Automatic Guided Vehicles0 pages

Navigation Options
Automatic Guided Vehicles
As a pioneer in the development of automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), Webb offers one of the
most advanced selections of standard and custom AGVs, as well as the most accurate controls
in the industry. Webb provides all guidance options for its AGVs including laser, inertial, wire and
magnetic tape. Our wide selection enables us to provide you with the most cost-effective and
efcient solution to meet your needs. For example our new SmartLoader™ 24/7automatic trailer
loading AGV uses either inertial or laser guidance depending on your facility and requirements.

Laser
Laser-guided vehicles navigate by using a laser scanner that measures
angle and distance to reectors that are mounted to columns and
machines. Laser provides maximum exibility for easy guidepath
changes with no system shutdown necessary. A vehicle’s position
is continuously calculated based on laser sensor input. Also, all
navigation methods can be seamlessly combined in a concept
called multi-navigation, which switches back and forth from laser to
spot guidance without stopping the vehicle in applications requiring
both modes of guidance. Laser guidance
provides continuous calculation of vehicle
position,high immunity to false reections,
and high position accuracy. Laser navigation
allows vehicle speeds of up to 2-3 meters
per second.

Wire
Webb’s onboard vehicle controls for its wireguided vehicles is similar to its inertial-guided
vehicles. The only difference is wire-guided
AGVs use a set of guide coils, while inertial
uses a gyro assembly as its primary navigation
sense. Wire-guided vehicles follow a low
voltage, low frequency signal sent over in-oor
wires. Vehicles can take a different path or
select a different route by switching to a different frequency. This
simple guidance system is still used today because of its accuracy,
dependability and low cost in certain applications.

Inertial
Webb’s proven inertial guidance system is similar to the technology
found in commercial aircraft and military guided missiles. Inertialguided AGVs use an on-board Vehicle Control Computer (VCC3)
to accurately maintain intended routes and perform required tasks.
Transponders or SmartMarks® embedded in the oor are sensed
by the vehicle to conrm the specic location of the vehicle. Inertial
can operate in nearly any environment, including tight aisles,
extreme temperatures or outdoors and has a longer lifespan than
other guidance options. Multi-vehicle systems
are controlled by a Vehicle System Manager
(VSM) that provides real-time control and
monitoring of all vehicles. It routes AGVs from
various locations to programmed destinations,
monitors vehicle status and program status.

Magnetic tape
Webb’s SmartCart®, automatic guided cart,
is navigated by magnetic tape that is installed
on top of the oor – no cutting or drilling into
the oor is needed. This method is the most
cost-effective and exible guidepath available
today, allowing guidepath changes to be made
in hours or minutes. Also, Webb provides
CartTools®, a simple conguration tool which
allows customers to easily modify routes and set up functions to be
performed by the vehicle at specic locations along the guidepath.
CartTools is a Windows-based PC software package.

NOTICE: The information, data and specications in this brochure are subject to change without notice and should not be used for construction purposes. Jervis B. Webb Company does not represent or warrant that selection of components or
accessories set forth in this brochure will necessarily result in proper installation, operation and/or maintenance of such equipment or system, and Webb disclaims responsibility for any and all damages and injuries resulting from selection, design,
installation, operation or maintenance performed by non-Webb personnel.

34375 W. Twelve Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48331 USA
(248) 553-1220 Fax: (248) 553-1228
info@daifukuwebb.com www.daifukuwebb.com

Bulletin #3075 030911 © 2010 Jervis B. Webb Company

SmartMark™, SmartLoader™, and VSM™ are trademarks of Jervis B. Webb Company.
Windows® is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.

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