Description: An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) is a mobile robot designed to follow markers or cables on the ground, facilitating the transport of materials and products in industrial and commercial environments. These vehicles can navigate autonomously, using technologies such as sensors, cameras, and image processing algorithms to identify their surroundings and follow predefined routes. AGVs are highly versatile and can be programmed to perform various tasks, from collecting products in warehouses to delivering supplies in hospitals. Their modular design allows for adaptations based on the specific needs of each operation, making them an efficient solution for optimizing logistics processes. Additionally, their ability to operate in dynamic environments and their integration with inventory management systems make them essential in supply chain automation. With technological advancements, AGVs are evolving into smarter systems capable of learning and adapting to new routes and challenges, promising to further revolutionize their use across various industries.
History: Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have their roots in the 1950s when the first automated transport systems were developed in factories. One significant milestone was the creation of the first AGV in 1954 by the American company Barrett Electronics, which used a magnetic guidance system. Over the decades, the technology has evolved, incorporating more sophisticated navigation systems such as laser and computer vision, allowing their use in a variety of environments beyond manufacturing, including warehouses and hospitals.
Uses: AGVs are primarily used in industrial environments for material transport, such as in factories and warehouses. They are also common in hospitals for delivering medical supplies and in distribution centers to optimize logistics. Additionally, they are being implemented in retail for product picking and in research environments for transporting equipment and samples.
Examples: An example of an AGV is the Kiva system used by Amazon in its distribution centers, which allows for automated picking and transport of products. Another example is the Seegrid AGV, which uses computer vision technology to navigate autonomously in industrial environments.
