How the AGV System Works

Although every automatic guided vehicle system is unique, typical operation is as follows.

1. Requests to move material can be initiated in one or more of the following ways:

(a.) manually directed or requested by facility personnel using pushbuttons, touchscreens, etc
(b.) automatically via I/O (Input/Output) sensors at pickup points, and/or via customer PLCs. JBT can support over 1000 different PLC devices through over 130 protocols. 
(c.) automatically with a direct interface to higher level software (WMS/WCS, ERP, etc.)

2. The SGV Manager Server receives the material movement request and assigns the task to the vehicle that can most efficiently complete the work.

3. Vehicles receive tasks assigned by SGV Manager Server and travel via the most efficient route defined in Layout Wizard to navigate through the facility to complete the assigned tasks. The vehicles navigate using laser triangulation which allows for precise positional accuracy.

4. The SGV Manager Server coordinates operation of external I/O equipment (fire doors, elevators, etc.) to facilitate the most efficient vehicle movement.

5. Vehicles regularly report status, location and battery level to SGV Manager. When the battery level is low, SGV Manager commands vehicle to navigate to a battery charging area.

6. Vehicles record all pickups, deliveries, movements, and events and report this information to the SGV Manager Server.

7. The vehicles communicate to the SGV Manager via a standard wireless network. The SGV Manager Server communicates to I/O, client PCs and devices, and the customer computer system via wireless and/or Wired Networks.

8. Various SGV System Clients (PC based, handheld, etc.) can be used to interact with the system to initiate orders, check system status, generate reports, etc. The intuitive graphical user interface, allows simple, user-friendly operation with minimal training.

9. Global long term product support is provided with quick response and recovery times using Virtual Private Network (VPN) access.

Hostless Systems
Simple systems can often operate without the SGV System Server (and SGV Manager Software). These systems are sometimes called "hostless" systems, and typically have one or two vehicles, only a few pick and drop locations, and simple road systems.

With a hostless system, requests to move materials can be made directly on the vehicle display or through I/O, pushbuttons, and sensors. A hostless system can support limited local RF communication between the vehicles and external I/O, such as automatic doors, "call" push buttons, or automatic battery chargers.