| Automated Guided Vehicles [AGVs] can
be the best horizontal transportation method for material handling
in many applications. Summarized on this page are the benefits of
AGV Systems and the situations in which they are the best solution. |
| When is an AGV System the Best Solution? |
Why are AGVs the Best Solution? |
Low to
Medium Throughput
Zone containment
of manual forklifts
Consistent
and stable loads
Long distances
Steady and continuous throughput
Electronic Dispatching of Loads
Process Automation
Sortation
Need For Flexibility
AS
/ RS Interface
|
Improved Response
Time
Safe Vehicle
Reduction in Labor
Elimination
of Conveyor Walls
Service From
Palletizers
Eliminate Single
Point Failures
Adaptable to Manual
Backup Methods
Reusable Asset
Reduced Product Damage
Better
Tracking of Materials
Improved
Logistics
Improved Image / Better
Housekeeping
Better Discipline |
Low
to Medium Throughput - In applications where the throughput relative
to the distances traveled are in the low to medium range and do not
warrant fixed path conveyor [25-100 loads per hour], an AGV system
should be considered. Very low throughput can be best served with
a manual delivery method such as fork lift trucks, while high throughput
requirements are better suited for conveyor or towline.
Zone
containment of manual forklifts - Lifting stacking, and loading
are functions best accommodated by manual forklift trucks. manual
forklift trucks should not be used for horizontal transportation;
AGVs are better suited for horizontal transportation. In a properly
designed system, forklift trucks are contained to specific areas of
a facility [i.e. shipping dock or staging areas]. An orderly systemized
facility will not allow random disbursement of manual fork lift trucks
over long distances.
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Consistent and stable
loads - Applications where the load profile is relatively
consistent are well suited for an AGV system. A common load footprint,
which allows repeat interface by an AGV is a fundamental requirement.
Long distances - The distance between
load pickup and delivery points will influence the material delivery
system solution. AGV Systems are typically favored in applications
where distances between stations are approximately 200 feet or more.
However, shorter distances can be justified if the vehicles are used
in a sortation function, or as a bridge between two points.
Steady and continuous throughput - In
applications where material delivery requirements are steady, continuous,
and repetitive shift after shift, AGVs can be the best solution. AGVs
can respond well to steady, continuous flow because AGVs operate at
fixed speeds and fixed operating cycles.
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Electronic Dispatching
of Loads - Efficient scheduling and movement of loads can be accomplished
with AGVs. Load movement scheduling can be queued in an efficient
pre established manner [FIFO or prioritization]. AGVs can respond
to calls for pickup and delivery; this improves material handling
efficiency.
Process Automation
- AGVs can be the best solution when scheduled material flow is required
in to and out of manufacturing cells. Automated manufacturing and
production systems operate most efficiently when tied together by
an Automated Guided Vehicles.
Sortation
- AGVs provide an excellent horizontal transportation medium when
many pickup and delivery points are required. AGVs have an advantage
over a conveyor solution in these situations due to the complexity
and cost of the latter solution.
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Need For Flexibility
- If system expansion and system changes are anticipated, an AGV system
may be the best solution. AGVs are more adaptable to change compared
to other horizontal transportation methods such as towline, monorail
or conveyor.
AS / RS Interface -
AGVs offer an excellent transportation method when load movement in
to and out of an AS / RS is required. AGVs scan interface at multiple
storage aisle P / D points while keeping the interface points free
of a fixed obstruction. AGVs also blend well with AS / RS because
both are automated computer controlled systems. A manufacturing cell
can request a load to be delivered out of storage to a station. The
partnership between the AS / RS and the AGV allows for combined automated
storage and horizontal transportation.
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Improved Response Time
- AGVs can improve the material delivery response time required to
a manufacturing cell or shipping dock. AGVs remove and supply loads
precisely upon demand [fork trucks are undesirable for precise timing].
Safe Vehicle Movement - AGVs move
slower than manually operated industrial vehicles, operate on a fixed
path, and have safety features built in for pedestrian interaction.
In applications where "fork truck madness" and pedestrian
safety are problems, an Automated Guided Vehicle System can be a good
solution. AGVs efficiently share aisles with people and fork truck
traffic.
Reduction in Labor - Once
set up and configured AGVs can deliver material automatically, 24
/ 7, with minimal operator involvement. Therefore, material handling
labor costs can be drastically reduced.
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Elimination of Conveyor Walls
- AGV Systems allow open aisle ways. Since AGVs are operator less
industrial vehicles, no fixed obstructions are required. AGVs are
a good solution in contrast to a conveyor when a fixed obstruction
is in the proposed material path.
Service
From Palletizers - AGVs are adaptable to an interface with palletizers.
Since palletizers generate consistent unitized loads at a steady rate,
AGVs are well suited. AGVs make an excellent bridge between the out
feed conveyor of a palletizer and a storage system or shipping dock.
Eliminate Single Point Failures -
AGVS are continuous flow devices. However, AGVs are almost immune
to single point failures, which could occur on conveyors or monorail
systems. One AGV may malfunction but other vehicles will continue
to deliver material during its repair. If a vehicle fails on a main
guide path, it can be easily moved, allowing for material flow to
continue unabated.
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Adaptable to Manual Backup Methods -
An AGV system allows open aisles and open accessibility to pickup
and delivery points. If the AGV system is inoperative, loads can still
be delivered by a manual method, such as forklift truck.
Reusable Asset - An AGV System is an reusable
asset to any facility. An entire AGV System can be moved to another
location or another plant with minimal downtime. Vehicles, Batteries,
Chargers, and Fixed Controls can also be moved easily. The only system
elements than cannot be reused are any in-floor guide wires.
Reduced Product Damage - AGVs move slower
and are in general more careful than manually operated fork trucks.
Therefore, AGVs allow little or no product damage in comparison to
fork trucks.
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Better Tracking of Materials -
AGV control systems allow tracking of materials while loads are in
the AGV system. Each pallet can be uniquely identified and tracked
throughout the material transport process. In addition, load pickup
and drop off times can be monitored.
Improved
Logistics - Production machinery has already reached a high level
of productivity. Further increases in overall manufacturing efficiency
must come from logistics. For example, in many manufacturing facilities,
about 75% of each work piece cycle time consists of transportation
and waiting. An AGV System can link information about material flow
and supply the workstation as demand arises. In general, AGV Systems
improve the organization and execution of materials transportation.
Improved Image / Better Housekeeping
- An AGV System improves plant organization by maintaining clear aisles
and organized workstations. Since pickup and drop off stations are
fixed and dedicated, operators are able to keep their workstations
more organized. This improves the workplace environment for employees
and creates a positive image for plant visitors and prospective customers.
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Better
Discipline - An AGV System forces discipline in plant operations.
Material flow in and out are scheduled by the AGV System controls.
Unnecessary raw, finished or packing materials do not clog aisles
and workstations. |
