AGV planning: What do you need to know before planning for the successful implementation of mobile transport robots (AGVs)?
To ensure a successful implementation of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) system, which includes multiple mobile transport robots, it’s essential to understand that these systems are not off-the-shelf products; they require significant customization. To provide you with a solution that meets your specific needs, we require detailed information about your goals, existing processes, and infrastructure. Gathering this information meticulously is crucial. Rest assured, the investment in time to collate this data will be beneficial.
What goals do you want to achieve with the use of mobile robots?
Defining clear objectives for deploying mobile transport robots is crucial, yet often overlooked. Although the benefits of these systems are widely recognized, there’s frequently insufficient depth in planning what they are expected to achieve.
Begin by clarifying your motivation for the project: Are you looking to reduce costs, enhance ergonomic conditions for employees, optimize processes, or drive digital transformation within your facility? Detailed answers to these questions will help set a focused direction for the implementation of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) system.
How is the process flow implemented?
To tailor our solution to your needs, we need a detailed description of your current process flow:
- What transportation aids are currently used?
- What are the dimensions of the available transfer stations?
- •How are goods currently transported?
Providing a layout of your existing setup would greatly aid our understanding.
Next, describe the new target process. Create a document that provides answers to these questions:
- What is the process flow future state?
- What tasks should the mobile robots perform?
- How will the transfer stations be integrated into the new process?
- What are the specifics of loading and unloading the robots?
- What efficiency and throughput goals do you have for the mobile robots?
By answering these questions, you help us gain a better understanding of the planned project and familiarize ourselves with the goals and processes.
What types of materials and transportation aids will be moved by the AGV system?
The nature of the materials and transport aids you use is vital for our design considerations. For example, liquids require specific handling strategies to prevent tipping, unlike solids. Fragile materials also demand more careful handling compared to sturdy materials like metal. Additionally, the size and weight limits are crucial criteria we must account for.
Specify the transport aids to be used. Our mobile robots can transport the following:
- Trolleys
- Trays
- Table frames
- Pallet cages
- Small load carriers
- Pallets
- Shelves
What types of transfer stations do your mobile robots utilize?
Our mobile robots are designed to transport items from a source (pick-up point) to a destination (drop-off point). Transfer stations are typically needed at both locations to facilitate the loading and unloading of goods.
Please clearly specify the intended function of each transfer station. Describe the system and process, noting any specific challenges like height differences. Additionally, detail the planned communication between the mobile robot and the transfer station, including necessary or existing software interfaces.
What does the layout look like?
Once you have established the requirements for the peripherals, please provide a detailed layout. This should include the paths that the mobile robots will navigate, along with the locations of sources (pick-up points) and sinks (drop-off points). Additionally, address the following questions to give us a comprehensive understanding of your needs:
- How many processes will involve the mobile robots?
- What is the maximum distance a robot must travel for any single process?
- What is the expected volume of transport?
- Will there be operations involving mixed transport?
- Are the robots required to operate in elevators?
- Will they need to navigate any inclines?
- What software interfaces will be required? (If necessary)
Conclusion
Numerous factors influence the design of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) system. Taking the time to thoroughly detail these aspects helps prevent planning mistakes, ensures your expectations and project goals are clearly communicated, and allows us to accurately understand your requirements. This enables us to provide swift and precise feedback on the feasibility and specifics of your project.