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.

AGV system

load capacity

design requirements

human factors

internal transport

industry 4.0

Automated guided vehicle system

internal logistics

Seminarierum Götaplatsen, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8
Opponent: Erik Flores Garcia, PhD, KTH, Sverige

Author

Nils Thylén

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management

Thylén, N., Fager, P., Hanson, R., Frantzén, M. Load capacity and performance in Automated Guided Vehicle systems in in-plant materials supply for mixed-model assembly

Thylén, N., Wänström, C., Hanson, R. Human- and Organisation-related Challenges in the Introduction of Automated Guided Vehicles in Production

FAKTA - Flexible Automation of Kitting Transport and Assembly

VINNOVA (2019-03116), 2019-11-01 -- 2022-10-31.

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified

Areas of Advance

Transport

Production

Publisher

Chalmers

Seminarierum Götaplatsen, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8

Online

Opponent: Erik Flores Garcia, PhD, KTH, Sverige

More information

Latest update

6/2/2022 1