Automated guided vehicle

Automated guided vehicle (agv) _ is a programmable mobile vehicle without

human intervention. The material handling institutes define it as “ an agvs is
a vehicle equipped with automatic guidance equipment
either electromagnetic or optical. Such a vehicle is capable
of following prescribed guide paths and may be equipped for
vehicle programming and stop selection, blocking and any
other special function required by the system”

Introduction
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) increase efficiency and reduce costs by
helping to automate a manufacturing facility or warehouse
AGVs can carry loads or 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. Some
AGVs use fork lift to lift objects for storage. 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) or self-guided vehicle
(SGV). In Germany the technology is also called Fahrerlose Transport
systeme FTS. Lower cost versions of AGVs are often called Automated Guided
Carts (AGCs) and are usually guided by magnetic tape. AGCs 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 to and from stretch
wrappers and roller conveyors. 
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. Over the years the technology has become more
sophisticated and today automated vehicles are mainly Laser navigated e.g. LGV
(Laser Guided Vehicle). In an automated process, LGVs are programmed to
communicate (via an offboard server) with other robots to ensure product is moved
smoothly through the warehouse, whether it is being stored for future use or sent
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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 destinations.
In the late 20th century AGVs took on new roles as ports began turning to this
technology to move ISO shipping containers.AGV applications are seemingly
endless as capacities can range from just a few pounds to hundreds of tons.

Historical Development: -
The first Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVS) were developed in USA by
Barrette Electronics 1950s. The first system was installed in 1954 at Mercury
Motor Freight in Columbia. It was a tugger system, following an inductive
guidance path and with a controller based on vacuum tube technology.

Many factors hindered the early growth of AGV industry. The controllers
were bulky & had very limited capabilities. Also the labour unions saw them as a
direct threat & even resorted to the sabotage of AGV systems.

During 1960's and early 1970's, the controllers were first transistorized &
Then later replaced with integrated circuits (IC) technology. This permitted more
compact controllers with more computing powers. Today AGV systems are highly
developed & are making use of sophisticated techniques like laser guidance and
complete computerized controls.

Thus AGVs are offering the industries a viable solution because of their
Flexibility & ability to offer material tracking & inventory support, asynchronous
assembly, and readily integrate with other automation such as robots, automatic
storage & retrieval systems of CNC machines. It is also one of the few material
handling systems that will allow unmanned manufacturing to become a reality.

Flexible manufacturing system

To begin to understand AGV it is necessary to understand the fundamentals
of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). FMS is a means by which to
manufacture a product. FMS is the idea that faster is better and uses machines to
produce their products. Rather than using humans to perform repetitive tasks a
machine is used to perform that task 24 hours a day. FMS uses computer numerical
controlled machines (CNC) to form a work cell. Each cell performs a specific task
to assist in the manufacturing of a product. Although FMS is fast and efficient it is
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not cheap as it requires a lot of expensive machines in order to work. Typically, it

costs millions of dollars to introduce an FMS into a factory, most companies use
part of an FMS called a flexible manufacturing cell. This is used to produce part of
a product by machine and may be part by other methods. Often one or more
AGV’s are used in FMS to connect work cells together.

CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS
We will be looking into the various components of AGVS &
Characteristic features of the systems. The main components of AGV-system are:

1) The truck or tractors, pallet truck, tow skid basic type.

2) The floor system with the installation of the wire guidance system and the
information transfer system
.
3) The load transfer equipment, which can be both on board the truck and /or in a
position, including the station stationary structure.
4) The truck and traffic control systems.
5) The flexible safety guard and the safety system :

Agvs types

1) Agvs towing vehicle

2) Agvs unit load vehicle
3) Agvs pallet trucks
4) Agvs fort trucks
5) Light load vehicles
6) Agvs assembly line vehicle
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Agvs towing vehicle:

