About AGV

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) refers to "automated guided transport vehicles" equipped with automatic guiding devices such as electromagnetic or optical systems. These vehicles can travel along designated guiding paths and possess safety protection and various transfer functions. The advantages of AGV applications include high automation, efficient use, aesthetic appeal, ease of use, and enhancement of corporate image.

With the development of industrial information technology and the increasing demand for intelligent manufacturing equipment, AGV robots can adapt well to the trends of flexibility, agility, intelligence, and informatization in modern manufacturing technology. This has led to a qualitative leap in production organization, information management, and logistics technology in the manufacturing industry. As the industry rapidly develops, the application scope of AGVs continues to expand, and AGV systems can be widely used in fields such as industry, military, transportation, and electronics, demonstrating good environmental adaptability.

Calibration of AGV

The navigation accuracy (positioning accuracy, repeat positioning accuracy, linear offset), movement speed, acceleration, stopping accuracy, and minimum turning radius of AGVs are important indicators of the product and are key parameters that need to be monitored in daily AGV applications. Regular measurement and diagnosis of these parameters are required to continuously understand the performance of AGVs and ensure they are in optimal working condition.

Figure 1: API Brand Radian and iLT Series Laser Trackers

API Laser Tracker AGV Measurement Solutions

To meet the detection requirements of various AGV parameters, in addition to high precision, measurement equipment must also have good dynamic performance, which is difficult to achieve with traditional measurement methods.

The application of API's Radian and iLT series laser trackers has solved the challenges of dynamic detection for AGVs.

The API laser tracker features an ultra-high sampling rate of 1000Hz (1000 points/second), fully meeting the various requirements for static and dynamic detection of AGV carts. Additionally, with a measurement range exceeding 160 meters, it can also accommodate the detection and calibration of parameters for AGVs operating over a large area.

Measurement Implementation

During measurement, the API laser tracker can be positioned appropriately on-site, and the tracking target sphere (SMR) can be fixed onto the API-developed target sphere rotation mechanism. The laser tracker emits a laser to the center point of the target sphere and locks onto it for tracking. Static sampling (static measurement after the AGV cart has come to a stop at the measurement position) or dynamic sampling (real-time measurement while the AGV cart is in motion) can be set according to requirements, achieving the purpose of detection.

Figure 2: API Tracker AGV Cart Measurement Site

ActiveTarget Active Target and STS Six-Dimensional Sensor

In addition to data collection with the target sphere, the API series laser trackers can also work with the ActiveTarget active target to achieve reverse locking of the laser. This means that while the laser tracker locks onto the target, the target will also automatically lock onto the tracker, automatically orienting towards the laser direction during movement, preventing loss of signal, thus enabling faster and more coherent measurements, which is very friendly for applications in high-speed trajectory measurement scenarios.

The STS six-dimensional sensor further implements 6DoF measurement based on the automatic reverse locking function of the ActiveTarget active target. This means that in addition to measuring X, Y, and Z spatial parameters at once, it can also simultaneously measure the parameters of yaw, pitch, and roll angles, obtaining position and attitude data.

Figure 3: Introduction to the Functionality of ActiveTarget and STS Collaborative Targets

Figure 4: AGV Measurement Site and Report Illustration

Customized Solutions, Collaborative Development

At the same time, the API can develop software based on the personalized measurement requirements of AGV manufacturers, providing data collection and analysis modules in accordance with national standards and the company's own standards. It can measure and record the positioning accuracy, repeat positioning accuracy, and straightness performance of AGV movement, displaying this information in real-time. The software allows for flexible on-site coordinate alignment, defining the starting and ending positions for measuring positioning accuracy, as well as operational increments, cycle counts, etc. It can also measure the bidirectional straightness of operation and provide real-time display of parameters such as speed and acceleration.

Other Measurement Site Case Sharing

Figure 5: Other Measurement Site Case Sharing (I)

Figure 6: Other Measurement Site Case Sharing (II)

Conclusion

API can provide high-precision and high-efficiency static and dynamic three-dimensional and six-dimensional measurements for a wide range of manufacturers and users based on different measurement needs, ensuring the safety of your production and research.

Figure 7: API Headquarters Building

About API

The API brand was founded by Dr. Kam Lau in 1987 in Rockville, Maryland, USA. He is the inventor of the laser tracker and holds multiple patents for globally leading measurement technologies, making him a leader in the field of precision measurement technology. Since its establishment, API has been dedicated to the research and production of precision measurement instruments and high-performance sensors in the mechanical manufacturing field. Its products are widely used in advanced manufacturing sectors around the world and are at the forefront of high-precision standards in coordinate measurement and machine tool performance testing