With the gradual development of industrial automation and computer-integrated manufacturing systems, as well as the widespread application of flexible manufacturing systems and automated warehouses, AGV robots, as an essential automated handling and loading/unloading means to connect and regulate discrete logistics management systems to make their operations continuous, have seen rapid development in their application scope and technological level.
Advantages of AGV intelligent handling robots:
1. High degree of automation: Controlled by computers, electrical control equipment, magnetic sensor, laser reflectors, etc. When a certain link in the workshop needs auxiliary materials, the staff inputs the relevant information into the computer terminal, which then sends the information to the central control room. Professional technicians issue instructions to the computer, and with the cooperation of the electrical control equipment, this instruction is finally received and executed by the AGV: delivering the auxiliary materials to the corresponding location.
2. Automated Charging: When the AGV's battery is about to run out, it will send a request to the system to charge (usually a value is preset by technicians). After the system grants permission, it will automatically go to the charging station to "queue" for charging. In addition, the AGV's battery has a long lifespan (more than 2 years), and each 15-minute charge can provide approximately 4 hours of operation.
3. Aesthetics: Enhance visual appeal, thereby improving the company's image.
4. Safety: The driving path of a manually driven vehicle is unpredictable. However, the guidance path of an AGV is very clear, thus greatly improving safety.
5. Cost control: The capital investment in AGV systems is short-term, while employee wages are long-term and will continue to increase with inflation.
6. Easy to maintain: Infrared sensors and mechanical anti-collision devices ensure that the AGV is protected from collisions, reducing the failure rate.
7. Predictability: AGVs will automatically stop when they encounter obstacles on their travel path, while human-driven vehicles may make incorrect judgments due to human factors.
8. Reduce product damage: It can reduce damage to goods caused by improper human operation.
9. Improve logistics management: Due to the inherent intelligent control of the AGV system, goods can be placed more orderly and the workshop can be cleaner.
10. Smaller site requirements: AGVs require much narrower aisles than traditional forklifts. Furthermore, the free-moving nature of AGVs allows for accurate loading and unloading of goods from conveyors and other mobile equipment.
11. Flexibility: AGV systems allow for maximum changes to path planning.
12. Scheduling capability: Due to the reliability of the AGV system, the AGV system has a great optimized scheduling capability.
13. Process flow: The AGV system should and must be part of the process flow, serving as the link connecting numerous processes.
14. Long-distance transportation: AGV systems can effectively carry out point-to-point transportation, and are especially suitable for long-distance transportation (greater than 60 meters).
15. Special working environment: The dedicated system can work in environments where it is inconvenient for personnel to enter.
Currently, AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) handling robots on the market are mainly used in material handling in the manufacturing industry. In manufacturing applications, AGVs efficiently, accurately, and flexibly complete material handling tasks. Furthermore, multiple AGVs can form a flexible logistics handling system, and the handling routes can be adjusted in a timely manner according to changes in the production process. This allows a single production line to manufacture more than a dozen products, greatly improving production flexibility and enterprise competitiveness. As a basic handling tool, AGV applications have penetrated into many industries such as machining, home appliance manufacturing, microelectronics manufacturing, and cigarette manufacturing, with the manufacturing and processing sector being the most widely used area for AGV applications.
