AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE SYSTEM

[B][B][COLOR="Red"]AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE SYSTEM[/COLOR][/B][/B]

[B]INTRODUCTION:[/B]

An automated guided vehicle system is a material handling system that uses independently operated, self-propelled vehicles that are guided along defined pathways on the floor. The vehicles are powered by means of on-board batteries that allow operation for several hours (8-16 hrs.) between recharging. Sensors on the vehicles that can follow the guide wires achieve guidance. Off-board computer or micro- processor controls the vehicle. The controller sends commands to the vehicle such as identification of load; its destination and other special instructions. An AGV system provides a material handling system i.e. both flexible and readily adaptable to either product or production changes.
AGV systems were originally developed for the distribution of material in warehouse environments. Although this is still an important use, two major growth areas have been evolved the moment of material to and from production areas in manufacturing facilities, replacing manual work lifts and the use of carriers of work in progress in assembly plant, replacing serial type asynchronous or fixed index assembly conveyor system and small packages, in hospitals to deliver meals in offices to deliver mails and in clean room environments for material handling.

AGV system was first introduced in 1950 in USA and later in EUROPE in early 1960, the technology caught on much faster in Europe.

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