Automated Guided Vehicle

New paradigm: Artificial intelligence navigates AGV

AI-based control: The intelligent camera infrastructure together with the 3D model in W2MO allows for navigation with millimeter accuracy as well as any combination of automatic driving and manual pushing.

Intelligent fleet management: transparency in vehicle workload, detailed analyses of bottlenecks or overcapacities, as well as automated speed adjustments or assignment of orders guarantees safe and efficient operations.

Integration of optimization algorithms: The control computers access the W2MO optimization engine, so that complex algorithms can be used to calculate optimal routes and paths as well as the interaction of the AGVs.

Modular construction: Flexible vehicle constructions from standardized picking carts to individual, customer-specific transporters.

Predictive control and traffic regulation: The integrated monitoring of all routes enables timely warnings and avoids collisions even in confusing environments.

Robustness against uneven grounds in a logistics environment: The use of air filled tires and shock absorbers makes it easy to drive over thresholds.

AI-based Navigation

Cameras use artificial intelligence methods to detect all relevant objects and report their exact position
Control computers use the position information and the W2MO digital twin to calculate the paths of the AGV and send the control commands
People or other vehicles are detected and possible collisions are identified early and thus avoided; all legal safety equipment is also on board
Automatic driving and manual pushing can be combined as required; the AGV can also be tracked in manual mode.
The network load required for the AI-guided AGV is minimal

To control the AGV, cameras are installed near the ceiling of the hall. Together with the calibrated 3D model of the digital twin in W2MO, all objects in the warehouse can be detected and the exact positions calculated. It includes the controlled AGV as well as people, forklifts, pallets, or other obstacles. As a result, all of this information is available to calculate the AGV's paths and send the corresponding control signals to the vehicle. Navigation determines absolute positions, i.e. automatic driving, driving by the operator, and manual pushing can be combined as required. The AGV can immediately continue driving automatically from any position. The vehicle can also be tracked during manual operation. The system can be designed as redundant as required, i.e. several registration units can monitor the same area. An integrated face pixelation system ensures the protection of personal privacy. There is no excessive load on the network, as only a small bandwidth of about 50 Kbit/s is required per vehicle.

Modular concept for flexible adjustments

Option 1: Picking cart from standard components

Integrated in a flexible modular system
High-quality components such as Maxon drive and Sick safety sensor
Battery of your choice with different charging options
Easily adjustable profile frame
Pneumatic wheels for good driving characteristics even on rough or uneven surfaces

Option 2: Customer-specific transporter

Flexible, customized development of all components
Possible integration of various additional components, such as lifting table, gripper arms, etc.
Example 1: Transport of goods between production locations with 900 kg payload and accuracy in the millimeter range
Example 2: Transport of pallets or mesh boxes on rolls with separate load securing

Depending on the requirements, different options are available for the design of the vehicle. On the one hand, this includes picking carts that are assembled from high-quality, standardized components. The transporters are equipped with pneumatic wheels so that there are no special floor quality requirements. The modularized concept allows for the exact design of a vehicle. On the other hand, customized one-off productions with an adapted development of all components are also possible. There are practically no limits to the individual design.

Fleet Management

Detailed analyses of vehicle usage
Predictive identification of bottlenecks, taking into account temporary obstacles such as warehouse workers or pallets standing around
Simple to add more vehicles
Online tracking and visualization of the current vehicle position including order information in a 3D model
Defined maximum speeds in different zones or path sections
Optimized assignment of transport requests
Connection to the warehouse management system (e.g. SAP EWM)

The fleet manager is used to control and manage the AGV during operation. The transport orders are prioritized, assigned, and monitored. New vehicles can easily be added. In the W2MO digital twin of the warehouse, routes can be supplemented or eliminated and speed profiles can be stored. In the 3D model all vehicles with their current positions are visible at any time. This enables the maximum possible transparency in addition to detailed evaluations of the use of the vehicles. In addition, the integrated load preview provides options for manual or automated intervention to avoid bottlenecks.

Integration of the simulation and optimization tools in W2MO

Optimized route planning based on real-time information on obstacles and the load situation in the warehouse
Innovative algorithms for calculating an efficient combination of orders in a tour of the AGV
Use of combinatorial methods from mathematical optimization for the calculation of an optimal product placement for a load balancing in the warehouse
3D pack algorithms for efficient loading of vehicles

Due to the full integration of W2MO, a multitude of optimization algorithms are available for the AGV. Not only the 3D model and the tracking functionalities for all transporters may be used, but also sophisticated mathematical methods for the calculation of the optimized tours and loads for each AGV. In addition, optimal product placement also makes an important contribution to efficient operations with a guided vehicle system. (See "Intelligent Algorithms" for additional details)