They are the first types introduced and are still very popular. they are used for
very large load applications .the towing vehicle can have a variety of trailer. They
are generally used for bulk transport application Towing vehicles can pull a
multitude of trailer types and have capacities ranging from 8,000 pounds to 60,000
pounds

agvs unit load vehicle : These have a deck that permit unit load transports
operation and are suitable for automatic transfer of load. The deck can be either lift
and lower type, which is most common, powered or non powered roller, chain .the
unit load carrier is used in moving high volume over moderate distance, and can
easily integrate other subsystem such as conveyor and storage systems .typical
speed are 50 meter per minute. They are used in wear housing and distribution
systems .system has bi directional mobility and operate independently.
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agvs pallet trucks :

Pallet trucks are used to transport palletized load from floor level and
eliminate the need for fixed load stands. they are used in distribution function.
These are loaded manually or automatically and put on the travel path ,as per pre
programmed path
 agvs fork trucks:
has the ability to service palletized load both at floor level as well as on
stands. they may also be able to stack the load when required .they are
generally used where the height of load transfer vary. the vehicle has the
capability of positioning to any height so that conveyor or all load stand of
varying height in a given system can be serviced. They are expensive agvs
and can only be justified where total automation is required

 light load vehicles

light load agvs are vehicles with small capacities of order of 200 kg and
therefore used to transport small parts through light manufacturing
environment

 agvs assembly line vehicles

these are the adoption of light load vehicle for serial assembly processes .for
the light assembly applications, these vehicle carry the sub assemblies such
as motor or transmissions,to which parts are added in a serial assembly
operation .prior to the assembly operation vehicle reaches the parts staging
area where the necessary parts are placed on a tray on board on the vehicle.
the vehicle then moves to the assembly area where the assembler completes
the assembly operations taking the parts on board .when the assembly is
completed ,the vehicle is released and proceeds to the next parts staging area
.the same process may be repeated a number of time before the completion
of the assembly
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Vehicle type custom

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Battery Charging
AGVs utilize a number of battery charging options. Each option is dependent on
the user’s preference. The most commonly used battery charging technologies
are Battery Swap, Automatic/Opportunity Charging, and Automatic Battery Swap.
Battery Swap

"Battery swap technology requires an operator to manually remove the discharged

battery from the AGV and place a fully charged battery
in its place 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 / Opportunity Charging

"Automatic and opportunity battery charging" 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.
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Automatic Battery Swap

"Automatic battery swap" is an alternative to manual battery swap. It requires an

additional piece of automation machinery, an automatic battery charger, 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 charger then places the removed batteries into a charging
slot for automatic recharging. The automatic battery charger keeps track of the
batteries in the system and pulls them only when they are fully charged.
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.
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Sensors :
 proximity sensor 
is a sensor  able to detect the presence of nearby objects without any
physical contact. A proximity sensor often emits an
electromagnetic or electrostatic field, or a beam of electromagnetic
radiation infrared for instance, and looks for changes in the field or return
signal. The object being sensed is often referred to as the proximity sensor's
target. Different proximity sensor targets demand different sensors. For
example, a capacitive or photoelectric sensor might be suitable for a plastic
target; an inductive proximity sensor requires a metal target.
The maximum distance that this sensor can detect is defined "nominal
range". Some sensors have adjustments of the nominal range or means to
report a graduated detection distance.
Proximity sensors can have a high reliability and long functional life
because of the absence of mechanical parts and lack of physical contact
between sensor and the sensed object.
A proximity sensor adjusted to a very short range is often used as a touch
switch
A proximity sensor is divided in two halves and if the two halves move
away from each other, then a signal is activated.
A proximity sensor can be used in windows, and when the window opens an
alarm is activated.
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Vision sensor

With the vision sensor for object detection, Sensor Part presents the first
intelligent automation solution which combines many years experience in standard
sensor technology with modern – and above all powerful – image processing
technology. For the first time, industrial users can solve demanding applications
without knowledge of image processing technology, using only familiar sensor
technology. The advantages are as varied as they are simple: 

- “Plug and Play“ without experience in image processing 

- Miniaturization of dimensions with integrated intelligence 

- Reliability in the harshest ambient conditions 

- And all that at an unbeatable price ... 

