Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)…

are mobile robots* that follow markers or wires in the floor, or uses vision, magnets, or lasers for navigation.

*A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically.

Robots can be guided by an external control device or the control may be embedded within. Robots are designed to perform a task with no regard to how they look.

Automated  Guided Vehicles are most often used in industrial applications to move materials around a manufacturing facility or warehouse.

Courtesy of Jungheinrich

Applications of the Automatic Guided Vehicles broadened during the late 20th century.

Laser Guide Vehicles and Visually Guided Vehicles

Over the years the technology has become more sophisticated. Today’s Automated Guided Vehicles are Laser navigated (LGVs) or Visually navigated (VGVs).

Monitoring Automated Guided Vehicles – Courtesy of SICK AG

In an automated process, LGVs and VGVs are programmed to communicate with other robots to ensure, the product is moved smoothly through the warehouse. Whether it is being stored for future use or sent directly to shipping areas.

Today, the Automated Guided Vehicles play an important role in the design of new factories and warehouses, safely moving goods to their rightful destination.

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 motorised 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.

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Automated Guided Carts AGCs

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.

AGCSs are often used in low workload applications.

Summary

Today’s Technology has become more sophisticated and fully automated vehicles are mainly LGVs and VGVs.

Please check our posts for more…

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