What the Heck is an AGV System?

 

An AGV system, or automated guided vehicle system, otherwise known as an automated guided vehicle, autonomous guided vehicle or even automatic guided cart, is a system which follows a predestined path around a facility. AGV’s are mechanical vehicles which carry a load through either an assembly, manufacturing or warehousing facility.

 

An industrial AGV system is built to withstand very heavy loads as in Truck Outfitting assembly plants, which carry the frame through the assembly process. These AGV’s almost always require a custom design with tooling options in order to work with the assembly or manufacturing plant’s specific applications.

 

No longer are AGV’s built to follow fixed tracks which were traditionally built into the floor of a facility to guide the vehicles, but rather magnetic tape or QR coded tape via the AGV’s laser guidance system. Unlike tracks built in to the floor, the tape allows for easy and affordable reconfiguration of the facility’s floor operations.

 

AGV systems are battery operated, which also include a manual option for bringing the vehicle off the line for charging or maintenance tasks. They are usually fitted with motion stop sensors and kick stops for added safety. Each AGV is programmed to follow a course set by the QR coded tape as well as obey pre-programmed speeds to further customize the client’s specific applications and assembly needs.

 

An AGV system is an excellent addition to any busy operation in the manufacturing industry. Benefits include heightened safety, ergonomics, efficiency and flexibility in floor design. An AGV can be built to hold and carry virtually any weight capacity and with advancements in motion control, the AGV of the future is already here.

 

Industrial AGV systems are built for multiple industries including automotive, aerospace, food processing and other assembly and manufacturing applications.

 

For examples of an industrial AGV in application you can visit Handling Specialty’s Youtube pages and learn more about the AGV system on the website’s AGV Case Studies.

Automated Guided Vehicle in Application for Truck Outfitters

Our new AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) is being put to work in the facility it was designed for. Engineered specifically for Truck Outfitting, these autonomous guided carts move through the assembly line along a tape featuring printed QR codes which the laser guidance mechanism reads: telling the machine how fast or how slow to move so the work can be done at the proven speed. The affordable option to alter the tape in order to change the facility's assembly path is a great option available to Handling Specialty's AGV systems, rather then placing the guided carts on a fixed track.

Watch AGV’s Navigate QR Coded Tape for an Assembly Plant.

Whether you call them an AGV or AGC's, automatic guided vehicles have transformed assembly plants, manufacturing facilities and warehousing. Here you can watch as they move along a QR coded tape laid along an assembly line floor where each QR gives a command to the AGV on speed and function.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/dQf83z2B2KU

It does What?! Improve your Assembly Line with the Newest AGV on the Market

Not all AGV's – otherwise known as AGC's - are created equal. Handling Specialty's customized automatic guided vehicle was designed, built and tested at their facilities for a truck-body builder who required specific application details and safety options which Handling Specialty delivered.

The programming of the unit was developed to read each QR code on the adhesive smart tape placed on the manufacturing floor; altering speed, direction and functionality. A simple, yet advanced system of airbags and wheels at the center of the unit allow it to lift and spin 360 degrees when required. This particular AGV includes a Brushless DC servo motor to keep maintenance costs down, and has the capacity to hold 12,000 lbs.

Not only can this AGC be guided automatically via tape, the unit can also be manually guided when the situation presents itself i.e. positioning the unit or removing it from the assembly line for maintenance and charging its eight TPPL, 48 VDC voltage batteries. By plugging in a hand operated control and turning a key, the laser is disabled and the operator has full control over the AGV’s movements. A series of lights on the side of the AGV alerts the operator when they have control.

Handling Specialty has developed a truly unique take on the traditional Automated Guided Cart/AGC and placed them selves firmly in the future, where technology continues to assist the assembly line in efficiency, ergonomics and safety.

20 units were ordered to revitalize the manufacturing floor of an automotive assembly plant. Find a video of this automatic guided vehicle here

To get in touch with Handling Specialty contact Mike Roper at 1-800-559-8366.