46247 Five Mile Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 | 734.454.

0500 01

Automated

Guided Vehicles
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

RedViking’s Battery Powered AGVs 4

Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) 5
Lithium (Li-Po/Li-ion) 5
AGV Battery Charging Solutions 6
Manual Plug-in6
Battery Swapping 6
Inductive Charging 7
Contact Charging 7
AGV Wireless Communication Options 8
AGV Navigation Solutions 9
Magnetic (Guidance Only) 9
Optical (Guidance Only) 9
Inductive (Guidance Only) 10
Inertial (Free-Space Navigation) 10
Light Detection and Ranging (Free-Space Navigation) 10
Humatics Spatial Intelligence Platform (Free-Space
Navigation) 11
Transponders (Position Only) 11
Barcode (Position Only) 11
AGV Steering Technology 12
Skid Steering 12
Axle Steering 12
Central Pivot Steering 13
Swerve Drive Steering 13
Omni-Directional Steering with Mecanum Wheels 14
AGV System Master Control Panel 14
46247 Five Mile Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 | 734.454.0500
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REDVIKING AGVS
AGVs are the intelligent automated guided vehicles that avoid the expense of chain-based
conveyance. They’re a perfect fit for assembly lines and material handling where you need
24/7 operation, onboard power for lift or rotation, or heavy payload transport. Retrofitting
an old plant with low volumes or building a brand new facility with high volumes, high duty
cycles and heavy payloads, we have you covered.

INDUCTIVELY POWERED SAFE & ERGONOMIC

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SCALABLE & FLEXIBLE UNLIMITED PAYLOADS

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LOW RISK MULTIPLE MODES

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Increasingly, companies are turning to RedViking for ways to increase throughput and minimize
infrastructure. RedViking AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) are the efficient, operator friendly
solution for material handling. Our AGV solutions are cleaner, more sustainable, and require
less infrastructure than traditional conveyance methods. RedViking's AGV solution is designed
for your production process and your product.

AGVs can handle a broad range of applications. Whether your product has a high payload and
low throughput or high throughput and high volume, our AGVs are an engineered solution for
your needs. This scalability allows for lower entry cost than other conveyance methods because
the system does not require additional infrastructure and is customized to your specific
application.

Unlike traditional conveyance, the travel path of an AGV can be quickly and cost-effectively
reconfigured to accommodate changes in product, process, or path. Additional AGVs can be
added as needed as the line changes or to increase the production rate. This flexibility also
provides cost savings as your system does not need to be more robust to accommodate future
needs.
46247 Five Mile Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 | 734.454.0500
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BATTERY POWER
RedViking’s Battery operated Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have a wide variety of technology
to offer based on the needs of your application. Each of our AGVs start with an industrial
hardened PLC based Motion Control System to manage all Battery Power, I/O, wireless
communications, guidance, speed control and safety systems. Our Human Machine Interface
(HMI) system will ensure ease of operation for all skill levels of operators.

Our AGVs can be also be equipped with a variety of auxiliary systems such as an Andon light
system to signal operators for process related information. Whether it is an operator pendant,
touch screen, kick-plates, manual pushbuttons or other equipment, RedViking can integrate
operator controls for any process related scenario.

RedViking has developed a cost effective industrialized battery AGV solution by choosing the
appropriate components to make sure the overall system is optimized for both reliability and
cost. We have researched and selected the best technology to exceed today’s
demanding manufacturing requirements.
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THIN PLATE PURE

LEAD
Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) is a ype of an
Absorbed Gas Mat (AGM) battery. The lead plates
inside the battery are much thinner than
traditional lead acid batteries and allow for a
greater efficiency. This type of battery is reliable,
affordable and low maintenance.

LITHIUM
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) or Lithium Polymer (Li-Po)
are more compact and lighter than traditional
lead acid batteries which makes them easier to
package in the AGV. Better suited for
applications, they run continuously or near
continuous. The power level can be drained and
charged incrementally as needed without worry
of battery life degradation.
46247 Five Mile Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 | 734.454.0500
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AGV BATTERY CHARGING

SOLUTIONS
There are several different methods for charging AGV batteries ranging in costs and
features. RedViking will work with you to determine the specific needs of your application
which will allow us to determine the appropriate method.

