MACHINE DESIGN FEATURE
WHAt Is AN AGV?
Vision cameras, barcode readers, sensors,
motors and gear motors are just some of the components used on AGVs, as
OEM Automatic explains A
GV is short for Automated Guided Vehicle. AGVs are automated and computer controlled transportation robots that can
be used for a range of tasks. Common types of AGVs include Automated Guided Forklifts and Automated Guided picking robots. You typically see AGV’s in manufacturing
and warehousing but can also be used for inspection, transportation, military and exploration applications. So, let’s look into some of the components which you can read more about in the full article.
VIsIoN CAMERAS For your AGV to see, you must give it eyes. Cameras can be used to capture objects and scenes in three dimensions and are highly useful in logistics and AGV’s. This means that you can get 2D and 3D images in high resolution within a small compact system. They can be used to generate depth data and measure distance.
BARCODE READERS Traceability improvements lead to performance improvement, transforming all capabilities in logistics and increasing productivity. You would typically see 1D and 2D barcode scanners in a warehouse and on an AGV. These help to track information and data, helping you keep track of what is happening. Traceability is the biggest advantage of using
a barcode scanner on an AGV, achieving higher productivity. Some are faster than ever and have great visual quality. Not forgetting they can be extremely configurable.
sENsING AND DEtECtING
Being able to sense and detect is one of the most practical, time saving and efficient purposes of an AGV, which eliminates the use of labour.
SAFETY LASER SCANNER – A SAFETY DEVICE Safety laser scanners can be mounted onto
AGV’S, and warning zones can be programmed to automatically change the vehicle's position, speed, and direction. Additionally, there are versions with encoder inputs to allow safe measuring of the speed of the vehicle. The purpose is to ensure staff safety whilst improving efficiency and is what makes the AGV so special and innovative.
LIDAR GUIDANCE SCANNER LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser-based time-of-flight (ToF) technology to construct a 360-degree view for the guidance of AGV’S. These are used purely for guidance and navigation of AGV’s and can also measure distance, making them super important in terms of manoeuvring the robot in the right direction.
CoNtroL PANEL ComPoNENts
EMERGENCY STOP SOLUTION Safety is a priority! Emergency stops must be a part of any AGV, and you must have a completely reliable stop device. Safety is of utmost importance, and this is a simple but essential device that can be pulled/turned or key-controlled depending on the product. An emergency stop solution consists of a
mushroom head designed to ‘push’ with the action of a sufficient force to open the contact and triggers an irreversible locking of the opening. Then, an emergency stop signal gets cancelled only by deliberate manual resetting of the mushroom head.
SIGNALLING BEACON A beacon should be visible on an AGV to show signals. A regular beacon would be suitable for this and is designed for maximum signalling effect, and it is also very easy to mount. There is also an option for a beacon and sounder combo for maximum effectiveness.
CABLE GLANDS Cable glands are suitable for use on AGV’s and provide EMC shielding that achieves an effective contact to the cable screen. Read more about cable glands and the key facts on
https://www.oem.co.uk/resources/blog/design- considerations-for-agvs
motors
MOTORS AND GEAR MOTORS A simple DC powered gear motor may be used for applications such as internal flaps, doors, or movable dividers that present a low power requirement, up to fully networked high power brushless traction drive motors. Depending on the type of AGV you have, it is best to work with us to find the right components that you need.
LINEAR ACTUATORS Linear actuators can be used for many operations on and within AGVs. We can provide 35mm long miniature linear actuators to operate an internal door or camera lens cover, up to a large capacity unit for lifting components or replacing hydraulic lifts – all depending on the type of AGV you have.
SOLENOIDS AND ELECTROMAGNETS Solenoids and electromagnets are used to lock compartments and security bolts. You’d use these for interlocks, holding doors/panels/dividers and cage locks. A mere insight into a few of the components
that make an AGV what it is today. Read the full article on:
https://www.oem.co.uk/resources/ blog/design-considerations-for-agvs to find out how each of component contributes to an AGV and some of the brands we recommend.
OEM Automatic
www.oem.co.uk
JULY/AUGUST 2021 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 59
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