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Ways to control AGVs

AGV Navigation

different ways to control AGVs
Reflector Navigation
Reflector Navigation

Reflector navigation uses a laser scanner to detect reflectors mounted in the environment. The laser scanner continuously measures the distance and angles to the reflectors. These measurements are used in combination with steer and drive encoder signals to determine the position of the vehicle.
+ Highly accurate laser positioning
+ Highly flexible option, easily adjusted within the software
– Laser scanners are usually mounted higher up on the vehicle
– Avoid reflectors getting covered up by obstacles

Natural Navigation
Natural Navigation

Natural navigation uses objects in the existing environment for navigation, removing the need to install reflectors and markers. This cuts down on installation time, reducing costs and minimizing the effect on operations.
+ Highly flexible navigation option, easily adjusted within the software
+ Non invasive installation, no reflectors, markers, or other monument systems
– Avoid large repeating building layouts (easy fix)
– Avoid cluttering walls that are used for mapping

Spot Navigation
Spot Navigation

Spot navigation uses landmarks placed in the floor. These landmarks are referred to as spot magnets and consist of magnetic markers. The spot magnets are placed in drilled holes in the floor.
+ Great for open areas without walls
+ Great for vehicles that can’t mount laser scanners on top
– Spot magnets could be disrupted or damaged
– Requires drilling holes in the floor to install spot magnets

Barcode Navigation
Barcode Navigation

When an AGV encounters a barcode along its designated path, the scanner decodes the information encoded within the barcode, such as location coordinates or specific instructions related to the AGV’s route or task.
+ No physical monument & fewer space requirements
+ Great for open areas without walls
+ No need to drill or cut into floors
– Clean environment necessary
– Barcodes can become covered or damaged, disrupting system efficacy

 

Magnetic Tape Navigation
Magnetic Tape Navigation

Magnetic tape navigation makes use of magnetic tape on the floor. The vehicle is equipped with two or more magnetic antennas for detecting the tape and keeping the vehicle on track when driving in the layout.
+ Flexible option, remove and reapply new tape
+ Non invasive installation, no drilling or cutting into floors
+ Markers can be added for improved positioning
+ Great for vehicles that can’t mount laser scanners on top
– Magnetic tape could be damaged and disrupt system efficacy

Inductive Wire Navigation
Inductive Wire Navigation

Inductive wire navigation uses inductive wires installed in the floor. The vehicle is equipped with two or more antennas for detecting the wires so that the vehicle knows it is on track when driving in the layout.
+ Wire cannot be damaged, unlike mag. tape, spots, & barcode
+ Markers can be added for improved positioning
+ Great for vehicles that can’t mount laser scanners on top
– Invasive installation, requires cutting into floors
– Less flexible option, requiring the removal of old wire and install of new wire

Multi-Navigation
Multi-Navigation

A vehicle can, while driving, switch between navigation methods. It gives the possibilities to use the flexibility of a reflector(laser) navigation in factories with one of the other navigation methods in areas where there is not possible to mount reflectors.
+ Swapping between two different navigation types
+ No need for duplicate vehicles with different navigation types
– Requires overlapping zones when switching navigation types
– Cost of vehicle hardware for multiple navigation types

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Question & Answer
What is the difference between AGV and AMR? Why AGV?

AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) are guided by a preset path and will stick to that path. When an object is detected, the AGV will come to a stop until the object is removed from the path.

AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) operate independently and can move around obstacles freely. However, most manufacturing applications use AGVs since assembly lines feature little to no variables or obstacle appearances.

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