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About Automatic Guided Vehicles and AGV Manufacturers
An automatic
guided vehicle (AGV), also known as a self guided vehicle, is an
unmanned, computer-controlled mobile transport unit that is powered
by a battery or an electric
motor. AGVs manufacturers program AGVs to drive to specific points
and perform designated functions. They are becoming increasingly popular
worldwide in applications that call for repetitive actions over a distance.
Common procedures include load transferring, pallet loading/unloading
and tugging/towing. Different models, which include forked, tug/tow,
small chassis and large chassis/unit load, have various load capacities
and design characteristics. They come in varying sizes and shapes,
according to their specific uses and load requirements.
AGVs have onboard microprocessors and usually a supervisory control system that
helps with various tasks, such as tracking and tracing modules and generating
and/or distributing transport orders. They are able to navigate a guide path
network that is flexible and easy to program. Various navigation methods used
on AGVs include laser, camera, optical, inertial and wire guided systems. AGVs
manufacturers program AGVs for many different and useful maneuvers, such as spinning
and side-traveling, which allow for more effective production. Some are designed
for the use of an operator, but most are capable of operating independently.
Corporations that use AGVs, often factories, warehouses, hospitals and other
large facilities, benefit from the many advantages AGVs have to offer. One of
the most beneficial is reduced labor costs. AGVs do not tire like human workers,
and when their batteries are drained, charging the AGVs easily replenishes their
energy. Loads that AGVs carry are far heavier than any single human could manage,
which makes transporting heavy objects quick and simple. AGVs help give companies
a competitive edge because they increase productivity and complete the job in
an effective and time-efficient manner. They are flexible and can be adapted
to many different needs. Also, using AGVs reduces damage to products and increases
safety among workers.
Currently, AGVs manufacturers produce fairly pricey AGVs which discourages some
companies, but in truth, the money is quickly earned back through reduction of
other costs. Manufacturers of AGVs are working on reducing costs and making the
units easier to understand to attract more potential buyers. Research on these
vehicles is on-going, and new developments on software and movement techniques
are frequently being made.
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Types of AGVs
- 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.
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