AGV Transfer Carts Core Components for Durable and Efficient Performance
Frame
- Box-type structure for high strength and long service life.
Steering System
- Integrated drive motor, drive reducer, steering motor, and steering reducer in a compact design.
- Enables precise, synchronized movement—ideal for heavy loads and high-precision positioning.
Mecanum Wheels
- Mecanum wheels for omnidirectional movement: forward, lateral, diagonal, rotation, and combinations.
- Suitable for narrow spaces and tight operating aisles.
Baterya
- Optional lead-acid or lithium battery.
- Lead-acid: low cost, longer charging time, shorter lifespan.
- Lithium: high energy density, long lifespan, fast charging, higher cost.
HMI (Human-Machine Interface)
- Real-time display of status and parameters.
- Intuitive operation for better management.
Electrical Control Cabinet
- Equipped with touchscreen, status lights, and main power switch.
- Supports communication with upper-level systems for easy integration and remote management.
Laser Scanner
- Continuously scans the route for automatic obstacle avoidance.
- Automatically stops for people or objects to ensure safety.
Remote A/O Station
- Wireless command transmission.
- Enables smart dispatching and improves transport efficiency.
Advanced and Reliable Control System
The control system of the AGV transfer cart consists of three main components. These layers work in coordination to enable autonomous navigation, task execution, and remote scheduling.
Onboard Control System
This system is integrated into the AGV trolley body and includes core components such as the traction motor, motor driver, and PLC controller. Its main functions include:
- Controlling the AGV’s basic movement behaviors (start, stop, steering, speed regulation, etc.).
- Processing sensor inputs and executing corresponding logic actions.
- Receiving commands from the supervisory system and sending back operational status.
This system ensures fundamental control, safety responses, and signal interaction during operation. It serves as the execution core of the entire control architecture.
Wireless Communication System
Composed of multiple wireless access points (APs) deployed along the operating path, this system handles signal transmission between the AGV transfer cart and the supervisory system.
- Establishes a stable data communication link.
- Enables real-time bidirectional transmission of control commands, status updates, and task data.
- Supports simultaneous operation of multiple AGV transfer carts while avoiding signal conflicts.
This communication system acts as the information bridge between upper and lower layers, ensuring accurate and timely scheduling.
Supervisory Control System
Built on a central PLC or industrial-grade host computer, this system manages task coordination and route scheduling for multiple AGV trolleys. Key functions include:
- Processing operational signals and status feedback from AGV trolleys.
- Dispatching tasks to each AGV transfer cart based on production instructions from higher-level systems (e.g., MES, WMS).
- Monitoring vehicle status in real time to prevent route conflicts and enable collaborative operations.
This system is highly flexible and intelligent, capable of integrating with the enterprise’s overall automation infrastructure. It serves as a critical hub for enabling smart logistics in factories.
Flexible Navigation Systems
The navigation system is a core technology that ensures the efficient operation of AGV transfer carts. We offer a variety of mature and reliable navigation methods to suit different industrial environments and user requirements.
Natural Navigation
This method uses laser sensors to scan the surrounding environment and generate a map. The system continuously compares the AGV’s real-time position with the stored map to achieve accurate localization and navigation. No additional ground infrastructure is required, making installation simple and allowing for flexible routing.
Advantages:
- No auxiliary hardware needed, resulting in low deployment costs.
- Highly flexible routes, adaptable to dynamic and complex environments.
- Suitable for large-scale operations, frequently changing tasks, and collaboration among multiple AGV transfer carts.
Limitations:
- Requires advanced algorithms and precise map construction.
- Initial debugging and setup take more time.
Magnetic Navigation
Magnetic strips are laid on the floor, and the AGV transfer cart follows the path by detecting magnetic signals to determine routes and station positions.
Advantages:
- Stable navigation with accurate positioning.
- Low cost for route modifications, ideal for fixed-path operations.
Limitations:
- Magnetic strips are prone to wear or breakage and require regular maintenance.
- The AGV transfer cart is restricted to the magnetic path, lacking intelligent path adjustment and flexible obstacle avoidance.
Laser Navigation
The AGV transfer cart uses laser scanners to detect pre-installed reflectors, enabling precise localization and navigation.
Advantages:
- High accuracy, with errors controlled within millimeter range.
- Low maintenance and flexible routing.
Limitations:
- Sensitive to lighting conditions and ground reflections.
- Higher initial equipment investment.
QR Code Navigation
The AGV transfer cart identifies pre-set QR code labels on the floor for precise positioning and path control.
Advantages:
- Easy installation with high positioning accuracy.
- Routes can be changed quickly, supporting flexible production lines.
Limitations:
- QR codes can be easily contaminated or worn out and require regular inspection and replacement.
- Not suitable for environments where the floor may be frequently obstructed.
Extensive Applications of AGV Transfer Carts
AGV transfer carts are widely used across various industries such as warehousing and logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and chemical sectors, ports and terminals, as well as in hazardous and specialized environments. They effectively meet the needs of intelligent handling and automated transport in diverse scenarios.
Applications in Hospitals
In modern smart hospitals, AGV transfer carts perform a wide range of transport tasks including delivery of patient meals, laundry, medical waste, sterilized items, and pharmaceuticals.
Key Functions:
- Material transfer between wards, pharmacies, and other hospital departments.
- Cross-floor and cross-building transport without manual intervention.
- Automatic path planning and flexible obstacle avoidance, enabling precise navigation even in complex environments like pharmacies or crowded outpatient halls.
Advantages:
- Enhances transport efficiency with speeds up to 1.5 m/s.
- Minimizes direct human contact with infectious or contaminated items, reducing the risk of cross-infection.
- Supports 24/7 continuous operation with automatic charging capabilities, improving overall reliability.
- Reduces labor costs and optimizes the hospital’s internal logistics system.
Applications at Ports and Terminals
In port environments, AGV transfer carts are primarily used for the automated horizontal transport of containers, connecting quay cranes, container yards, and subsequent transfer channels to enhance port handling efficiency.
Key Functions:
- Automated container transport between quay cranes and storage yards.
- Short-distance container repositioning and relocation.
- Transport between storage yards and rail or truck loading zones.
Advantages:
- Driverless operation with high efficiency, suitable for high-intensity, around-the-clock port operations.
- Multi-vehicle coordination through centralized scheduling to avoid traffic conflicts.
- Reduces carbon emissions and supports the development of smart and green ports.
Applications in Warehousing and Logistics
AGV transfer carts serve as the core equipment for automated material handling in warehouse environments, enabling fully unmanned operations from inbound to outbound processes.
Key Functions:
- Replaces manual forklifts for receiving, sorting, replenishment, and shipping.
- Handles pallets, bins, and other medium to large-sized items.
- Connects with conveyor lines, racking systems, and elevators for automated inter-area transfers.
- Seamlessly integrates with WMS systems to enable synchronized warehouse operations.
Advantages:
- Enhances operational efficiency and improves picking, handling, and loading accuracy.
- Reduces labor intensity and boosts the level of warehouse automation.
