AGV Task Scheduling With Battery-Aware Path Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AGV management systems are inefficient in task assignment, battery recharge management, and path planning, often leading to wasted resources and inadequate battery charge, especially under unpredictable demand and environmental uncertainty.
Innovation Solution
An AGV management system with a battery recharge management module, task management module, and AGV path planning module that prioritizes AGVs with higher battery charge for task assignment, implements dynamic charging policies, and coordinates paths using the A* algorithm with hybrid receding horizon/incremental scheduling to ensure just-in-time task completion and sufficient battery levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If immediate task assignment is performed whenever new tasks are generated, then task completion speed is improved, but AGV resource waste increases due to premature assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of task urgency and AGV readiness before assignment. By assessing whether tasks are truly ready for assignment and whether AGVs are ready to execute them, the system avoids premature assignments that would waste AGV resources while still maintaining fast response to genuine tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors task status, AGV battery levels, and delivery deadlines, using this feedback to dynamically adjust assignment timing. This feedback mechanism ensures tasks are assigned at the optimal moment - neither too early (wasting resources) nor too late (missing deadlines)
2Adaptability or versatility
If AGVs are assigned to tasks with insufficient battery charge, then task assignment flexibility is improved, but operational reliability deteriorates due to potential task abandonment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary battery assessment before task assignment. By checking whether an AGV has sufficient battery charge to complete a task before assigning it, the system ensures reliable task completion while maintaining flexibility in assigning tasks to appropriate AGVs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts task assignment based on real-time battery status. AGVs with sufficient charge can be assigned to any available task, while those with low charge are restricted or directed to charging, creating a flexible yet reliable assignment system that adapts to current energy conditions
3Device complexity
If static charging policy is used where AGV is released when battery reaches constant threshold, then charging management simplicity is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to inadequate battery for useful tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the charging release criterion from a fixed battery threshold to a task-specific energy sufficiency assessment. Instead of releasing AGVs at a constant battery level, the system evaluates whether the AGV has enough energy to complete a specific useful task, optimizing operational efficiency while managing charging complexity
4Device complexity
If AGV paths are not coordinated, then path planning simplicity is improved, but system productivity deteriorates due to bottlenecks and increased transit time
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges individual AGV path planning into a coordinated fleet-wide path management system. By considering and coordinating paths across multiple AGVs, the system reduces bottlenecks and optimizes overall fleet productivity while managing the complexity through integrated planning
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures efficient task assignment, reduces transit time, and maintains sufficient battery charge, improving operational efficiency and handling uncertainty by prioritizing AGVs with more battery charge and implementing dynamic charging and path optimization.
Implementation Method 1
managing a plurality of AGVs to be recharged by at least one wireless charging unit in a parking area
Data Source
AI summary
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) management system including a battery recharge management module, a task management module, and an AGV path planning module is provided. The battery recharge management module manages the AGVs to be recharged by at least one wireless charging unit in a parking area. The AGV leaving the parking area has a battery charge higher than a charge threshold. The task management module receives tasks and assigns the tasks to the AGVs. The task includes information including at least one pick-up location, at least one drop-off location, and a due time. The AGV path planning module plans paths for the AGVs, respectively, according to the information of the assigned tasks. The task management module delays assigning the task to the AGV if the AGV is expected to complete the task earlier than the due time of the task.