1. Application Challenges
To ensure personnel safety when using automated guided vehicles (AGVs), AGVs are usually equipped with lidar sensors to monitor safety areas in the direction of travel. During AGV transportation and loading and unloading, at transfer points or gateway locations, the corresponding safety areas are customized according to individual needs, usually using safe shutdown or switching methods.
In addition, in order to reduce risks when driving in dangerous areas, the driving speed of AGVs will be slowed down. In warehousing and production environments, AGVs are often faced with various harsh conditions, which places high demands on the thermal and mechanical load capacity of the components used.
Understanding RFID Technology
RFID is a wireless communication system that uses radio waves to identify and track objects. It consists of two main components: tags and readers. Tags, which can be passive, active, or battery-assisted, contain stored information. Readers, on the other hand, emit radio signals to read this information from the tags.
2. Objectives
To ensure that AGVs are reliably positioned in the defined area and to prevent danger, the switching or shutting down operations during the operation of the AGV must be performed correctly. For this purpose, RFID read-write devices that occupy a small space and are easy to install are required. These devices must be able to withstand thermal and mechanical stress and not be affected by electromagnetic interference (EMC). And check how industrial pc solution work with and control RFID .
How RFID Works in AGV Navigation
1. Tag Placement: RFID tags are strategically placed along the predefined path where the AGV will travel. These tags can be embedded in the floor, walls, or even on the products being transported.
2. Reader Integration: The AGV is equipped with an RFID reader that continuously scans for nearby tags.
3. Data Collection and Processing: As the AGV moves, the reader detects the RFID tags and collects their unique identifiers. This data is then processed by the onboard control system.
4. Position Determination: By analyzing the sequence and location of the detected tags, the AGV can accurately determine its position and adjust its route as needed.
5. Real-Time Adjustments: The system can make real-time adjustments based on the data, ensuring the AGV stays on course and avoids obstacles.
Benefits of Using RFID for AGV Positioning
- **High Precision**: RFID provides centimeter-level accuracy, allowing AGVs to navigate complex environments with ease.
- **Reliability**: Unlike optical guidance systems, RFID is not affected by lighting conditions, dust, or other environmental factors, ensuring consistent performance.
- **Scalability**: Additional tags can be easily added to accommodate changes in the facility layout or to extend the coverage area.
- **Cost-Effectiveness**: Passive RFID tags are inexpensive, and the overall infrastructure costs are relatively low compared to other positioning technologies.
- **Versatility**: RFID can be used in conjunction with other technologies, such as GPS or laser guidance, to create a hybrid system that leverages the strengths of each.
Case Studies and Industry Applications
- **Manufacturing Plants**: In automotive manufacturing, RFID-guided AGVs are used for just-in-time delivery of parts, reducing inventory and improving production efficiency.
- **Warehousing and Distribution Centers**: RFID enables AGVs to pick and place items with high precision, streamlining order fulfillment processes.
- **Healthcare Facilities**: In hospitals, RFID-guided AGVs transport medical supplies and equipment, minimizing human error and freeing up staff for more critical tasks.
3. Solution
We install RFID tags at defined points, which provide the system with accurate absolute position data and use them as reliable reference points. The tags are reliably detected by the IQT1-FP-R4-V1 compact RFID read/write device on the AGV.
The control system compares this signal with the sensor data used for navigation or field monitoring and triggers the corresponding subsequent steps. By using this comparative or redundant RFID solution, the required safety level is achieved. The detection mode of this solution is not affected by mechanical stress, thermal stress or EMC interference.
Technical features:
Sensing range: 0 ... 130 mm
Operating frequency: 13.56 MHz
Compliant with ISO 15693 standard
Compact housing: 108.5 × 80 × 40 mm
Rugged design
Temperature range: –25 °C ... +70 °C
Protection level: IP67
Integrated RS-485 interface
Using very small tags with a diameter of 20 mm or 30 mm, they can be installed in simple ground drillings. The tags can be mounted on metal surfaces or even flush mounted on metal surfaces. The tags can be mounted on various types of surfaces, such as heavy floor coverings, without affecting their functionality.
Industrial Control PC (also known as Industrial PC or IPC) and RFID technology are closely related in automation and control systems.
Both are key components in modern industrial automation solutions, and they work together to improve production efficiency, accuracy and reliability.
Data Processing and Control Center:
As a central processing unit, the industrial control PC can integrate data from RFID readers.
When the RFID system collects location information or other important data, this information is sent to the industrial control PC for processing.
The IPC is responsible for performing logical operations, data analysis,
and decision making to ensure that the AGV can perform tasks correctly based on the positioning information provided by the RFID.
Real-time Monitoring and Management:
Through the industrial control PC, the operator can monitor the status of the RFID system and the location of the AGV in real time.
This helps to detect and solve any potential problems in a timely manner.
The IPC can also be used to set and adjust the working parameters of the RFID reader to optimize its performance.
Communication Interface:
Industrial control PCs are usually equipped with a variety of communication interfaces, such as Ethernet, serial ports, etc., which can easily connect RFID devices and other sensors.
This connectivity allows the IPC to receive data from the RFID reader and send instructions back to the reader or other control system elements.
Software Support:
IPCs run specialized software, such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems or HMI (Human Machine Interface),
which can help manage and visualize the data collected by the RFID system.
Through these software, users can configure RFID tags and readers, set AGV paths, view historical data, generate reports, and more.
System Integration:
In complex industrial environments, industrial control PCs are not only combined with RFID technology,
but also used with other automation technologies (such as PLC, machine vision, barcode scanning, etc.) to form a comprehensive automation solution.
The IPC acts as the "brain" of the entire system, coordinating the work of various subsystems to ensure the smooth operation of the overall process.
In summary, industrial control PCs and RFID technology complement each other in automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and other automation applications,
and together they form an efficient, precise and reliable industrial control system.
By leveraging the advantages of both, companies can achieve a higher level of automation and thus enhance their competitiveness.
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