AGV – Key element in Smart Factory

Nowadays, AGV has become an essential assistance in warehouse management and automated production line, used to consistently and predictably transport loads of material to places that generally serviced by forklift, trucks, conveyors, or manual cart transport. The functionality of AGV covers wide range of appliance, including receiving and distribution, transport in production, storage and retrieval, end-of-line transport, roll handling, etc. AGV is able to lift, rotate, and shift the goods; fetch loads from racks in deep lanes; transport products across long distance, and deliver goods onto conveyors.

Interface with Infrastructures

AGV can be designed and set up to interact with various infrastructures according to different application.

Storage & Retrieval

In warehouse and distribution centers, AGV run back and forth among great number of storage platforms, including front-access shelving, drive-in shelving, cantilever etc. To accurately and efficiently complete assigned mission, AGV operation relies on a control room that executes fleet management system. Furthermore, shelves and AGV can be equipped with intelligent wireless communication system, assisting AGV navigation and shelve identification.

Production and Processing Line

In a production environment, AGV interfaces with conveyors, stands, and end-of-line equipment (palletisers, wrappers). To accomplish pick-up and drop-off process on conveyor, handshake sensors are equipped both on AGV and offboard conveyor system, allowing smooth transfer of the load.

Superiority

AGV gradually replace human labor under heavy lifting working condition; strengthen the safety and at the same time reinforce the efficiency and reliability. AGV reduces variances, such as injuries in human delivery operations and product damage, further lowering lifetime cost of non-value added transportations of materials, plus flexible layout with superior navigational adaptability. AGV is an ideal solution suitable for multi-shift, 24/7 operations, and complex production flows application.