Decentralized AGV Control With Local Wireless Task Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems require significant technical resources and investment due to the need for a central computer or server to manage and control AGVs, which is not justified for smaller installations or situations that need efficient and reliable material handling in a decentralized manner.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized AGV system where onboard control systems, including destination determination and wireless I/O communications, allow AGVs to receive and execute instructions independently, manage tasks, and communicate with facility units without a central server, using programmable logic controllers and localized wireless communication devices to facilitate autonomous operation and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central computer or server is used to manage and control AGVs, then traffic control and coordination are improved, but device complexity and installation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed onboard control units, with each AGV having its own controller that can independently make decisions. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single central server while maintaining coordination capabilities through peer-to-peer communication between AGVs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each AGV is equipped with an onboard control unit that enables it to autonomously manage its own navigation, task execution, and collision avoidance. The system allows AGVs to self-coordinate through direct communication, eliminating dependency on a central control server.
2Reliability
If a central computer or server is used to manage and control AGVs, then coordination and task management are improved, but installation costs and technical resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is segmented and distributed across individual AGV units rather than centralized in a single server. Each AGV contains its own control unit with necessary processing capabilities, eliminating the need for expensive central infrastructure while maintaining coordination through distributed communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex central server infrastructure with simpler, cheaper onboard control units that can be integrated into each AGV. This substitution reduces overall system cost while maintaining functionality through the distributed architecture.
3Loss of information
If a central server is used for data management and communication, then system-wide information flow is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each AGV's onboard control unit independently manages its own data communication and information processing. The control units directly exchange information with facility units and other AGVs without routing through a central server, enabling autonomous data management while reducing communication infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
AGVs receive instructions regarding tasks to be performed via localized wireless I/O communication devices (604) onboard the AGVs from localized wireless communications units (600) positioned about the facility, for example, at conveyors (202). The wireless communications units (600) utilize I/O devices (604) which have a limited range so as to be truly localized in their operation. The AGVs have a sophisticated onboard control system (130) that includes a destination determination system (140), a routing system (142), a navigation system (144), and a crash avoidance system.