs use tape for the guide path The tapes can be one of two styles magnetic or colored The AGV is fitted with the appropriate guide sensor to follow the path of the tape One major advantage of tape over wired guidance is that it can be easily removed and relocated if the course needs to change Colored tape is initially less expensive but lacks the advantage of being embedded in high traffic areas where the tape may become damaged or dirty A flexible magnetic bar can also be embedded in the floor like wire but works under the same provision as magnetic tape and so remains unpowered or passive Another advantage of magnetic guide tape is the dual polarity Small pieces of magnetic tape may be placed to change states of the AGC based on polarity and sequence of the tags Laser target navigation Edit The navigation is done by mounting reflective tape on walls poles or fixed machines The AGV carries a laser transmitter and receiver on a rotating turret The laser is transmitted and received by the same sensor The angle and sometimes distance to any reflectors that in line of sight and in range are automatically calculated This information is compared to the map of the reflector layout stored in the AGV s memory This allows the navigation system to triangulate the current position of the AGV The current position is compared to the path programmed in to the reflector layout map The steering is adjusted accordingly to keep the AGV on track It can then navigate to a desired target using the constantly updating position Modulated Lasers The use of modulated laser light gives greater range and accuracy over pulsed laser systems By emitting a continuous fan of modulated laser light a system can obtain an uninterrupted reflection as soon as the scanner achieves line of sight with a reflector The reflection ceases at the trailing edge of the reflector which ensures an accurate and consistent measurement from every reflector on every scan By using a modulated laser a system can achieve an angular resolution of 0 1 mrad 0 006 at 8 scanner revolutions per second citation needed Pulsed Lasers A typical pulsed laser scanner emits pulsed laser light at a rate of 14 400 Hz which gives a maximum possible resolution of 3 5 mrad 0 2 at 8 scanner revolutions per second citation needed To achieve a workable navigation the readings must be interpolated based on the intensity of the reflected laser light to identify the centre of the reflector Inertial Gyroscopic navigation Edit Another form of an AGV guidance is inertial navigation With inertial guidance a computer control system directs and assigns tasks to the vehicles Transponders are embedded in the floor of the work place The AGV uses these transponders to verify that the vehicle is on course A gyroscope is able to detect the slightest change in the direction of the vehicle and corrects it in order to keep the AGV on its path The margin of error for the inertial method is 1 inch 2 Inertial can operate in nearly any environment including tight aisles or extreme temperatures 3 Inertial navigation can include use of magnets embedded in the floor of the facility that the vehicle can read and follow 4 Natural feature Natural Targeting navigation Edit Navigation without retrofitting of the workspace is called Natural Features or Natural Targeting Navigation One method uses one or more range finding sensors such as a laser range finder as well as gyroscopes or inertial measurement units with Monte Carlo Markov localization techniques to understand where it is as it dynamically plans the shortest permitted path to its goal The advantage of such systems is that they are highly flexible for on demand delivery to any location They can handle failure without bringing down the entire manufacturing operation since AGVs can plan paths around the failed device They also are quick to install with less down time for the factory 5 Vision guidance Edit Vision Guided AGVs can be installed with no modifications to the environment or infrastructure They operate by using cameras to record features along the route allowing the AGV to replay the route by using the recorded features to navigate Vision Guided AGVs use Evidence Grid technology an application of probabilistic volumetric sensing and was invented and initially developed by Dr Hans Moravec at Carnegie Mellon University The Evidence Grid technology uses probabilities of occupancy for each point in space to compensate for the uncertainty in the performance of sensors and in the environment The primary navigation sensors are specially designed stereo cameras The vision guided AGV uses 360 degree images to build a 3D map which allows the vision guided AGVs to follow a trained route without human assistance or the addition of special features landmarks or positioning systems Geoguidance Edit A geoguided AGV recognizes its environment to establish its location Without any infrastructure the forklift equipped with geoguidance technology detects and identifies columns racks and walls within the warehouse Using these fixed references it can position itself in real time and determine its route There are no limitations on distances to cover number of pick up or drop off locations Routes are infinitely modifiable Steering control EditTo help an AGV navigate it can use three different steer control systems 6 The differential speed control is the most common In this method there are two independent drive wheels Each drive is driven at different