AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE SYSTEM

AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE SYSTEM

INTRODUCTION:

An automated guided vehicle system is a material handling system that uses independently operated , self propelled vehicle 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. Guidance is achieved by using sensors on the vehicles that follow the guide wires. The vehicle is controlled by an off board controller or a micro- processor. This 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 production or production changes.

AGV systems are originally developed for the distribution of material in warehouse environments although this is an imp. use, two major growth areas have been evolved the movement of material to and from production areas in manufacturing facilities, reflecting manufacturing work lifts and use of carriers of work in progress in assembly plants, replacing serial type asynchronous or fixed index assembly conveyor system and small packages, in hospitals to deliver meals, and for material handling.

AGV system were 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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