Industrial Vehicle Technology - August 2024
OPTIMISING AGV PERFORMANCE
2024-07-29 13:10:42
Optimising the performance of AGVs
ASC SENSORS HIGHLIGHTS HOW UTILISING PRECISION SENSOR TECHNOLOGY AND IMUS CAN ENSURE THE SMOOTH-RUNNING PERFORMANCE OF AGVS AND INCREASE COST-SAVINGS
ᐅ Innovative sensor systems and inertial measurement units (IMUs) enable companies and non-commercial organisations to optimise their research, production facilities, warehouses or supply chain operations through integrating new technologies, data, predictive analytics and process automation.
An IMU is an electronic device that measures accelerations and angular rates in six degrees of freedom. It is typically composed of three accelerometers and three gyroscopes integrated in a single housing.
Precision navigation of AGVs
In the era of ‘smart’ research labs, factories and warehouses; automated guided vehicles (AGV) play a crucial role. They connect the individual steps of a research process or production line and optimise the efficiency of the overall operation. This means that scientists, production or warehouse specialists can focus on high-value tasks like strategy setting, stage gate decision making or analysing outcomes to adjust automation parameters. In the meantime, AGVs and other robotic systems perform all necessary steps to seamlessly connect and operate the end-to-end process.
To achieve the intended smooth and well-coordinated automation flow of materials, products and processes, it is essential to always have safe and precise navigation of these vehicles. ASC Sensors’ precision sensor technology and IMU 7 have been tailored to the specific requirements of customers, enabling the successful operation of AGVs.
Improving AGV performance
In 2023, the customised ASC IMU 7.005MF.075 was used in a comprehensive test series by a German research organisation specialising in applied sciences. The aim was to examine two different robotic AGV models. The first was an autonomous mobile robot of 100-kilogram load capacity, and the second was a line follower robot of 1,200 kg maximum load capacity.
The simulations were conducted in a factory hall resembling various real-world scenarios using alternative routes and presenting diverse obstacles. Special maneuvers were performed such as acceleration, operation at constant speed, deceleration, as well as docking and undocking at charging stations.
The study’s objective was to develop a blueprint for energy efficient route planning based on generative algorithms. This would optimise workflows and scheduling, as well as ensure efficient energy use during acceleration and deceleration. This can lead to productivity gains and substantial cost savings for operators of facilities using these AGVs.
The data and outcomes of these scientific analyses have been evaluated in a final thesis, and will become part of a wider scientific publication which is currently in development. The results will then be discussed at upcoming expert meetings. This will ensure the transparent evolution of applied sensor technology research, and its potential to optimise the use of AGVs in innovative workflow management.
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