Some AGV applications that only have light production requirements may suffice with a simple
manual plug-in style charging solution while other high volume production systems will require a
specific type of fully automated charging solution. In either case, our RedViking smart AGV control
system will communicate with the Master Control System and determine exactly when charging is
required for all AGV’s as well as when the required charging cycle has been completed.

MANUAL PLUG-IN
The manual charging solution is the
most basic and affordable of all the charging
methods. It will require an operator to manually
insert a plug into the AGV. An alert system can be
installed to prompt the operator when it is time
to charge the AGV and also when it is time to
disengage the charger. This type of application is
best suited for an AGV that will have extended
amounts of downtime or only run a single shift.

INDUCTIVE CHARGING
Inductive charging is ideal for fully automatic charging. With a transmitter along the track and a
collector attached to the bottom or the side of the AGV, th benefit of inductive charging is that
no materials are in contact with one another eliminating the opportunity for parts to wear out.
There is an airgap of about 40 mm between the receiver and the transmitter allowing for a
contact free charging system.
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CONTACT CHARGING
The CA collector plate is attached to either the
bottom or the side of the AGV and the transmitter
plate is placed along the track either in station or
in an external charging spur. Recognizing when it's
time to charge, the AGV will drive to the
designated area and the charger will actuate to
begin the charging procedure. Once fully charged,
the charger will retract and the AGV will be ready
to return to operation.
46247 Five Mile Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 | 734.454.0500
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AGV WIRELESS
COMMUNICATION OPTIONS
RedViking has developed multiple AGV communication methods and have determined that
over air wireless radio based wireless communications to be the most versatile and reliable
method of communication.

We currently offer multiple industrial wireless communication product sources. Power Over
Ethernet (POE) Master Radios are mounted on columns and strategically placed around the
AGV track. Each AGV is outfitted with a wireless access point. The AGV’s on-board PLC
communicates essential information like position, speed, battery level and other information
back the Master Control System. The system is also capable of communicating Manufacturing
Execution Systems (MES) process related data. It seamlessly integrates with RedViking
Argonaut MES System or can be implemented with an existing MES system.
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NAVIGATION SOLUTIONS
RedViking has a wide variety of methods to navigate our AGV’s autonomously as well as
different methods for track based guidance and specific reasons to use each method.

Some methods such as inductive, magnetic and optical provide guidance only (AGV centered
on track) and are coupled in parallel with our location marker system to give absolute
position information. Free space methods of navigation are all inclusive and do not require
the aid of any other components for navigation.

MAGNETIC
RedViking has a wide variety of methods to
navigate our AGV’s autonomously as well as
different methods for track based guidance
and specific reasons to use each method.

Some methods such as inductive, magnetic

and optical provide guidance only (AGV
centered on track) and are coupled in parallel
with our location marker system to give
absolute position information. Free space
methods of navigation are all inclusive
and do not require the aid of any other
components for navigation.

OPTICAL
This system is coupled with our position marker system. This is the most simple and cost-
effective of the guidance solutions that RedViking offers. The AGV sees a contrasting line on the
floor, either paint or tape, and centers the vehicle over the line. This guidance coupled with the
barcode tape would allow for a system that could change paths with minimal effort.
46247 Five Mile Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 | 734.454.0500
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INDUCTIVE
This system is coupled with our position marker
system to achieve autonomous navigation. This
method is mainly used in our inductive power
transfer AGVs to guide and power our IPT AGVs
but is compatible to guide our battery AGVs if
needed. The inductive method involves having an
electrified wire buried beneath the floor. The
sensor on the AGV detects the voltage emitted by
the wire and ensures that the AGV is centered
over the electric field. It can also be installed sub-
floor with the position markers for a seamless sub-
floor navigation system. This type of system is
immune to dust dirt and debris.

INTERTIAL
Inertial guidance combines multiple sensor technologies such as accelerometers and
gyroscopes to allow for a self-contained navigation system. It does not need input from any
other devices. After the AGV takes an initial reference point, it will use the accelerometers to
calculate how much linear distance it covers. It will then use the gyroscopic sensor to detect
the angle of turn and can navigate in any direction.

