RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle)

RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle)

Overview

Rail Guided Vehicle (RGV) is a flexible transportation vehicle developed by SMC's own technology. It can link multiple destinations and be a good & economic alternative of conveyor by its characteristic that it can eliminate complex and fixed layout of conveyors, which enables simple and easily maintainable transportation system.

In a system multiple vehicles can be operated according to the transportation requirement. RGV system constitutes of transportation rail, vehicles and controller. RGV rail can be installed linear or circular.

RGV is controlled by distribution control system and can be expanded easily as the system parameter changes. This characteristic cannot be obtained in normal conveyor system.

Features

·        Independent operation of vehicle by individual controller on each vehicle

·        Low noise & vibration

·        Modular design of drive unit to enable less parts and easy maintenance

·        Relatively accurate positioning by an encoder

·        Distribution control system

Application

Super high speed-RGV application

·        Driving speed 265m/min, C/V loading speed 30m/min

·        Inactivity server motor & S-curve urgent acceleration/deceleration

·        Installation of absolute encoder in external timing belt

Introduction

Automated guided vehicles (AGV) increase efficiency and reduce costs by helping to automate a manufacturing facility or warehouse. The first AGV was invented by Barrett Electronics in 1953. The AGV can tow objects behind them in trailers to which they can autonomously attach. The trailers can be used to move raw materials or finished product. The AGV can also store objects on a bed. The objects can be placed on a set of motorized rollers (conveyor) and then pushed off by reversing them. AGVs are employed in nearly every industry, including, pulp, paper, metals, newspaper, and general manufacturing. Transporting materials such as food, linen or medicine in hospitals is also done.

An AGV can also be called a laser guided vehicle (LGV). In Germany the technology is also called Fahrerlose Transportsysteme (FTS) and in Sweden förarlösa truckar. Lower cost versions of AGVs are often called Automated Guided Carts (AGCs) and are usually guided by magnetic tape. AGCs are available in a variety of models and can be used to move products on an assembly line, transport goods throughout a plant or warehouse, and deliver loads.

The first AGV was brought to market in the 1950s, by Barrett Electronics of Northbrook, Illinois, and at the time it was simply a tow truck that followed a wire in the floor instead of a rail. In 1976, Egemin Automation (Holland, MI) started working on the development of an automatic driverless control system for use in several industrial and commercial applications. Out of this technology came a new type of AGV, which follows invisible UV markers on the floor instead of being towed by a chain. The first such system was deployed at the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in Chicago, Illinois to deliver mail throughout its offices.