Applications include: 
- Complete assembly of components 
- Differentiation and sorting of small parts 
- Detection of damage 
- Presence of weld seams, components or registration marks 
- Detection of correct component position on printed circuit boards or in assembly
groups 
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Typical application path of unit load agvs

Typical application path of an assembly line agvs

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Navigation : Agvs in FMS are used to transport an object from point A to point
B. AGVs navigate manufacturing areas with sensors . There are two main sensors
AGVs use for navigation, a wired and a wireless sensor.
Wired
The wired sensor is placed on the bottom of the robot and is placed facing the
ground. A slot is cut in the ground and a wire is placed approximately 1 inch below
the ground. The sensor detects the radio frequency being transmitted from the wire
and follows it.
Guide Tape
Many light duty 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
AGC 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. It also does not involve the expense of
cutting the factory or warehouse floor for the entire travel route. Additionally, it is
considered a "passive" system since it does not require the guide medium to be
energized as wire does.
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.
Laser Target Navigation
The wireless navigation is done by mounting retro reflective tape on walls, poles or
machines. The AGV carries a laser transmitter and receiver on a rotating turret.
The laser is sent off then received again the angle and (sometimes) distance are
automatically calculated and stored into the AGV’s memory.
The AGV has reflector map stored in memory and can correct its position based on
errors between the expected and received measurements. It can then navigate to a
destination 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
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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.  and, by using a modulated laser; this system
achieves an angular resolution of ~ 0.1 m rad (0.006°) at 8 scanner revolutions
per second.
 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. 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.
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
Inertial can operate in nearly any environment including tight aisles or extreme
temperatures. 
Natural Features Navigation
Navigation without retrofitting of the workspace is called Natural Features
Navigation. One method uses one or more range-finding sensors, such as a laser
range-finder, as well as gyroscopes and/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.
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Steering control
To help an AGV navigate it can use two different steer control systems. The
differential speed control is the most common. In this method there are two sets of
wheels being driven. Each set is connected to a common drive train. These drive
trains are driven at different speeds in order to turn or the same speed to allow the
AGV to go forwards and/or backwards.
The AGV turns in a similar fashion to a tank This method of steering is good in the
sense that it is easy to maneuver in small spaces.
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 other type of steering used is steered wheel control AGV. This type of steering
is similar to a cars steering. It is more precise in following the wire program than
the differential speed controlled method. This type of AGV has smoother turning
but cannot make sharp turns in tight spots.
Steered wheel control AGV can be used in all applications; unlike the differential
controlled. Steered wheel control is used for towing and can also at times have an
operator control it.
Paint strips:
Paint strips are used to define pathway, the vehicle uses optical sensor system
capable of tracking the paint strips can be sprayed, painted on the floor one system
uses a 1 in wide paint strip containing fluorescent particle that reflect an ultra
violet light source from the vehicle .
On-board sensor detects reflected light in the strip and controls steering mechanism
to follow it. One problem with this guidance method is paint strip deteriorates with
time .it must be clean and periodically replaced
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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 guide 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 10 mm channel,
not only does it provide the path for the AGV to follow but also sort strips of the
tape in different combos of the strip tell the AGV to change lane and also speed up
slow down and stop with north and south magnetic combos, this is used by
TOYOTA USA and TOYOTA JAPAN.
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Unit-load AGV using natural-features navigation to carry steel to quality

assurance lab

Outdoor laser-guided AGV to carry pallets

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The principle of wire guidance used in agvs

Typical path of a wire guided agvs

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 AGV SYSTEM SAFETY

Where and When Do Accidents Occur?

Before considering how to approach the problem of safety, it is necessary to

Consider where and when accidents happen
It has been found that a large proportion of accidents occur during non standard
Situations. The first example is where personnel are in areas which are totally
Forbidden. This may be due to curiosity, because they are going to speak a friend
or because they are taking a short cut.

