According to Invia Robotics (2019) the first automated guided vehicle (AGV) system, which eventually led to AGV forklifts, was introduced in the 1950s by Barrett Electronics of Northbrook, Illinois. The website also states that the initial AGV forklift was a simple towing machine that followed a wire laid in the floor, used primarily in warehouses and factories to transport materials. Nowadays, many types of AGVs have been developed, some utilizing simple sensors which track reflector tapes and others which use advanced laser guided sensors (Mansfield,2024). Most popularly used are the AGVs with laser navigation; this system uses a combination of a laser scanner on the AGV and multiple reflective targets placed throughout the facility. Laser strobes bounce off the reflectors which are detected by the AGV’s receivers and then utilized as inputs for its control algorithm, which then guides the AGV’s movement within the warehouse (Robopac USA, 2022). The advances in AI technology as well as robotics have benefitted the development of the AGVs, making them a better choice for companies who wish to reduce labor costs and increase work productivity, as well as being a safer and a much reliable option to manually operated forklifts. Automated Guided Vehicle (AGVs) Forklifts have been proven to reduce labor costs and increase work productivity. Traditional forklifts require skilled operators, and hiring such workers has become increasingly challenging due to a shrinking labor force and rising wages (Goodwin, 2022). In comparison, AGVs are able to work continuously and tirelessly allowing for 24hrs operations, unlike manually operated forklifts which are operated by workers who are at risk of fatigue and work injuries. Some systems, like Robopac USA’s laser-guided vehicles, have systems that automatically guide the AGV to charging stations when power is low, this reduces disruptions to operations. This ensures continuous operation in facilities, reducing downtime and improving efficiency (Robopac USA, n.d). Hence, these factors allow for a reduction of labor costs and the AGVs ability to work continuously has results in an increase in output and productivity. AGV Forklifts are also equipped with advanced technologies such as laser navigation as well as a comprehensive sensor technology which improves not only its efficiency but also safety. The most basic setup for an AGV forklift utilizes a series of reflective targets throughout the warehouse, which are detected by the laser scanner mounted on the AGV forklift and is used by its control system to determine its location and next course of action. This setup ensures flexibility and without being hindered by the quality of the floor surface as the reflective targets and sensors are above the floor (Robopac,2022). In addition, AGV forklifts are equipped with excellent proximity sensors which offers a 360 field of view for the AGV that enables it to slow down or stop within milliseconds of detecting a person or an obstacle (Logistnext, n.d.). With technology in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence advancing, so does the capability and reliability of an AGV forklift as it integrates those very same technologies, making them not only faster but also safer. However, the main drawback in utilizing AGVs forklifts is its initial cost. According to the Mobile Robot Directory (n.d), depending on the model and the capability of the AGV, its price can range from US$30,000 to over US$200,000. On top of that, warehouse floor plans would need to be standardized as AGVs typically require a constant environment to execute repetitive tasks, making the operations within the warehouse less flexible as a result. Hence, although AGV forklifts are a viable option in the long term, companies who are restricted in space may find using such systems to be difficult as AGVs require a fixed and constant floorplan to operate in. Finally, the high initial costs in purchasing AGV forklifts and re-modelling the warehouse floor plan or infrastructure, may be too expensive for some companies who are operating on a smaller scale. In conclusion, AGV forklifts are able to reduce the manpower problems and costs for many companies. They are often more efficient and safer than a manually operated forklift. However, smaller to medium sized companies may find that these new technologies to be too expensive in terms of their initial cost and warehouse space constraints. However, the advantages of AGV forklifts far outweigh its disadvantages, as AGVs continue to improve, it is only bound to become more affordable and more efficient as technology in robotics and sensors advance, allowing even smaller companies to utilize AGV forklifts.
References
Goodwin, L. (2022). “Five Benefits of AGVs in the Warehouse.” Plant Engineering. https://www.plantengineering.com/articles/five-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-agvs/.Invia Robotics. (2019, July 31). “Autonomous Warehouse Robots: A Brief History.” https://inviarobotics.com/blog/autonomous-warehouse-robots-brief-histod.
Mansfield, J. (2024). “What Are Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)?” Spectra Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Mitsubishi Logisnext. (n.d.). “Safety Features of AGVs.” https://www.logisnext.com.
Mobile Robot Directory. (n.d.). “How Much Does an AGV Cost?”
Robopac USA. (2022, April 8). “How Do AGVs Work?”
Robopac USA. (n.d.). “Laser-Guided Vehicles and Smart Charging.”
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