An automated guided vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated guiding vehicle which comprises a microcontroller (16) operating as a central unit for managing vehicle operations and wireless clients; an infrared sensor (18) configured to detect light reflected from the ground to enable path / route following; an ultrasonic sensor (20) configured to prevent collisions and ensure safe movement in crowded environments; a voltage sensor (22) configured to monitor battery levels and trigger autonomous battery replacement; a magnetic sensor (24) used for positioning and placement of the battery; a rechargeable battery (26) connected to an automatic battery replacement system for seamless operation; mobile station holder (28) configured to securely hold and connect mobile devices, allowing simultaneous testing of multiple device types; and one or more mechanical arms (30) used to receive and deliver batteries between the vehicle and a charging station.

Description

[0001] AN AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICEE TECHNICAE FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to an automated guided vehicle which comprises a vehicle body that protects mechanical and electrical components from environmental factors and a plurality of wheels that provide smooth and stable mobility on various surfaces.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In the literature, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are robotic systems widely used in industrial and logistics applications that autonomously perform tasks such as material handling and assembly. However, existing AGV systems generally operate on fixed routes, providing limited mobility and remaining insufficient for simulating dynamic test scenarios. In current technologies, AGVs move along predefined paths and are equipped only with basic safety measures. These vehicles are particularly inadequate for testing mobile network systems under dynamic conditions and for ensuring seamless mobility of mobile clients between different network nodes. AGVs often require manual intervention when the battery level is low, which adversely affects operational continuity. Furthermore, routing of mobile clients used in testing processes requires sensitivity and flexibility with respect to environmental variability. These drawbacks lead to difficulties in achieving the accuracy required to test the reliability of network systems in dynamic environments.

[0005] In conclusion, all the above-mentioned problems have made it necessary to make a novelty in the state of the art.OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In order to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and introduce new advantages to the technical field, the present invention relates to an automated guided vehicle.

[0007] The objective of the invention is to provide an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that enables reliable and robust testing of mobile network systems under dynamic conditions.

[0008] Another objective of the invention is to optimize fully automated operation of the vehicle by ensuring autonomous navigation to a charging station when battery levels are low and seamless communication with automation systems to prevent any interruption in test applications.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In order to accomplish all the aforementioned objects and those that will become apparent from the detailed description below, the present invention is an automated guided vehicle which comprises a vehicle body that protects the mechanical and electrical components from environmental factors; a plurality of wheels that provide smooth and stable mobility on various surfaces; and a mobile station holder that securely holds and connects mobile devices, allowing simultaneous testing of multiple device types. Accordingly, the novelty of the present invention is that it comprises a microcontroller operating as a central unit for managing vehicle operations and wireless clients; an infrared sensor configured to detect light reflected from the ground to enable path / route following; an ultrasonic sensor configured to prevent collisions and ensure safe movement in crowded environments; a voltage sensor configured to monitor battery levels and trigger autonomous battery replacement; a magnetic sensor used for positioning and placement of the battery; a rechargeable battery connected toan automatic battery replacement system for seamless operation; and one or more mechanical arms used to receive and deliver batteries between the vehicle and a charging station. Thus, the vehicle operates continuously in an autonomous manner and performs mobile network tests efficiently. Furthermore, by means of advanced path-finding algorithms and sensor-based safety systems, the vehicle ensures safe and seamless operations under all conditions.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the automated guided vehicle comprises a camera which improves navigation by detecting walls and corners. Thus, safer and more efficient movement of the vehicle in narrow spaces and complex environments is achieved.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the automated guided vehicle comprises a plurality of stepper motors which allow vertical and horizontal movement of the mechanical arm. Thus, precise movements of the mechanical arm enable rapid and accurate retrieval and placement of the batteries.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the automated guided vehicle comprises a plurality of conductive pads which allow electricity to flow from the charger devices to the batteries. Thus, efficient charging of the batteries and safe energy transfer are ensured.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the automated guided vehicle comprises a plurality of charge slots which are provided for storing and charging batteries. Thus, simultaneous charging of multiple batteries is enabled, allowing the system to continue operating without interruption.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, an automated guided vehicle control method is characterized by the steps of executing tasks by receiving instructions from a central database; navigating by using a combination of infrared (IR) sensors for path / route following and a step-counting algorithm for guidance; determining theposition of the vehicle through an internal mapping algorithm; optimizing the vehicle’s route by means of advanced path-finding algorithms to minimize task completion time; and automatically guiding the vehicle to a charging station for battery replacement when the battery level is low. Thus, an automated guided vehicle is controlled in accordance with the method.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0017] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an automated guided vehicle.

