Requirements Affecting the Design of Automated Guided Vehicle Systems

Paper in proceedings, 2020

When introducing an AGV system into materials handling, several requirements must be met in the design of the system. AGVs introduced in an existing materials handling system, face requirements in terms of adapting and integrating the AGVs to the already utilised equipment and traffic situation. Various goals and targets may also create requirements for the system regarding throughput, utilisation rate and response times. Meeting the requirements is how a well performing AGV system that contributes to improving the overall materials handling system can be achieved. This paper seeks to understand which requirements an AGV system should meet and how AGV system design is affected by the requirements through studying three cases in which AGVs have been introduced into an existing materials handling system.