Automatic Guided Vehicles

Automatic Guided Vehicles

General manufacturing, mail and newspaper, plastics, packaging, aerospace, automotive and food and beverage processing are some of the many fields that rely on automatic guided vehicles, also known as autonomous guided vehicles, to ensure smooth operations within manufacturing facilities and warehouses. Automatic guided vehicles have become popular alternatives to more conventional material handling equipment such as forklift trucks, conveyor systems and manual push-carts. They are able to increase the productivity of a facility by providing more efficient movement and processes, and also cut back on the labor costs incurred by a manufacturing process as AGVs are able to work around the clock at higher rates than manual labor. Automated guided vehicles can provide high volumes of repetitive and tedious movements. AGV systems provide flexibility to a facility or warehouse as the capabilities of the guided vehicles are able to be customized to specific needs and changed as and when needed.

Basic guidance systems for AGVs include fixed path which uses wire, magnetic tape or paint to guide the vehicle along a specific route or path. Other control methods include computer software with inbuilt navigation capabilities which allow the vehicle to respond to data concerning traffic and/or potential obstacles, giving it time to redirect and avoid collision. This technological development has further increased efficiency on the factory floor by improving safety and work flow. However, for computerized systems, especially those with multiple AGVs involved, a traffic operator is required to maintain control of the vehicles and to ensure there is not a breakdown or malfunction as this could cause a major problem. Other components can be added to AGVs to further adjust them to specific requirements or needs. They can range greatly in size and capacity from light load vehicles designed to work with electronic fabrication, parts assembly and light load transportation, up to large AGVs which are used to move heavy pallet loads. The vehicles are typically powered by industrial strength batteries or electricity, although power requirements will vary according to application. AGV systems can be a costly investment and yet the benefits add up to make the costs worthwhile over time.