Egemin creative technology was used within their warehouse, using four battery powered Egvs to handle the storage of 7,000 pallets of finished goods, which is managed by Egemins Ewms warehouse management software.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) & Laser guided Vehicles (LGV)
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is a robot or driverless forklift truck designed, built and configured to increase efficiency and reduce costs by helping to automate the movement of goods in a manufacturing facility or warehouse. There are a number of different sizes and types of automatic guided vehicles depending on the application and use. The automated guided vehicle can either be programmed to follow markers or wires in the floor of a warehouse or manufacturing plant or they can work through the use of vision or lasers.
Case study: Carlsberg
Nov 24, 2010
In 2008 Elettric 80 commissioned the automation system, consisting of the previous two LGVs, and 22 new LGVs out of which 10, thanks to collapsible forks, can adapt to carrying either one or two pallets, depending on the character of the mission.
NORD Smart Solutions:Tailor-made drive solutions with extra service
Jan 27, 2010
Drive manufacturer NORD DRIVESYSTEMS offers individual "Smart Solutions" for drive applications across all areas of industry.
Dematic introduces Voice+ Laser Trucks for optimised case picking
Oct 27, 2009
Automated logistics systems provider, Dematic Northern Europe, has introduced Voice+ Laser Trucks at the Logistics Link show in Doncaster, UK, with a fully operational demonstration of this case picking solution.
Reliable chargers get 5 year warranty as standard
Mar 03, 2009
Exide Technologies investment in the production of High Frequency chargers is already providing benefits to owners of materials handling vehicle fleets.
The Jury's first choice: Automatic Guided Vehicles controlled by voice
Apr 01, 2008
Dematic wins the innovation prize awarded by the "Initiative Mittelstand"
Aetna UK and Euroimpianti - a powerful combination in packaging automation
Feb 22, 2008
Since 2003 Aetna UK has been the exclusive UK distributor for Euroimpianti Robotic Arm Palletisers, Pick and Place Units and LGV Systems for end-of-line automation.
TransCar AGVs powered by Saft Ni-Cd battery modules achieve remarkable savings for hospital in North America
Feb 04, 2008
Use of fast charging Saft STM battery modules has enabled Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital to significantly increase the availability of its AGV fleet by implementing an opportunity charging regime.
Swisslog showcases automated material transport system
Jan 28, 2008
Swisslog showcases automated material transport system innovation at the 2008 International Conference and Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design, and Construction.(PDC) in Orlando, FL.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
Sometimes called self-guided vehicles or autonomous guided vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are material handling systems or load carriers that travel autonomously throughout a warehouse, distribution centre, or manufacturing facility, without an onboard operator or driver. They are typically used to move heavy loads over long distances, and can be programmed to follow specific routes or to respond to real-time instructions.
AGVs are the predecessors to mobile robots however they still have a variety of uses within a modern manufacturing or warehouse environment. An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is a different class of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that has more capabilities than an AGV. AMRs are capable of free-movement and real-time path planning that enables them to collaborate in material handling tasks with humans.
AGVs are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional manual handling methods. These advantages include:
- Increased efficiency: AGVs can operate 24/7, without the need for breaks or downtime. This can lead to significant productivity gains.
- Reduced labour costs: AGVs can automate many of the tasks that are currently performed by manual laborers. This can help to reduce labour costs and improve safety.
- Improved accuracy: AGVs can be programmed to follow precise paths, which can help to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of material handling operations.
- Increased flexibility: AGVs can be easily reprogrammed to follow new routes or to respond to changes in demand. This makes them a versatile and adaptable solution for a variety of material handling needs.
In addition, while AGVs are all wheeled vehicles, AMRs come in a variety of locomotion configurations. This includes not only wheeled vehicles, but also tracked vehicles, bipedal robots, quadruped robots, and multi-legged robots.
The 4 main types of AGVs are:
- Automated Guided Cart (AGC)
An automatic guided cart (AGC) is the most basic type of AGV with minimal features that engage carts underneath them to transport them safely. These carts are ideal for transportation and assembly line work. They can transport a variety of materials, from small parts to loaded pallets, and are often used in sorting, storage, and cross-docking applications. Capable of operating with multiple types of navigational options, AGCs make it easy to automate facilities in most industries.
- Automated Tow Tractors/ Towing AGVs
These AGVs are used to tow trailers or other vehicles. They are typically used for long-distance transportation of heavy loads over longer distances.. The autonomous tow tractor with operator platform is designed for load transfers in work areas with restricted space such as factories, warehouse and airport logistics to haul baggage trailers and goods trucks.
- Robotic Forklifts
These technologically-advanced machines can complete tasks and perform workflows with minimal human interference, allowing people to avoid unpleasant or repetitive tasks. AGV forklifts are self-driving vehicles that can operate devices, communicate with other equipment, plan warehouse routes and move items. Types include: Reach Trucks/End Riders/ Counterbalanced Stackers/Tow Tractors
- Unit Load Handlers/AGVs
Unit load handlers carry discrete loads such as individual objects, or a single unit such as a pallet or tote that contains multiple items.
AGVs are a valuable tool for improving the efficiency and productivity of material handling operations. They can help to reduce labor costs, improve accuracy, and increase flexibility. As the technology continues to develop, AGVs are likely to become even more widely used in a variety of industries.
Benefits: Here are some additional benefits of using AGVs
- Improved safety: AGVs can help to reduce workplace accidents by eliminating the need for manual handling of heavy loads.
- Increased visibility: AGVs can be equipped with sensors and cameras that provide real-time information about their location and status. This can help to improve visibility of material flow and identify potential problems.
- Environmental benefits: AGVs can help to reduce the environmental impact of material handling operations by reducing the need for human-powered vehicles.
If you are considering using AGVs in your warehouse or manufacturing facility, there are a number of factors you will need to consider, such as the size of your facility, the types of materials you need to move, and your budget. However, if you are looking for a way to improve the efficiency and productivity of your material handling operations, AGVs are a valuable option.
