What is a group control module?

It is a module that enables optimal control of multiple AGVs, and is a system that applies a technology called group control that allows multiple AGVs to work in coordination in the same work area.

In recent years, it has attracted attention in the manufacturing and logistics industries as it is expected to help improve the efficiency and productivity of autonomous vehicle operations.
By using group control, each AGV/AMR shares information such as position, speed, and direction, and calculates the shortest possible route, optimizing the route.

Issues when operating multiple AGVs/AMRs

When operating multiple AGVs/AMRs, various problems can occur.

When AGVs are introduced to reduce the number of people required for transportation, problems can occur, such as the AGVs stopping when matching each other or taking a long detour. Below are some typical problems that frequently occur on-site.

1. Intersection control problem: Optimizing communication between conveyors at intersections
2. Map integration problem: Optimizing route driving by integrating the entire map
3. Battery life problem: Energy-saving operation through route optimization

①Intersection control problem: Optimizing communication between vehicles at an intersection
When multiple vehicles are operated in the same area, rules must be set to avoid collisions at intersections and between vehicles.

Before approaching an intersection, AGVs that are due to enter communicate with each other to exchange information such as their course and planned entry time.
The cloud server can grasp the situation within the intersection in real time, so it can adjust the course and planned entry time as appropriate.
This reduces unnecessary waiting time at intersections and enables efficient operation of automated guided vehicles.

②Map integration problem: Optimal route running by integrating the entire map
When operating multiple AGVs, it is necessary to accurately grasp the position information of each vehicle and be able to automatically calculate routes.

When multiple AGVs pass through the same location, each transport vehicle individually estimates its own position and generates a map to build a local map. However, this local map alone cannot take into account the movements and positional relationships of other AGVs, making it difficult to optimally control the overall movement.

Therefore, by integrating the local maps recognized by multiple AGVs to generate an overall map, it becomes possible to share the positions and routes of other transport vehicles, achieving optimal control.

③Battery life issues: Energy-efficient driving with route optimization
AGVs and AMRs run on batteries, so their operating time is limited.

When operating multiple AGVs, it is necessary to arrange charging equipment and adjust charging schedules.

Group control allows multiple AGVs to operate simultaneously, optimizing routes more efficiently than if they were running individually. Driving AGVs along optimal routes enables energy-saving operation and extends battery life.

Utilizing the group control module makes it possible to optimally operate multiple AGVs.

Introduction of group control module

This time, we have introduced six picking-assist AGVs in the picking area of ​​our logistics warehouse.

In the picking area, the AGV automatically moves to the picking destination, where a person picks the item and then loads it onto the AGV to complete the transport.

Normally, introducing an increasing number of AGVs would increase costs and cause problems such as AGVs taking detours to avoid obstacles, but by utilizing the group control module, we have achieved optimal operation of multiple AGVs.

In particular, the warehouse used in this initiative required the creation of an environment where people and AGVs could work together, and by utilizing the group control module, we were able to create an environment where AGVs could smoothly exchange location information with each other and travel the shortest route within the area.