Navigation technology determines how an automated guided vehicle understands and follows its transport route.
For heavy-duty AGVs, the navigation method should be selected according to the environment rather than simply choosing the most advanced technology.
Laser SLAM Navigation
Laser SLAM allows an AGV to use environmental features and laser sensors to determine its position.
It can be useful in industrial environments where flexible routes and automated navigation are required.
Advantages may include:
- Flexible route planning
- Reduced dependence on physical guide paths
- Suitable for changing factory layouts
- Automated positioning and navigation
Magnetic Guidance
Magnetic guidance normally uses magnetic strips, magnetic tape or magnetic markers to define the travel path.
Its main advantage is a clearly defined route.
It can be suitable for repetitive transportation where the production process rarely changes.
However, modifying the route generally requires changes to the guidance infrastructure.
GPS Navigation
GPS-based navigation can be useful for suitable outdoor industrial applications.
Examples include transport between workshops, yards or large outdoor production areas.
GPS solutions must consider signal conditions, positioning requirements and surrounding obstacles.
Navigation Is Only Part of the AGV System
A heavy-duty AGV also requires consideration of:
- Load capacity
- Steering configuration
- Positioning accuracy
- Obstacle detection
- Communication system
- Battery capacity
- Charging strategy
- Load transfer method
Which Navigation System Is Best?
There is no universal answer.
Laser SLAM may be suitable for flexible indoor transportation, magnetic guidance can work well on fixed repetitive routes, while GPS can support certain outdoor applications.
The final solution should be based on the complete transport process.
For heavy and oversized loads, mechanical design, navigation and safety control should be engineered as one integrated system.