Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) depend on sensor systems to guide and navigate in manufacturing environments. The sensor system must ensure the correct path is followed and monitor the vehicle’s progress as it proceeds through the environment to complete assigned tasks. An AGV therefore needs an efficient guidance and navigation system, based on sensor technology that allows it to navigate safely and accurately. A variable sensor system will provide an AGV with the ability to interchange guidance and navigation techniques as the parameters in the environment change in order to complete tasks. This will maintain material handling operations and guarantee production rates. The standardization of sensor based guidance and navigation systems for AGVs and other autonomous robots will optimize performance. The project involved research, design, construction, assembly and testing of a variable sensor system for guidance and navigation of AGVs. Sensor technology facilitated AGV operation in changing environments and avoidance of other robots and automated machines in an Agile manufacturing environment. Routing algorithms and procedures enabled safe movement and AGV task completion. The project required mechanical, electronic and software integration for AGV navigation and guidance. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/65 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Contributors | Bright, Glen., Pancham, Ardhisha. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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