speeds in order to turn or the same speed to allow the AGV to go forwards or backwards The AGV turns in a similar fashion to a tank This method of steering is the simplest as it does not require additional steering motors and mechanism More often than not this is seen on an AGV that is used to transport and turn in tight spaces or when the AGV is working near machines This setup for the wheels is not used in towing applications because the AGV would cause the trailer to jackknife when it turned The second type of steering used is steered wheel control AGV This type of steering can be similar to a car s steering But this is not very manoeuvrable It is more common to use a three wheeled vehicle similar to a conventional three wheeled forklift The drive wheel is the turning wheel It is more precise in following the programmed path than the differential speed controlled method This type of AGV has smoother turning Steered wheel control AGV can be used in all applications unlike the differential controlled 2 Steered wheel control is used for towing and can also at times have an operator control it The third type is a combination of differential and steered Two independent steer drive motors are placed on diagonal corners of the AGV and swivelling castors are placed on the other corners It can turn like a car rotating in an arc in any direction It can crab in any direction and it can drive in differential mode in any direction Path Decision EditAGVs have to make decisions on path selection This is done through different methods frequency select mode wired navigation only and path select mode wireless navigation only or via a magnetic tape on the floor not only to guide the AGV but also to issue steering commands and speed commands Frequency select mode Edit Frequency select mode bases its decision on the frequencies being emitted from the floor When an AGV approaches a point on the wire which splits the AGV detects the two frequencies and through a table stored in its memory decides on the best path The different frequencies are required only at the decision point for the AGV The frequencies can change back to one set signal after this point This method is not easily expandable and requires extra cutting meaning more money Path select mode Edit An AGV using the path select mode chooses a path based on preprogrammed paths It uses the measurements taken from the sensors and compares them to values given to them by programmers When an AGV approaches a decision point it only has to decide whether to follow path 1 2 3 etc This decision is rather simple since it already knows its path from its programming This method can increase the cost of an AGV because it is required to have a team of programmers to program the AGV with the correct paths and change the paths when necessary This method is easy to change and set up Magnetic tape mode Edit The magnetic tape is laid on the surface of the floor or buried in a 10mm channel not only does it provide the path for the AGV to follow but also strips of the tape in different combinations of polarity sequence and distance laid alongside the track tell the AGV to change lane speed up slow down and stop Traffic control EditFlexible manufacturing systems containing more than one AGV may require it to have traffic control so the AGV s will not run into one another Traffic control can be carried out locally or by software running on a fixed computer elsewhere in the facility Local methods include zone control forward sensing control and combination control Each method has its advantages and disadvantages 7 Zone control Edit Zone control is the favorite of most environments because it is simple to install and easy to expand 2 Zone control uses a wireless transmitter to transmit a signal in a fixed area Each AGV contains a sensing device to receive this signal and transmit back to the transmitter If the area is clear the signal is set at clear allowing any AGV to enter and pass through the area When an AGV is in the area the stop signal is sent and all AGV attempting to enter the area stop and wait for their turn Once the AGV in the zone has moved out beyond the zone the clear signal is sent to one of the waiting AGVs Another way to set up zone control traffic management is to equip each individual robot with its own small transmitter receiver The individual AGV then sends its own do not enter message to all the AGVs getting too close to its zone in the area A problem with this method is if one zone goes down all the AGV s are at risk to collide with any other AGV Zone control is a cost efficient way to control the AGV in an area Forklift AGV with safety laser sensors fully automated Collision avoidance Edit Forward sensing control uses collision avoidance sensors to avoid collisions with other AGV in the area These sensors include sonic which work like radar optical which uses an infrared sensor and bumper physical contact sensor Most AGV s are equipped with a bumper sensor of some sort as a fail safe Sonic sensors send a chirp or high frequency signal out and then wait for a reply from the outline of the reply the AGV can determine if an object is ahead of it and take the necessary actions to avoid collision 8 The optical uses an infrared transmitter receiver and sends an infrared signal which then gets reflected back working on a similar concept as the sonic sensor The problems with these are they can only protect the AGV from so many sides They are relatively hard