Description: A guided vehicle is an automated vehicle that follows a predetermined path, using advanced technologies to navigate and operate without direct human intervention. These vehicles can be land-based, aerial, or aquatic and are designed to perform specific tasks efficiently and safely. Automation in guided vehicles involves the use of sensors, control systems, and navigation algorithms that allow the vehicle to identify its environment and make real-time decisions. The relevance of guided vehicles lies in their ability to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and minimize human errors in various applications. Furthermore, their implementation contributes to safety in hazardous environments where human presence could be risky. Today, guided vehicles are an integral part of industrial and logistics automation, as well as research and development in the field of autonomous mobility.
History: Guided vehicles have their roots in industrial automation from the mid-20th century when the first automated transport systems were introduced in factories. In 1953, the American company Barrett Electronics developed the first automatic guided vehicle (AGV) for material transport. Over the decades, technology has evolved significantly, incorporating advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensors, allowing for the creation of more sophisticated and versatile guided vehicles. Today, guided vehicles are used in a variety of sectors, from manufacturing to logistics and healthcare.
Uses: Guided vehicles are primarily used in industrial and logistics environments for the transportation of materials and products. They are common in factories, warehouses, and distribution centers, where they can move loads efficiently and safely. Additionally, they are being implemented in the healthcare sector for the transport of medical supplies and in agriculture for the harvesting and transportation of products. They are also beginning to be used in urban environments for goods delivery and in autonomous mobility.
Examples: Examples of guided vehicles include AGVs used in factories to transport parts between workstations, delivery drones that carry packages in urban areas, and autonomous vehicles operating in construction sites to move materials. Another example is mobile robots in hospitals that transport medications and supplies between departments.
