The Basics of Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems

Applications: Fork Trucks

AGVS fork truck applications are relatively new. Guided fork trucks are used when the system requires automatic pickup and drop off of loads from floor or stand level and where the heights of load transfer vary at stop locations. The guided fork truck has the ability to automatically pickup a load or discharge the load without any human interface.

The vehicle can position its forks to any height so that conveyors or load stands of varying height in a given system can all be serviced.

Since these vehicles are some of the most expensive AGVS types, they can only be justified where total automation is required. AGVS for trucks require more intricate path layout and a method of accurately positioning loads on the floor or on stands for vehicles to service. This normally requires greater system discipline than with other systems, but the benefits include greater flexibility in integrating other subsystems together through the AGVS system.