Products & Systems
Products & Systems
AGV & Robotics for Industrial Automation
Robotics is leading the new-age industrial revolution by automating repetitive, accident-prone, and laborious tasks. AGVs are at the forefront of this transformation. From warehouses chores to airport security, AGVs are proving to be a reliable solution.
AGVs are driverless robots that are primarily used for material handling. But with technological advancements in both hardware and software, AGVs are moving beyond just material handling. Now they can be seen assisting people and maintaining security at hospitals, airports, outdoor events, and homes. AGVs use specialized components, including cameras, sensors, and floor markings, to accurately navigate and perform assigned tasks.
What is an AGV System, and how does it work??
1. AGV Robot
It’s a vehicle that can be of any shape and size andconsists of software, controller,
sensors, etc.
2. AGV Management System
It is a centralized management system that controlsthe AGV fleet’s workflow and traffic
3. Peripherals
These are the tools required for the service, suchas PLC (programmable logic
controller) screens, monitors, charging stations,etc.
How do AGV robots work and their types?
An AGV vehicle has 5 main parts that are assembled and configured based on their use-cases. These parts coordinate with each other using information to provide safe and seamless AGV vehicle operations.
Navigation System
to acquire directional information using advanced navigation systems such as lasers, magnets, specialized sensors
Safety System
to move and maneuver safely using laser scanners, infrared cameras, etc. without causing any disruption to the fleet
Power System
a battery system to provide power for movement and accessory functions.
Motion System
to facilitate movement using motor wheels, driving system, and other mechanical parts.
Controller
It’s a logic controller that gathers, processes, and coordinates all the information for all functions
AGV functionalities are expanding, and they are being used heavily in multiple industries. While some AGVs applications are pretty standard, AGVs can be customized to solve unique industrial and everyday challenges. Following are some of the widely popular AGVs
Automated Guided Carts (AGC)
AGCs are also called Under Ride. These are small mobile robots that engage themselves underneath a trolley or cart. These are typically used in e-commerce applications and are the most affordable types of AGVs
Automated Tow Tractors
It is a tugger vehicle used to tow multiple carts in one go. They are heavy lifters with high capacity transportation capabilities of several tons. These are mainly used in automotive industries and assembly lines.
Automated Pallet Jack
These are fork-over AGVs used to move goods from floor-to-floor automatically. These are typically used to move palletized loads to production lines or move finished goods to the warehouse.
Automated Forklif
These are very versatile AGVs. They can be used to lift and move any type of load in a facility. In addition, they can handle various racking requirements very efficiently and safely.
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) AGV
VNAs are very handy for transporting material in a very narrow aisle, including very high lifting. These are typically used in high-density warehouses.
Unit Load AGV
These AGVs have conveyer rollers attached to them and transport several unit loads to and from stands, conveyors, palletizers, etc. These are mainly used in the food & beverage industry.
Outdoor AGV
As the name suggests, these AGVs do supporting tasks outside a facility such as vehicle inspections, weather monitoring, traffic handling, etc.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)
AMRs are used for very specialized applications such as last-mile delivery, loading, unloading, stacking, Piece picking, cleaning & disinfecting, etc.
Autonomous Security Robots (ASR)
ASRs can be configured to perform verifications, secure check-ins, area monitoring, etc., inside and outside the facility. These are commonly used at airports, bus stations, large
events
Hospitality Robots
These robots are mainly used in hospitals and hotels to assist room service, food and medicine delivery, housekeeping, and other generic tasks.
What is an AGV Management System, and how it works?
An AGV Management System is a software system installed at the premise or cloud. It can be further connected to existing EPR, WMS, or other business softwares to send, receive, and process required data. The following are the main functions of an AGV Management System – to manage all AGVs seamlessly.
1. AGV fleet control
2. Routes and traffic administration
3. Transportation schedule & task management
4. Real-time tracking & monitoring of AGVs
5. Communication with business software
AGV Management System ensures that all robots function as they should in an optimal manner without any error. Furthermore, advanced AGV Management Systems can dynamically assign and change AGV routes based on various factors such as traffic, task status, priority jobs, etc.
What are AGV Peripherals, and what do they do?
AGV peripherals can be anything that acts as an interface for communication between AGV & Operator. AGVs can be summoned, discharged from duty, or assigned any other specific tasks using these peripherals. For example, you could have a “Call Room Service” button to call an AGV for assistance in a hospitality setting.
The following are some examples of AGV Peripherals –
1. Screens
2. Monitors
3. Buttons
4. PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
Doing mundane tasks is no longer a burden, lifting heavy loads is a thing of the past, and sending humans to unsafe conditions is no longer required.
This is just the beginning of a new era of industrialautomation to provide a safer and productive working environment for everyone. Adopt AGVs for smarter working.