scope:

Introduction

This guideline is a supplement to the existing guideline VDI 2510:1997 which describes the basic principles of automated guided vehicle systems (AGVSs).

Figure 1 shows the components of an AGVS. Such highly demanding systems are mainly determined by their control components. In an AGVS, they are provided at two levels:

• The vehicle control system, described in the guideline VDI 4451 Part 4, is effective at the vehicle level (operative level of an AGVS).
• The higher-level guidance control system manages and controls the overall system „AGVS" (administrative level of an AGVS). This guidance control system is dealt with in this guideline.

The definition of the AGVS guidance control system in relation to higher-order systems is given in the guideline VDI 4451 Part 5.

The fundamental guideline VDI 2510 does not go into greater detail about the guidance control system. It only illustrates some examples at the administrative level.

This guideline contains a detailed and systematic description of the AGVS guidance control system. It addresses

• developers of AGVSs, in particular of AGVS control systems,
• manufacturers of AGVS components,
• planners of materials flow systems, and
• (potential) AGVS users.

The guideline is intended to allow a systematic approach to the issue, demonstrate the performance and the limits of a guidance control system and thus, in the long run, improve the understanding for intelligent materials flow solutions. Furthermore, a terminology is provided which is meant to enhance the communication among (potential) users and the manufacturers of AGVSs.