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Application Update: An automated guided vehicle (AGV) can be built with as little as two components: a magnetic guide sensor and a dual-channel motor controller.
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) can be built with as little as two components: a magnetic guide sensor and a dual-channel motor controller. The AGV will follow a track made of an adhesive magnetic tape affixed on the floor. The magnetic sensor will measure how far from the center of the tape it is and provide the information to the motor controller, which will then adjust the steering so the vehicle remains at the center of the track.
Magnetic markers positioned on the left and right side of the track give the AGV location information that will be used to make stop and fork left/right decisions.
Magnetic track guiding
Magnetic tapes are one of several line-following techniques. The other two main techniques are induction wire guide and optical. A table compares each of these techniques.
Automated guided vehicles table: Tracking comparison
Chassis design
When designing the vehicle, there are four basic ways of providing drive and steering, shown in the diagrams. Some types are easier to build; others have better steering characteristics. Two of these designs are fully symmetrical and may be operated in both directions. The chassis design table lists the characteristics of each design.
Automated guided vehicles table: Chassis design
Sensor mount
The sensor should be placed as shown in the above diagrams for each chassis design. For the first two chassis types, the sensor must be placed near the front edge of the chassis. On long AGVs, this means that a little steering will cause a wide swing at the front and will make the steering control more...