[0018] REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0019] 10 Automated guided vehicle

[0020] 12 Vehicle body

[0021] 14 Wheels

[0022] 16 Microcontroller

[0023] 18 Infrared sensors

[0024] 20 Ultrasonic sensors

[0025] 22 Voltage sensor

[0026] 24 Magnetic sensor

[0027] 26 Rechargeable battery

[0028] 28 Mobile station holder

[0029] 30 Mechanical arm

[0030] 32 Camera

[0031] 34 Stepper motors

[0032] 36 Conducting pads

[0033] 38 Charge slots

[0034] DETAIEED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIn this detailed description, an automated guided vehicle of the present invention is described by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject matter and without any limiting effect.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an automated guided vehicle. An automated guided vehicle (10) is a vehicle which operates in interaction with an elevator. An automated guided vehicle (10) comprises a vehicle body (12) that protects mechanical and electrical components from environmental factors and a plurality of wheels (14) that provide smooth and stable mobility on various surfaces. An automated guiding vehicle (10) of the present invention, which is schematically shown in Figure 1, includes a microcontroller (16) operating as a central unit for managing vehicle operations and wireless clients; an infrared sensor (18) configured to detect light reflected from the ground to enable path / route following; an ultrasonic sensor (20) configured to prevent collisions and ensure safe movement in crowded environments; a voltage sensor (22) configured to monitor battery levels and trigger autonomous battery replacement; a magnetic sensor (24) used for positioning and placement of the battery; a rechargeable battery (26) connected to an automatic battery replacement system for seamless operation; mobile station holder (28) configured to securely hold and connect mobile devices, allowing simultaneous testing of multiple device types; and one or more mechanical arms (30) used to receive and deliver batteries between the vehicle and a charging station. The invention also includes a camera (32) which improves navigation by detecting walls and comers, a plurality of stepper motors (34) which allow vertical and horizontal movement of the mechanical arm, a plurality of conductive pads (36) which allow electricity to flow from the charger devices to the batteries, and a plurality of charge slots (38) which are provided for storing and charging batteries.

[0036] The process flow of an automated guided vehicle control method of the present invention is given below:executing tasks by receiving instructions from a centralized database; - navigating by using a combination of infrared (IR) sensors for path / route following and a step-counting algorithm for guidance;

[0037] then, determining the position of the vehicle through an internal mapping algorithm; optimizing the vehicle’s route by means of advanced pathfinding algorithms to minimize task completion time; and subsequently, automatically guiding the vehicle to a charging station for battery replacement when the battery level is low.

[0038] In the present invention, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) is configured to execute tasks by receiving instructions from a centralized database; navigate by using a combination of IR sensors for path / route following and a step-counting algorithm for guidance; determine the position of the AGV through an internal mapping algorithm; optimizing the AGV’s route by means of advanced pathfinding algorithms to minimize task completion time; and automatically guiding the AGV to a charging station for battery replacement when the battery level is low, ensuring operational continuity. Meanwhile, the AGV communicates with automation systems to avoid any interruption to the test execution.

[0039] In the present invention, the charging station is an essential component of the AGV system environment and allows the AGV to replace its batteries autonomously. It consists of multiple slots equipped with magnetic sensors to detect empty and occupied slots. Voltage and current sensors for determining battery levels, together with a battery charging algorithm, optimize the charging rate by considering the AGV's operational load and expected battery replacement intervals to maximize battery life. The charging station operates continuously to support multiple AGVs simultaneously.

[0040] In the present invention, the process flow for the charging station in the further operation of the automated guided vehicle is provided below:The AGV periodically checks its battery level using on-board voltage sensors. If the battery level is below predefined threshold, the AGV navigates to the charging station autonomously.

[0041] Magnetic sensors at the charging station detect the AGV's arrival.

[0042] The mechanical arm grabs the depleted battery and places it in an empty slot for recharging.

[0043] The mechanical arm grabs fully charged battery from charging station slot and delivers it to AGV, enabling it to resume operations immediately. The process is optimized to minimize downtime.

[0044] In the invention, the charging station consists of the following hardware components:

[0045] Microcontroller (e.g. Raspberry Pi Platform): It is a central unit to manage the charging and battery changing operations.

[0046] Ultrasonic Sensors: They are used to detect the presence of AGV.

[0047] Magnetic Sensors: They ensure AGV positioning.

[0048] Voltage Sensors: They monitor battery levels, triggers charging decisions. Charge Slots: They store and charge batteries.

[0049] Magnetic Sensor: It is used to detect battery presence on slot.

[0050] Conducting Pads: They allow electricity to flow from charger devices to batteries.