to install and work with as well Combination control Edit Combination control sensing is using collision avoidance sensors as well as the zone control sensors The combination of the two helps to prevent collisions in any situation For normal operation the zone control is used with the collision avoidance as a fail safe For example if the zone control system is down the collision avoidance system would prevent the AGV from colliding System management EditIndustries with AGVs need to have some sort of control over the AGVs There are three main ways to control the AGV locator panel CRT color graphics display and central logging and report 2 A locator panel is a simple panel used to see which area the AGV is in If the AGV is in one area for too long it could mean it is stuck or broken down CRT color graphics display shows real time where each vehicle is It also gives a status of the AGV its battery voltage unique identifier and can show blocked spots Central logging used to keep track of the history of all the AGVs in the system Central logging stores all the data and history from these vehicles which can be printed out for technical support or logged to check for up time AGV is a system often used in FMS to keep up transport and connect smaller subsystems into one large production unit AGVs employ a lot of technology to ensure they do not hit one another and make sure they get to their destination Loading and transportation of materials from one area to another is the main task of the AGV AGV require a lot of money to get started with but they do their jobs with high efficiency In places such as Japan automation has increased and is now considered to be twice as efficient as factories in America For a huge initial cost the total cost over time decreases citation needed Vehicle types EditTowing Vehicles also called tugger vehicles were the first type introduced and are still a very popular type today Towing vehicles can pull a multitude of trailer types and have capacities ranging from 2 000 pounds to 160 000 pounds Tugger AGVs can move trailers or trains of trailers more safely than a manually operated tugger Tugger AGV towing multiple trailers in a warehouse environment AGVS Unit Load Vehicles are equipped with decks which permit unit load transportation and often automatic load transfer The decks can either be lift and lower type powered or non powered roller chain or belt decks or custom decks with multiple compartments Unitload AGV dual AGVS Pallet Trucks are designed to transport palletized loads to and from floor level eliminating the need for fixed load stands AGVS Fork Truck has the ability to service loads both at floor level and on stands In some cases these vehicles can also stack loads in rack They can sometimes lift up to 30 to store or retrieve on high bay racking Forklift AGV with Stabilizer Pad AGVS Hybrid Vehicles are adapted from a standard man aboard truck so that they can run fully automated or be driven by a fork truck driver These can be used for trailer loading as well as moving materials around warehouses Most often they are equipped with forks but can be customized to accommodate most load types 9 Hybrid AGV picking load Light Load AGVS are vehicles which have capacities in the neighborhood of 500 pounds or less and are used to transport small parts baskets or other light loads though a light manufacturing environment They are designed to operate in areas with limited space AGVS Assembly Line Vehicles are an adaptation of the light load AGVS for applications involving serial assembly processes Common applications EditAutomated Guided Vehicles can be used in a wide variety of applications to transport many different types of material including pallets rolls racks carts and containers AGVs excel in applications with the following characteristics Repetitive movement of materials over a distance Regular delivery of stable loads Medium throughput volume When on time delivery is critical and late deliveries are causing inefficiency Operations with at least two shifts Processes where tracking material is importantHandling raw materials Edit AGVs are commonly used to transport raw materials such as paper steel rubber metal and plastic This includes transporting materials from receiving to the warehouse and delivering materials directly to production lines 10 Work in process movement Edit Work in Process movement is one of the first applications where automated guided vehicles were used and includes the repetitive movement of materials throughout the manufacturing process AGVs can be used to move material from the warehouse to production processing lines or from one process to another 11 Pallet handling Edit Pallet handling is an extremely popular application for AGVs as repetitive movement of pallets is very common in manufacturing and distribution facilities AGVs can move pallets from the palletizer to stretch wrapping to the warehouse storage or to the outbound shipping docks 12 13 Finished product handling Edit Moving finished goods from manufacturing to storage or shipping is the final movement of materials before they are delivered to customers These movements often require the gentlest material handling because the products are complete and subject to damage from rough handling Because AGVs operate with precisely controlled navigation and acceleration and deceleration this minimizes the potential for damage making them an excellent choice for this type of application