AGV Types and Terms
AGV Types
- make automatic guided vehicles.
- are moving robots
used in various industrial applications.
- consist of the
computer, software and technology that are the "brains" behind
the AGV. Without computer software systems and communications networks,
only the simplest AGV functions can be performed.
- , or ATVs, are robots used in industrial settings.
- are
used when precise guidance accuracy is needed, such as in crowded environments
and smaller sized facilities. An on-board camera focuses and guides the AGV
while performing.
- are used
to pick up and deliver various loads, such as pallets, carts, rolls and others.
These can be manually driven as well as used automatically, and have the
ability to lift loads to many levels.
- use
a magnet sensing device, a gyroscope that measures the unit's heading
and a wheel odometer that calculates the distance traveled. Magnets mounted
beneath the floor are detected by the on-board magnetic sensing device and
combine with the first two readings to give an accurate positional location.
- are
used to transport heavier loads with various transfer devices such as rollerbeds,
lift/lower mechanisms and custom mechanisms.
- use
mounted laser scanners that emit a laser and reflect back from targets. The
vehicle's location can be determined based on distance to the target
and time of reflection information.
- use
a latex-based photosensitive tape on a facility's floor for guidance.
Distance is measured by use of wheel odometers, which establish stop locations
for the AGV along the course.
- have
two horizontal stabilizing legs (outriggers) to provide lateral support,
and are used to handle pallets, rolls and racks.
- are computer-controlled robots.
- are
able to maneuver through crowded workplaces through laser sensing, while
transporting smaller loads.
- are
capable of determining their own traffic control and routing without necessitating
a central controller.
- are used
to pull trailers and are usually manned by an operator who adds and removes
the trailers at designated stops. These can follow a basic loop or a more
complicated path.
- use
a charged wire that is buried beneath the floor for proper guidance and has
a small antennae composed of metal coils mounted on their bottoms. The stronger
the field between the buried wire and antennae, the higher the voltage induced
to the coils.
AGV Terms
- A control on
the sound and volume of the AGV that alerts the surrounding area when
it is in motion.
- A type of traffic control performed by
the AGV using detection sensors that allow for one vehicle to slow or
stop, then resume motion once there is a safe gap between machines. The
sensor housing on the AGV detects stopped and slower vehicles in front
of and behind it en route.
- Used for wireless
communication that gives the AGV instructions and information about traffic
control.
- An AGV's battery recharge without the
removal of the battery itself. A copper plate in the floor makes contact
with
the conductor of an AGV overhead, activating a charge, and the AGV departs
once charging is complete.
- Displays information necessary
to operating the AGV system and keeps it operating efficiently.
- A device with
a joystick designed to manually operate the AGV as needed.
- The process of relocating or stocking
materials using an automated device such as an AGV.
- A device on some AGVs
that allows them to grab circular or cylindrical objects such as barrels
and place them wherever needed.
- Unit commands within the AGV system such as where
to go, when to start, slow down and stop. Within most AGV systems, the
basic communication methods are infrared, radio, guide wire data and
inductive loop.
- Marks on the floor indicating where the AGV is supposed
to stop or change direction.
- AGV dispatch
that occurs from a nearby source, used for simpler systems. Onboard sensors,
keys and data couplers are
all examples of local dispatching controls.
- Wheels that, in addition to allowing
the vehicle to move forward and back, are capable of moving sideways
and spinning.
- The means by which
an AGV determines its calculated position and stop points. Laser, optical,
wire, camera and inertial systems
are types of navigation.
- A device that records the distance traveled. Wheel odometers
are often implemented on AGVs to determine position and speed.
- An ultrasonic sensor on an AGV that allows the
vehicle to slow down or stop when faced with an obstruction.
- A navigation system
that allows an AGV to select from a large number of pathways. Open path
systems are useful in crowded warehouses
and smaller facilities.
- When the battery of the AGV supplies power to
pickup and delivery stations, to make additional wiring unnecessary.
- A means
of communication that involves a central controller dispatching information
to the AGVs. Remote dispatching can
be done through an RF network (broadband or wired) or infrared communication.
- Usually a detection
sensor, designed to detect obstructions in front of and behind the AGV.
- Analysis
of the entire AGV system, including hours of runtime, transaction queue(s)
and parts and service records.
- A function of certain
AGVs that serves to pull or tow multiple items. Tug/tow AGVs are useful
for moving wheeled products such
as shopping carts.
- Analysis
of AGVs and their individual components. Common vehicle monitoring examples
are vehicle runtime, battery status
and error logs.
- Lights on an AGV
that flash in the direction of travel during an operation.
- A preventative
method controlled by an AGV system controller. Sections of guide
path that have zone blocking allow only one AGV to be in a particular
zone at one time.