Other accidents occur during breakdown situations. Typically a service

Engineer might be working on a breakdown. He has been told that everything must
be
Running by the morning. However, he is still at it late at night. He is tired and his
reactions are slow. He makes a wrong electrical connection and suddenly the AGV
starts to move.

This is the type of accident, which has occurred at many places.

Other accidents occur due to human fallibility. For ex., if a manual
Operation has not been carried out correctly; perhaps a load is misplaced on a
carrier or verbal instructions have not been understood.
Lastly, accidents occur due to product failure. This can be the result of the
AGV not performing correctly due to programming or component failure. It might
also be due to safety devices not functioning properly

Safety Considerations for AGV Systems: -

There are four basic categories to consider regarding the safety of

Automated Guided Vehicle Systems:

 Training

 Procedures.

 System specifications.

 AGV specifications

1.) Training: -
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All persons involved with AGVs should receive adequate training. These include: -
1) Maintenance personnel. 2) Operators. 3) Supervisors 4) Management.
Anybody who is entering the area where AGVs are being used should also
Be included, such as plant designers, contractors and visitors. The required level of
training may be small but should be properly established.
2.) Procedures: -
Written standard procedures regarding the safe operation of the AGV
System are essential. These procedures will ensure a consistent standard and
provide a checklist for management. This is parallel to standard procedures in
other aspects of business management.
3.) System Specifications: -
The type of AGV system will have a strong influence on the safety
Specifications. Originally, AGVs were used mostly in warehouses involving a few
personnel. Today, the fastest growth is in AGV systems used in assembly areas
where there are many people and correspondingly higher risks. The areas in which
AGV will operate can be divided into three alternative types as follows: -

Closed Zones: - Some warehouse systems can be considered as closed zones with
no People at all. It is then possible to stop people entering the operating area by the
use of fencing and the use of pressure sensitive mats or light beams at entrances.
Even so, it is difficult to count people entering and leaving closed zones and
difficult to know if somebody has been left inside.
Mixed Zones: - These are areas where there may be a limited number of personnel.
These may be pedestrians, people working on machines or driving manual
vehicles. Restricted access should be enforced so that only trained personnel are
present.
Open Zones: - Open zones exist wherever AGVs are working in open factory areas
Alongside other production processes. Historically, the open zone system is the
area where the greatest number of accidents has occurred.
Well-designed systems should take into account the following: -

• Layout: - A good layout will ensure that there are no trapping points such as with
narrow aisles where pedestrians and AGVs are in the same area.

• Lighting: - Lighting should be to a good level with no dark patches.

• Interfacing Traffic: - This may need similar control to road traffic.

• Warning Signs: - These should be clear well lit and at the right height.
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• Vehicle Breakdown: - This must be allowed for in the design of operating

systems.
• Computer Programming Integrity: - This must be of a high order.

4.) AGV Specifications: -

1) Warning lights: - these are most desirable on moving vehicles and should be visible all
round.

2) Audible signals: - these are useful and important at blind corners.

3) Brakes: - these must be of high integrity.

4) The load: - this must be secure so that it will not move under emergency braking or
Cornering.

5) The computer program: -this must be of high integrity. The hardware must not be
Affected by voltage variations or electrical interference.

6) Color: - A- bright color is easier to see than dark one.

7) Stop buttons: - The emergency stop buttons must be accessible from all sides of the
vehicle.

8) Non contact sensing devices: - Non contact sensors such as infrared or ultrasonic
detectors have the advantage of being able to sense a considerable distance in front
of the path of the vehicle. They are normally used as the first line of defense to
slow the machine down.

9) Bumper
are prominent in agvs it surrounds the front of the vehicle and protrudes ahead by a distance of
300 mm ,when they make contact with an object ,the vehicle is programmed to brake
immediately .depending upon the speed of the vehicle ,its load

10) Obstacle detection sensor

Sensor can detect obstacle along the path ahead including humans, the vehicle
are programmed either to stop or slow down when obstacle is sensed ahead
Traffic control:
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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. Methods include
zone control, forward sensing control, and combination control each method has
its advantages and disadvantages.