Trailer loading Edit Automatic loading of trailers is a relatively new application for automated guided vehicles and becoming increasingly popular AGVs are used to transport and load pallets of finished goods directly into standard over the road trailers without any special dock equipment AGVs can pick up pallets from conveyors racking or staging lanes and deliver them into the trailer in the specified loading pattern 14 Some Automatic Trailer Loading AGVs utilize Natural Targeting to view the walls of the trailer for navigation These types of ATL AGVs can be either completely driverless or hybrid vehicles 15 Roll handling EditAGVs are used to transport rolls in many types of plant including paper mills converters printers newspapers steel producers and plastics manufacturers AGVs can store and stack rolls on the floor in racking and can even automatically load printing presses with rolls of paper 16 Roll Clamp AGV Container handling Edit Container terminals showing a container being loaded onto an unmanned automated guided vehicle AGVs are used to move sea containers in some port container terminals The main benefits are reduced labour costs and a more reliable less variable performance This use of AGVs was pioneered in 1993 at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands By 2014 there were 20 automated or semi automated port container terminals around the world which use either or both automated guideway vehicles and automated stacking cranes 17 The original AGVs used diesel power with either hydraulic or electric drives However more AGV use battery power and automated battery swap which reduces emissions and lowers refueling costs but cost more to purchase and have shorter range 18 Primary application industries EditEfficient cost effective movement of materials is an important and common element in improving operations in many manufacturing plants and warehouses Because automatic guided vehicles AGVs can deliver efficient cost effective movement of materials AGVs can be applied to various industries in standard or customized designs to best suit an industry s requirements Industries currently utilizing AGVs include but are not limited to Pharmaceutical Edit AGVs are a preferred method of moving materials in the pharmaceutical industry Because an AGV system tracks all movement provided by the AGVs it supports process validation and cGMP current Good Manufacturing Practice Chemical Edit AGVs deliver raw materials move materials to curing storage warehouses and provide transportation to other processing cells and stations Common industries include rubber plastics and specialty chemicals Manufacturing Edit AGVs are often used in general manufacturing of products AGVs can typically be found delivering raw materials transporting work in process moving finished goods removing scrap materials and supplying packaging materials Automotive Edit AGV installations are found in Stamping Plants Power Train Engine and Transmission Plants and Assembly Plants delivering raw materials transporting work in process and moving finished goods AGVs are also used to supply specialized tooling which must be changed Paper and print Edit AGVs can move paper rolls pallets and waste bins to provide all routine material movement in the production and warehousing storage retrieval of paper newspaper printing corrugating converting and plastic film Food and beverage Edit AGVs can be applied to move materials in food processing such as the loading of food or trays into sterilizers and at the end of line linking the palletizer stretch wrapper and the warehouse AGVs can load standard over the road trailers with finished goods and unload trailers to supply raw materials or packaging materials to the plant AGVs can also store and retrieve pallets in the warehouse Hospital Edit AGVs are becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare industry for efficient transport and are programmed to be fully integrated to automatically operate doors elevators lifts cart washers trash dumpers etc AGVs typically move linens trash regulated medical waste patient meals soiled food trays and surgical case carts Warehousing Edit AGVs used in Warehouses and Distribution Centers logically move loads around the warehouses and prepare them for shipping loading or receiving or move them from an induction conveyor to logical storage locations within the warehouse Often this type of use is accompanied by customized warehouse management software 19 To avoid damage to fragile goods AGVs are preferred in warehouses that handle fragile items since human errors are reduced to almost zero Warehouses with hazardous goods have primarily adopted this technology as they can operate in extreme conditions like passing through freezers 20 Theme parks Edit In recent years the theme park industry has begun using AGVs for rides One of the earliest AGV ride systems was for Epcot s Universe of Energy opened in 1982 The ride used wired navigation to drive the Traveling Theatre through the ride Many rides use wired navigation especially when employees must frequently walk over the ride path such as at the now closed attraction The Great Movie Ride at Disney s Hollywood Studios 21 Another ride at Hollywood Studios that uses wired navigation is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror a combined drop tower dark ride The elevator cars are AGVs that lock into place inside separate vertical motion cabs to move vertically When it