Automated Guided Vehicle ( AGV )

Hello again :)
If you guys remember, during the field trip, this vehicle was seen somewhere close to the inbound area near the cargo lift. AGVs are gearing up to become a standard means of material handling in our logistics industry. They are basically driverless material carriers and are mobile robots that can move materials and goods around the warehouse. AGV's find their navigation around the warehouse area with sensors. It has two kinds of sensors used: the wired sensor and wireless sensor. The wired sensor is placed somewhere below these robots AGVs and close to the ground. Navigation comes from the sensor detecting the radio frequency from the wire placed in a slot made on the ground.

Basically, there is a fixed path which the AGV has to follow by sensing based on instructions from the central traffic controller. AGVs are able to pick up pallets from conveyors and racking. Maximising the efficient use of space is one of warehousing objectives. Hence, the adoption of mechanised systems like the AGV is commonly adopted in performing warehouse operations. Companies like Bastian Solutions are one example that has been using this vehicle in their operations. Also, some AGVs use forklifts to lift objects.

To highlight the benefits of using AGVs:

• Reduces the costs of manufacturing.



• Increases efficiency in a manufacturing system.



• Flexibility in changing routes and valuable to companies constantly changing production.



• Offer reduced labor costs and decreased downtime.



• Most importantly, they minimize the chance of damage to goods.

An example of an industry that is commonly associated with this AGV is the tight factory labor market in the United States. With AGVs, this means that human labor and manpower are freed up so employees can focus on other unique tasks.


Vertical Carousel System

This system is increasingly being used by companies today. The carousel system is a mechanised system exist in two types: Vertical carousel system and the other is the horizontal carousel system. Vertical carousel systems operates on a different concept and delivers the desired product to the order picker. Technically, they use a series of bins mounted on a oval track and are suspended between two continuous chains.

Vertical carousel systems can be built to make use of available building height. Driven electronically, the stock is brought to the operator automatically, showcasing a part-to-picker concept. To maximise the efficiency in performing the operational areas in warehouses, in this case picking, adopting a vertical carousel system is important, as we describe it's valuable advantages to you here.

1. Vertical carousel system maximises floor space and fully utilizes the cubic capacity in the DC.
2. Vertical carousel system uses lesser floor space compared to the horizontal carousel system.
3. Provides high speed and accuracy in order picking work. ( Enhances order picking operational area in warehouse)
4. It is an ideal storage system in broken cases picking in a high throughput DC.
5. Less use of manpower and manpower movement in order picking work.
6. More importantly, security is enhanced as the goods are in a protected storage, somewhat like a 'consume chamber', which is not within the visibility of the order picker.
7. Vertical Carousel system are put on to computer control, linking to the WMS system.
8. Uses random storage location, hence fully utilizing storage space.

However, there are some constraints towards adopting the Vertical Carousel System. The set-up costs are high as the system is fully automated.

Hey guys, I can't link the video here, so if you would want visuals, you can go to this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcM6kX-_FUc

Thanks!