A comprehensive review and analysis of 12 navigation methods for AGV mobile handling robots, including their advantages and disadvantages

With the rapid development of industrial automation technology, AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) mobile handling robots have become an indispensable part of modern warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing industries.  They achieve automated and efficient material handling tasks through precise guidance and navigation methods.  This article will list 12 guidance and navigation methods for AGV mobile handling robots, and analyze their advantages and disadvantages in detail, so that readers can better understand and apply these technologies.

1、 Magnetic stripe navigation

Magnetic stripe navigation is one of the most common guidance and navigation methods in AGV mobile handling robots.  By laying magnetic strips on the ground, AGV locates and navigates by sensing the magnetic field signals generated by the magnetic strips.  The advantages of this method are simple construction, low cost, and mature and reliable technology.  However, the drawbacks of magnetic stripe navigation are also evident, such as difficulty in changing paths and susceptibility to damage to magnetic stripes.

2、 Ribbon guidance

Ribbon guidance uses different colored ribbons to indicate the AGV's travel path.  AGV recognizes the color of the ribbon through a camera to achieve path tracking.  The advantages of this method are easy installation, low cost, and relatively convenient path changes.  But the ribbon is prone to contamination and wear, and requires high ground conditions.

3、 Laser navigation

Laser navigation uses laser scanners to measure the surrounding environment and processes the AGV's position and attitude information through algorithms.  The advantages of laser navigation are high positioning accuracy and suitability for complex environments.  However, laser navigation devices are expensive and may be subject to interference from other objects in the environment.

4、 Inertial navigation

Inertial navigation utilizes inertial sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers to calculate the position and attitude of an AGV by measuring its acceleration and angular velocity.  The advantages of inertial navigation are high accuracy and low cost in a short period of time.  But as time goes by, errors accumulate and increase, so it is usually used as an aid to other navigation methods.

5、 Electromagnetic navigation

Electromagnetic navigation achieves AGV positioning and navigation by burying metal wires underground and utilizing the principle of electromagnetic induction.  The advantages of electromagnetic navigation are that the leads are concealed, not easily contaminated or damaged.  But the laying of metal wires is complicated, and it is difficult to change and expand the path.

6、 QR code navigation

QR code navigation uses QR code labels laid on the ground as path markers, and AGV obtains location information by scanning the QR code.  The advantage of this method is its flexibility, ease of laying and changing paths.  However, QR codes are prone to wear and contamination and require regular maintenance.

7、 Visual Navigation

Visual navigation utilizes cameras to capture images of the surrounding environment and identifies paths and obstacles through image processing techniques.  The advantage of visual navigation is that it can cope with complex environments, but it requires a large amount of computation and high hardware requirements.

8、 SLAM laser navigation (natural navigation)

SLAM laser navigation uses LiDAR to scan the surrounding environment and achieves autonomous navigation through Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm.  The advantage of this method is that it does not require the use of auxiliary equipment such as reflectors, reducing manufacturing costs.  However, the SLAM algorithm is complex and requires high hardware requirements.

9、 Ultrasonic navigation

Ultrasonic navigation uses ultrasonic sensors to measure the distance of the surrounding environment, and calculates and analyzes the position and attitude of the AGV.  Ultrasonic navigation has high real-time performance and accuracy, but is greatly affected by environmental noise and obstacles.

10、 Infrared navigation

Infrared navigation uses infrared sensors to detect the surrounding environment and achieves positioning and navigation by analyzing infrared signals.  Infrared navigation has the advantages of strong anti-interference ability and low cost, but its positioning accuracy is relatively low.

11、 Fusion navigation

Fusion navigation is the combination of multiple navigation methods, fully utilizing the advantages of various navigation methods to improve the positioning accuracy and robustness of AGV.  The advantages of integrated navigation are strong adaptability and high reliability, but it is difficult to implement and requires complex algorithms and data processing capabilities.

12、 GPS navigation

GPS navigation utilizes the Global Positioning System to locate and navigate AGVs.  The advantages of GPS navigation are wide coverage and high positioning accuracy.  However, in indoor environments or places with signal interference, the accuracy and stability of GPS navigation will be greatly affected.