reaches a floor requiring horizontal movement the AGV unlocks from the vertical cab and drives itself out of the elevator 22 A recent trend in theme parks is a so called trackless ride system AGV rides that use LPS Wi Fi or RFID to move around The advantage of this system is that the ride can execute seemingly random movements giving a different ride experience each time The view from a ride vehicle on The Great Movie Ride showing the ride path and limited driving controls A ride vehicle docked at the station at Antarctica Empire of the Penguin A ride vehicle in its turntable station at the Universe of Energy pavilion showing the guide wire pathwaysBattery charging EditAGVs utilize a number of battery charging options Each option is dependent on the users preference Battery swap Edit Battery swap technology 23 requires an operator to manually remove the discharged battery from the AGV and place a fully charged battery in its place after approximately 8 12 hours about one shift of AGVs operation 5 10 minutes is required to perform this with each AGV in the fleet Automatic and opportunity charging Edit Automatic and opportunity battery charging 23 allows for continuous operation On average an AGV charges for 12 minutes every hour for automatic charging and no manual intervention is required If opportunity is being utilized the AGV will receive a charge whenever the opportunity arises When a battery pack gets to a predetermined level the AGV will finish the current job that it has been assigned before it goes to the charging station Automatic battery swap Edit Automatic battery swap is an alternative to manual battery swap It might require an additional piece of automation machinery an automatic battery changer to the overall AGV system AGVs will pull up to the battery swap station and have their batteries automatically replaced with fully charged batteries The automatic battery changer then places the removed batteries into a charging slot for automatic recharging The automatic battery changer keeps track of the batteries in the system and pulls them only when they are fully charged Other versions of automatic battery swap allow AGVs to change each other s batteries While a battery swap system reduces the manpower required to swap batteries recent developments in battery charging technology allow batteries to be charged more quickly and efficiently potentially eliminating the need to swap batteries See also Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Automated guided vehicles Automated guideway transit Automatic train operation List of driverless trains Unmanned aerial vehicleReferences Edit Intel Data Center Solutions IoT and PC Innovation Intel a b c d The Basics of Automated Guided Vehicles Archived 2007 10 08 at the Wayback Machine AGV Systems Savant 5 March 2006 Guidance options for AGVs Jervis B Webb Company 2007 Inertial Magnet Navigation Archived 2016 10 21 at the Wayback Machine Egemin Automation Inc 2014 Specifications for Platforms PDF AGV Drive and Steering Options Archived December 7 2011 at the Wayback Machine Transbotics Corp 2009 Olmi Roberto 2011 Traffic Management of Automated Guided Vehicles in Flexible Manufacturing Systems PhD thesis Ferrara Italy University of Ferrara Archived from the original on 2017 02 23 Retrieved 2012 11 20 Sonar sensor and mounting University of Birmingham 5 March 2006 Hybrid AGVs Archived 2014 03 29 at the Wayback Machine Egemin Automation Inc 2014 Common AGV Applications Raw Material Handling JBT Corporation 18 March 2009 Work in Process Movement with AGVs JBT Corporation 18 March 2009 Pallet Handling AGVs Archived 2014 02 02 at the Wayback Machine JBT Corporation 18 March 2009 Laser Pallet Handling AGVs with Yale Balyo Corporation 31 August 2017 Automated Trailer Loading AGVs JBT Corporation 18 March 2009 Automatic Trailer Loading Solutions Archived 2016 10 31 at the Wayback Machine Egemin Automation Inc 2014 Common AGV Applications Roll Handling JBT Corporation 18 March 2009 Martin Soberon Ana Maria Monfort Arturo Sapina Rafael Monterde Noemi Calduch David 2014 Automation in port container terminals Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences 160 196 doi 10 1016 j sbspro 2014 12 131 Ma Ning Zhou Chenhao Stephen Aloisius 2021 Simulation model and performance evaluation of battery powered AGV systems in automated container terminals Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory 106 102146 doi 10 1016 j simpat 2020 102146 AGVs for the Warehouse Archived 2014 03 29 at the Wayback Machine Egemin Automation Inc 2013 Smart Technologies for E commerce Fulfillment SIPMM Publications publication sipmm edu sg 2021 01 18 Retrieved 2022 07 15 written the Imagineers Wright designed by Alex 2010 The Imagineering field guide to Disney s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World an Imagineer s eye tour 1st ed New York New York Disney Editions p 39 ISBN 978 142311593 9 Robinson Cindy director December 25 2005 Modern Marvels Walt Disney World DVD Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista FL A amp E Television Networks ASIN B000CS461O a b Battery Charging Systems for Automated Guided Vehicles Archived 2016 10 19 at the Wayback Machine AGV Battery Charging Systems Egemin Automation Inc 26 October 2006 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Automated guided vehicle amp oldid 1127996945, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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