Automated Guided Vehicle AGV

Automated Guided Vehicle(AGV) is equipped with an electromagnetic or optical guiding means , in accordance with the provisions of guided routes, with the car running and parking selection devices, security protection, and with a variety of transfer functions contained transport dolly . AGV controlled by advanced manufacturing system is an important component of the system.Its features of flexible , integrated, efficient operation provide an important guarantee to the whole system. It  integrates a mechanical, electronic , computer and field bus technology into one intelligent transportation.

AGV set of optical, mechanical, electrical , computer as a whole, a combination of today's technology field theory and application of advanced technologies. Guiding ability, high positioning accuracy, automatic driving job performance.

1.Flexibility : the ability to very quickly and easily with all kinds of RS / AS entry / exit , production lines, assembly lines, transmission lines, stations, shelves, operating point and other organic binding . According to different needs, in different combinations to achieve a variety of different functions. Can minimize logistics flow cycle, reduce material flow consumption to achieve incoming and processing , logistics and production, and sales of finished products such as flexible interface to maximize the efficiency of production systems .

 2.Reliability The AGV system working process, each step is a series of data and information exchange process communication , the background has a strong database support , eliminating the human factor , and fully guarantee the reliability AGV operation process , to complete tasks in a timely manner , data accuracy of the information .

3 AGV energy independence as a system , in the absence of other systems support conditions, as an independent unit to accomplish specific tasks .

4.Compatibility : AGV is not only able to work independently , but also good at communicating with other production systems, scheduling systems, control and management system closely integrated with outstanding compatibility and good adaptability.

5 Security : AGV as unmanned autonomous vehicles , with a more comprehensive security capabilities . With intelligent traffic management , safety collision avoidance, multi-level alert , emergency braking , fault reports. Able in many places unfit for human work play a unique role .

6.Exemplary : represents advanced productive forces , is a symbol of technological progress . Can promote the quality of personnel, management level . AGV also promote enterprise standardization , standardization, information technology infrastructure.

1. Instead of manual handling , reduce labor intensity.

2. Can be combined strong material car plus drive control unit can be easily achieved.

3 .Good flexibility, high degree of automation and intelligent level high , AGV can travel route cargo warehousing requirements, such as changes in production processes and flexible to change , and the change in the cost of running path with the traditional conveyor belts and rigid transmission line compared to the very low .

4.Advanced : AGV set of optical, mechanical, electrical , computer as a whole, a combination of today's technology field theory and application of advanced technologies. Guiding ability, high positioning accuracy, automatic driving job performance. Reduce labor, reduce the loss of human action ; reduce personnel , saving time , reducing staffing ; personnel can access inconvenient to optimize the production structure into place , saving manpower, material and financial resources.

5.Action Shortcut : AGV is characterized by wheeled mobile , compared to walking , crawling or other non- wheeled mobile robot has fast action , high efficiency , simple structure, strong controllability , safety , and other advantages . And commonly used material handling stacker, monorail car, conveyor belts, conveyor chains , conveyor track and stationary robots compared , AGV 's activity area without laying tracks , bearing frame and other fixtures, free space, roads and space restrictions. Thus, in automated logistics system , the most fully embodies its automated and flexible , efficient, economical and flexible unmanned production. Widely used in factories and enterprises AGV.

6.Production layout changes corresponding adjustment is very simple to install , debug, production time can be carried out without affecting production , trajectory flexible and can be changed at any time without affecting the layout of the production .

7.Investment cycles 1 to 2 months , the transformation period 1 day~ 1 week , compared with the logistics line equipment investment cycles double transformation cycles more than 8 times .

 8.Line equipment and logistics costs compared to slash the cost of new , minimal running costs as there is no electricity line equipment logistics wasteful idling , production layout changes reconstruction cost is very low , you can simply change the track , zero waste .

According to different methods of navigation can be divided into : direct coordinate navigation, electromagnetic navigation, navigation tape , optical navigation, laser navigation , inertial navigation , image recognition navigation , GPS navigation. Navigation tapes and laser navigation are most widely used in industrial.

Tape Navigation:

Principle:stick tape replacement wire buried in the ground , achieved through the tape guide inductive signal .

Tape navigation benefits : AGV precise positioning, navigation tape better flexibility to change or expand the path easier , tape laying is relatively simple , guiding principle is simple , reliable , easy to control communication of sound and light without interference , the investment cost than laser navigation much lower ;

Tape navigation disadvantages : The tape needs to maintain , to promptly replace the damaged tape , but tape replacement is simple and convenient , low cost. 

Laser Navigation:

Principles :Laser-guided driving route in the AGV mounted around the exact location of the reflection plate , AGV by emitting a laser beam , while collecting the laser beam reflected by the reflector , to determine its current position and orientation. The initial position calculation AGV -AGV car stops ; laser scanner can be measured at least four light beams , i.e., at least , " see" the four reflection plate ; all known the exact location of the reflector (X, Y);Continuous calculation of the AGV position - according to the motion model estimates the current position of the car , based on the estimated new position associated reflector , the reflector according to the associated self-position correction , the next action AGV amended accordingly .

Laser navigation advantages : AGV positioning accuracy, no other ground positioning facilities ; flexibility to change the travel route ;

Laser navigation  disadvantages: Because control of complex and expensive laser technology investment cost is higher, reflecting sheet with AGV laser sensor can not have obstacles, not suitable air with the logistics impact of the occasion.