Reader's response Draft 3

 

According to the article “What is an AGV: The Comprehensive Guide,” the Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) was first invented with the intention of improving efficiency and enhancing safety in material handling processes across an array of industries; they are designed to work autonomously by adhering to predetermined paths set for the vehicle by the user (Solving, 2024). The forklift AGV is able to hold, pick up, and drop off loads of up to 10,000 lbs. with enhanced safety and efficiency compared to the traditional forklift (IQS Directory, n.d.). The main system components of the forklift AGV are replaceable and modifiable to suit the user’s needs for the job, such as the map layout, ground condition, obstacle density, and varying loads, to name a few, including sensors and motors (Pepperl+Fuchs, 2021).

In 1-2 years, most forklift AGVs will be far superior to traditional forklifts in terms of efficiency, cost-saving capabilities, and safety. The AGV is able to work efficiently with enhanced cost-saving and safety features due to its navigation components, such as sensors and controllers.

This is supported by the article “Benefits of AGV: 11 Unbeatable Advantages Explored." It mentions that the forklift AGV can reduce the risk of human error, such as a lack of precision and training for the operator; it also allows the user to maximize the space used in the facility, reducing damage to goods and their surroundings, while being able to work with little to no downtime (AGV Network, n.d.).

The forklift AGV is also able to cut costs. By allowing the company to spend less on medical treatments, it is mentioned that the statistics for workplace incidents involving traditional forklifts are estimated to be between 35,000 and 62,000 occurring every year, as stated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) (OSHA, 2018). On the same website, OSHA also mentioned that the average cost per OSHA safety violation is $13,494 USD, and in Singapore, the average cost of workers’ compensation claims is SGD 53,000, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM, 2024). Employee absenteeism, as well as the costs to repair the forklift, will result in downtime for productivity, which will add up to be a major expense (McCue, n.d.). A notable disadvantage of forklift AGVs is the high initial investment required, as there are multiple factors that will contribute to the total cost, such as modifying the workplace to suit the AGV. The reliance on technology is another factor; once an AGV malfunctions, it is very hard to find a replacement to cover its role (Solving, n.d.).

The main system components of an AGV that contribute to safety and efficiency are the "safety system and navigation system” (AGV Network, n.d.). The forklift AGV has multiple sensors built in to ensure the safety of the surroundings and the workers in the facility. One such example is the R2000 LiDAR sensor made by Pepperl+Fuchs. The sensor uses laser beams to measure the distance to any obstacles, even those as small as 1 mm, and the AGV. It is also able to create a 3D map of its surroundings with a 360° field of view and a detection range of 60 m, and for reflectors, as high as 200 m for added accuracy in navigation (Pepperl+Fuchs, 2019). The R2000 can also be set to trigger an alarm whenever an object is too close to its set proximity range or when the forklift is being lowered or raised too high for added safety. For the AGV to make use of the data received from most of the sensors, a vehicle control system is needed. One such example is the Flexi Soft safety controller created by SICK. If a sensor detects an incoming obstruction, the safety controller will reduce the AGV's speed and eventually bring it to a stop. The AGV would then only be able to continue operation once all errors are rectified (SICK, n.d.). The safety controller can also reduce the mechanical wear of the AGV by activating the mechanical brake if the electrical brake is to malfunctions for added enhance safety.

In conclusion, the forklift AGV showcases a major step up in material handling due to its enhanced safety, efficiency, and cost-saving capabilities compared to traditional forklifts. With state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems, such as the R2000 LiDAR sensor and Flexi Soft safety controller, it reduces the rate of human error and workplace incidents. While initial investments and reliance on technology might be issues at first, the long-term benefits make the forklift AGV the superior choice for modern industrial environments, and as technology continues to advance, the advantages of the AGV will become even more evident.

 

 

 

Reference:

Accident search results: Occupational Safety and Health Administration osha.gov. Accident Search Results | Occupational Safety and Health Administration osha.gov. (n.d.). https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/AccidentSearch.search?acc_keyword=%22Industrial+Truck%22&keyword_list=on 

 

Automated Guided Vehicle Advantages and disadvantages. Solving. (n.d.). https://www.solving.com/agv-dictionary/automated-guided-vehicle-advantages-and-disadvantages 

 

AGVnetwork (n.d.). Benefits of AGV: 11 unbeatable advantages explored. https://www.agvnetwork.com/advantages-of-automated-guided-vehicles#productivity 

AGVnetwork. (n.d.). The 7 AGV components that bring autonomous robots to life. https://www.agvnetwork.com/agv-technology/agv-components 

 

 

Industrial Quick Search. (n.d.). Industrial Quick Search. Types, Guidance Systems, Uses, and Advantages. https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/automated-guided-vehicle/agv-forklift.html#:~:text=An%20AGV%20forklift%20is%20a,AGV)%20functions%20without%20human%20guidance. 

 

Pepperl+Fuchs. (2019, February 8). Preventing collisions from every direction. R2000 Detection LiDAR Sensor from Pepperl+Fuchs. https://www.pepperl-fuchs.com/usa/en/36313.htm 

Pepperl+Fuchs. (2021, July 22). Driverless and safe through the logistics center with ultrasonic sensors. Safe AGVs | Material Handling | Warehouse. https://www.pepperl-fuchs.com/singapore/zh/45296.htm 

 

Sensor intelligence. SICK. (n.d.). https://www.sick.com/de/en/catalog/products/safety/safety-controllers/flexi-soft/c/g186176 

Types of compensation under Wica. Ministry of Manpower Singapore. (2024, September 16). https://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-and-health/work-injury-compensation/types-of-compensation 

 

What is an AGV: The comprehensive guide. Solving. (2024, June 24). https://www.solving.com/what-is-an-agv-the-comprehensive-guide/#understanding-AGVs 

 

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