Supporting the design of automated guided vehicle systems in internal logistics

Licentiate thesis, 2022

Applications of automated guided vehicle (AGV) systems are becoming increasingly widespread in internal logistics for performing transports automatically. Recent technological advancements in navigation and intelligence have improved the functionality of vehicles and together with attention to Industry 4.0 have created further interest in AGV systems in industry and academia. Research on AGV systems has mainly focused on technical aspects, but to support AGV system design and, thereby, be able to achieve the full potential from use of AGV systems in internal logistics, more knowledge is needed that takes further into consideration aspects related to humans and the organisation, alongside the technical aspects.
The purpose of this thesis is to develop knowledge to support the design of AGV systems and three research questions are formulated. The thesis is based on three papers, two of which are based on multiple case studies and one study based on simulation modelling. The thesis results provide input to the design process for AGV systems in three main ways. First, in developing an understanding for which requirements influence an AGV systems and how the requirements can be met in the AGV system configuration. Second, regarding how the load capacity of AGVs impact the performance of the AGV system, and third by identifying challenges with respect to the work organisation and related to human factors when AGV systems are introduced in internal logistics settings.