LIGHT DETECTION & RANGING

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) work on a similar principle to sonar only. Using a
lasar instead of sound, a laser pulse is emitted out of the LiDAR sensor then it measures
the time it takes to see the reflection of the laser. A 3-dimensional map is then created of
the environment in real time. This technology also can command the AGV to slow down,
avoid obstacles, and navigate in any direction.
46247 Five Mile Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 | 734.454.0500
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HUMATICS SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE

PLATFORM
Humatics Spatial Intelligence Platform (free space navigation) is a unique type of navigation
that uses beacons in the ceiling or wall to transmit light to the receivers mounted on the
AGV. There must be line of sight between the receiver and at least two of the transmitters.
Any other equipment that would require navigation like cranes or other robots can also
navigate from the same beacons. This system can navigate in any direction.

TRANSPONDERS
Transponders are a passive radio-frequency
identification (RFID) device that are installed
sub-floor close to the AGV track. When the AGV
passes over the top of the device, a reader inside
the AGV energizes the sub-floor transponder
and receives the unique number. With this
information, the system knows where the AGV is
located along the track. The AGV then uses the
encoders on the wheels to calculate how far it
has moved until it reaches the next transponder
point.

BARCODE
Barcodes are used as a means of associating a
number with a position. When the AGV passes
over the top of the barcode, the optical sensor
will read the unique number on the barcode
and the AGV’s PLC will associate it with a
position. The barcodes can come in a tape
form making it easy, fast and convenient to
install them.
46247 Five Mile Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 | 734.454.0500
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AGV STEERING TECHNOLOGY

RedViking has developed different types of steering technology for our custom applications.
If the turning radius requirements are a minimum of 0 feet or 30 feet, RedViking is able to
provide you a solution.

SKID STEERING
Skid steering is a very common and basic
method to steering the AGV. This
concept moves the AGV in the same style
that a tank would move only with wheels
instead of tracks. When turning, the AGV
will engage the motor on one side faster
than the other. If the wheels are turning
in opposite directions, an even sharper
turn can be achieved. This type of
steering is suitable for a wide variety of
applications.

AXLE STEERING
When extra heavy payloads and high mobility are
required we will equip our AGVs with heavy duty axles
that rotate about a base plate and tie them together with
a steering link. It still uses the same concept as skid
steering except the wheels are supported with an axle
making it suitable for extra heavy payloads. This allows
our large AGVs to still be able maneuver around tight
spaces. The front and the back wheel assemblies are on
plates that rotate independently.
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CENTRAL PIVOT
STEERING
Two drive wheels are attached to a base plate
that is driven by another servo motor on top of
the assembly. This allows the top of the AGV to
maintain orientation while the wheel assembly
is free to rotate. When it is necessary to change
the orientation of the top of the AGV, the
baseplate is locked and the whole vehicle will
rotate. This type of configuration would have
the steering assembly near the center of the
vehicle that would have casters on the outer
corners of the AGV to support approximately
60% of the load.

SWERVE DRIVE STEERING

This system is a combination of a drive motor, steering motor, gearbox and wheel. This type
ofsystem is suitable for AGVs with a lighter payload that require a higher level
of maneuverability. Each wheel can be driven and steered independently creating
an Omni-directional capable vehicle.
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OMNI-DIRECTIONAL STEERING
WITH MECANUM WHEELS
Mecanum wheels are a very unique design that allow the AGV to travel in any direction.
With every wheel independently controlled in multiples of four, this type of movement can
be achieved. When all four wheels are rotating in the same direction, forward or backward
movement is achieved. Running them on one side in the opposite direction to those on the
other side will rotate the vehicle. Running the wheels on one diagonal in the opposite
direction to those on the other diagonal achieves sideways motion. This system is useful
when there are tight space constraints and maximum maneuverability is required.
46247 Five Mile Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 | 734.454.0500
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AGV SYSTEM
MASTER
CONTROL PANEL
The Master Control Panel (MCP) will traffic all of
the AGVs to your specifications. The MCP will
show where all the AGVs are in real time. Speeds
and distances between AGVs can be adjusted
from the panel. The MCP can also route the
AGVs through different paths. If integrated with
an MES system, we can also display information
related to throughput, part and process
traceability, error proofing, part kitting and
sequencing, and other helpful information if
desired.