[0051] Mechanical Arm: It is used to take and deliver batteries between AGV and charging station.

[0052] Stepper Motors: They allow vertical and horizontal movement of the mechanical arm.

[0053] In the elevator system provided in the automated guided vehicle (10) of the present invention, the elevator is designed for multi-floor environments, enabling the AGV to move between levels autonomously. The elevator is controlled by a Raspberry Pi microcontroller. Internal motor driving algorithms optimize thespeed and reduce the vibration. There are brakes that take action in case of emergencies like electricity loss and multiple sensors to ensure leveling with each floor. The elevator seamlessly operates as a part of AGV, ensuring safe and efficient vertical movement. The process flow of the elevator system provided in the automatic guided vehicle (10) of the present invention is given below:

[0054] The database assigns a floor transition task to the AGV.

[0055] The elevator moves to the AGV's current floor under the guidance of mechanical sensors and predefined path algorithms.

[0056] Infrared sensors confirm the AGV's position inside the elevator, ensuring secure transport.

[0057] The elevator transports the AGV to the designated floor while maintaining stability and alignment.

[0058] The automated guided vehicle exits the elevator and continues its assigned tasks without manual intervention.

[0059] In the present invention, the elevator system provided in the automatic guided vehicle (10) consists of the following hardware components:

[0060] Microcontroller (e.g. Raspberry Pi Platform): Central unit for managing elevator operations.

[0061] Mechanical Switches: To ensure elevator alignment with the floor.

[0062] Brakes: Fast response time brakes that are used to stop the elevator in case of emergencies like electricity loss.

[0063] Stepper Motors: Allow vertical movement of elevator cabin.

[0064] Stop Button: Allows anyone to cut electricity from elevator in emergency situations.

[0065] Fully automated operations carried out by the AGV system (10) of the present invention minimize human intervention, reducing the potential for errors. It is also adaptable to various test environments, including multi-floor setups and high-density client networks. By means of the present invention, accurate navigation and positioning ensure reliable test execution, even in complex layouts. Continuous operation facilitated by automated battery replacement and optimized task scheduling allows 24 / 7 operation. Advanced collision prevention mechanisms protect the AGV and surrounding equipment, ensuring a safe testing environment. The modular design supports various client devices and testing scenarios.

[0066] In an embodiment of the invention, as a member of a test automation system, it enables end-user tests to be performed with a wide range of coverage. Furthermore, with the capacity to operate 24 / 7 without interruption, the integrated automation system can be added to the CI / CD pipeline, enhancing the CI / CD test coverage. In addition, by increasing the test coverage with early bug detection for all level tests, the bug detection rate can be improved at the earliest stage, and a more reliable product test environment can be created. In an embodiment of the invention, the path / route following motion can be supported by LIDAR sensors to allow free movement in tests requiring low precision. Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention, the received signal power mapping can be used to make testing point independent. Robust operational capabilities and adaptability to diverse testing scenarios of the present invention allow ensuring the reliability and efficiency of mobile network systems.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An automated guiding vehicle, comprising a vehicle body (12) that protects mechanical and electrical components from environmental factors, and a plurality of wheels (14) that provide smooth and stable mobility on various surfaces, characterized in that it comprises a microcontroller (16) operating as a central unit for managing vehicle operations and wireless clients; an infrared sensor (18) configured to detect light reflected from the ground to enable path / route following; an ultrasonic sensor (20) configured to prevent collisions and ensure safe movement in crowded environments; a voltage sensor (22) configured to monitor battery levels and trigger autonomous battery replacement; a magnetic sensor (24) used for positioning and placement of the battery; a rechargeable battery (26) connected to an automatic battery replacement system for seamless operation; mobile station holder (28) configured to securely hold and connect mobile devices, allowing simultaneous testing of multiple device types; and one or more mechanical arms (30) used to receive and deliver batteries between the vehicle and a charging station.

2. An automated guided vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a camera (32) which improves navigation by detecting walls and comers.

3. An automated guided vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of stepper motors (34) which allow vertical and horizontal movement of the mechanical arm.

4. An automated guided vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of conductive pads (36) which allow electricity to flow from the charger devices to the batteries.

5. An automated guided vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of charge slots (38) which are provided for storing and charging batteries.

6. An automated guided vehicle control method, characterized by the steps of executing tasks by receiving instructions from a central database; navigating by using a combination of infrared (IR) sensors for path / route following and a step-counting algorithm for guidance; determining the position of the vehicle through an internal mapping algorithm; optimizing the vehicle’s route by means of advanced path-finding algorithms to minimize task completion time; and automatically guiding the vehicle to a charging station for battery replacement when the battery level is low.

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