AGV 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

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

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

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