It is advances in sensing technology that are blazing this trail to a more mobile and driverless future. Sensors tell AGVs and AGCs where they are and where they are going. They give them eyes and intelligence to recognise the world around them, so that they can avoid collisions and keep people safe. They help vehicles to correctly identify and pick up their loads, then guide them into the warehouses space once they arrive at their destination.
To successfully integrate the right sensing technology into AGVs and AGCs, you need to use the same selection criteria as for any other sensor: Is it compact, robust and reliable in tough production environments? Does it offer connectivity to link to other factory systems to enable, for example, identification of real-time position, or to ensure traceability of goods or packages? Does it meet the correct safety certifications to fulfil the requirements of your risk assessment? Above all, does it facilitate availability and optimise productivity including easy set up and replacement?
Read the full article in the February issue of DPA