Zone control:
Zone control is the favorite of most environments because it is simple to install
and easy to expand. 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 to 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.
Forward sensing control
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 AGVs
are equipped with a bumper sensor of some sort as a failsafe.

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. 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.
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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 failsafe
. For example, if the zone control system is down, the collision avoidance system
would prevent the AGV from colliding.

 System management :

Target: Product Tracking

Certain key aspects of warehouse logistics have gained increasing importance in
modern-day
Warehouse management, such as being able to track products and monitor the
entire handling process. As regards the first aspect, product tracking, systems keep
a record of every pallet handled in order to be able to reconstruct its background.
Route and any other information deemed necessary. This means knowing the exact
composition of the warehouse at all times, thereby altogether eliminating the need
for inventory taking.

This integrated approach to product tracking also guarantees the efficient rotation
of all consumables, eliminates product loss and allows for automatic warehouse re
organization to optimize the Use of available space.

Such a perfect tracking system becomes a system that is extremely easy to monitor,
and the efficiency of which can be both measured and optimized. Every point,
every unit, every machine is analyzed by the system to pinpoint weaknesses that
may compromise the overall efficiency of the production line. This also means
having up-to-date production statistics for any given line or product.

Traffic manager: system traffic manager is the process

That manages all communications to and from laser-guided vehicles. This process
takes place via radio through regular. Standard wireless networks on the TCP/IP
protocol. The traffic manager can simultaneously handle a fleet of 99 vehicles.
One of the specific tasks of this system is to define precedence, tasks and
stoppages (idle time), for every single vehicle.
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Simulation software:
Every logistics integration project undergoes pre evaluation
And analysis even before reaching the operative stage, all requirements and critical
points of the new system can be foreseen precisely, based on a given set of
variables. The simulation is operated through a graphic interface that displays a
plant layout in which the vehicles move and behave just as they would in reality.

In this way, workloads and the precise fleet size may be defined in advance. This
service particularly important in that it provides a configuration of the logistics
system that basically corresponds to customer requirements and allows trouble-
shooting potential over-loads or weaknesses in advance so as to be able to
intervene before the problem actually materializes on the plant floor.

User Interface
The operator may interface with the LGV system in five ways:

• Push-button panels
Used to transmit simple information such as cell reset, access-denial to a given
area for vehicles, a simple evacuation call, etc Push-button panels may be hard-
wired directly to the LGV system electrical panel or connected to the Wireless
network.

• Pocket PC (PDA)
These devices allows direct operator interface with the AGV Manager from any
location and continuous and dynamic data exchange. The status of all machines
managed by the LGV system may be recalled at any time. PDAs are connected to
the Wireless network.
• Display
Different types of Displays, in various sizes, on which the AGV Manager transmits
useful information to operators, such as, for example, tripped alarms, destination
bay for incoming trucks and any data that may simplify or reduce operator work
load.
• On-board Video Screen
Every vehicle is equipped with an LCD video
to allow the operator to visualize the vehicle status and alarms, as required,
allowing for fast and efficient problem-solving. All alarms are also signaled to the
AGV Manager and recorded and may be visualized or consulted as required.
• Printers
If necessary, the AGV Manager may also manage printers, to print out production
statistics, shipping notes or any other information that may be required
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 Common AGV 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
Raw Material Handling
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. 

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.

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 palletize to stretch
wrapping to the warehouse/storage and/or to the outbound shipping docks.

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.

Roll Handling
AGVs are used to transport rolls in many types of plants 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
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Reference:
text books
 Cad /cam : pn rao
 Automation and computer integrated manufacturing :
mikell p groover
 Computer Integrated Manufacturing, J. A. Rehg & Henry. W.
Kraebber.
 CAD/CAM by Zeid, Tata McGraw Hill.

Websites
 www.jbl corporation.com

 www.bosch india.logistic.com

 www. Robotic Systems Ltd. India

 www.wikipedia.com

 www. how stuffwork.com

 www.scribd.com
Automated guided vehicle