Automation and Robotics

Modern production systems utilize robotic and automation systems including automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) for a variety of material handling tasks. A low-cost AGV was initially designed for an assembly line at General Motors South Africa (GMSA). Th is paper presents the latest development and modifi cations of the AGV design. Th e main research focuses were to improve the AGV performance, simplify the operation and reduce the cost. Th e AGV is used as a tugger, which tows trolley between assembly stations in a pre-designed loop. However, it could also be employed to deliver unique or unusual parts between production lines in a more complex production environment. Th e improved AGV controller is based on a BeagleBone Black, which uses an ARM cortex-A8 processor for navigation, obstacle detection and logic processing. Th e navigation is achieved with a magnetic sensor that follows magnetic tape. Th e ultrasonic sensors are used to develop a safety zone ahead of the AGV to avoid obstacles. Th e proposed AGV design meets the criteria for an effi cient and low-cost autonomous material handling system. Th e developed AGV is capable of transporting tasks in various industrial environments and it can be easily reprogrammed to cater for very specifi c scenarios.