| Unit Load Devices or Unit Load automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are the most traditional type of automated guided vehicle (AGV). The unit loaddevices or unit load AGV's are sometimes referred to as a "top carrier" because the load rests over the majority of the vehicle. The unit load AGV is available for loads of many sizes and shapes and is sometimes used as an assembly AGV where a product is moved from manufacturing cell to manufacturing cell as it is assembled. The types of loads typically moved by the unit load devices (unit load AGV) include standard pallets (wrapped and unwrapped), drums, carts, racks, rolls, and custom containers.
The unit load device automated guided vehicle (AGV) typically interfaces with stands and conveyors or it is loaded by other manual or automatic equipment (cranes, forklift trucks, other AGVs, etc). This type of unit load device AGV can include a device such as a roller conveyor, chain conveyor, scissors lift, etc. to transfer the load onto and off of it. When this AGV interfaces with a conveyor, it typically includes a “handshake” sensor which provides for communications between the vehicle and the conveyor. This communication ensures that both the unit load AGV device and the conveyor are ready and working together for a smooth transfer of the load.
Unit load device AGV are the most common AGV type to use more complex drive/steer wheel combinations. Although more expensive, dual and quad steer unit load AGVs are sometimes required where the AGV must maneuver in extremely tight space to pick up or deliver the load. Click on our Case Studies link to learn more about successful installations of Unit Load AGV devices.
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