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Design and evaluation of automated guided vehicle systems for flexible manufacturing systems: an extended timed Petri net-based approach K. RAVI RAJUt and O. V. KRISHNAIAH CHETTYtThe design and evaluation of automated guided vehiclesystems(AGVSs)for flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) is complex because of the randomness and number of variables involved. A Petri net-based methodology is proposed in this paper for modelling and simulating AGVSs for FMSs. To this end, the capabilities of time Petri nets are expanded. The proposed methodology is elucidated with an example. Several design and operational and control issues,including the number of vehicles required, buffer sizes,siding sizes and vehicledispatching, are addressed. The effect of machine and AGV scheduling rules on system performance is also investigated. I. IntroductionAutomated guided vehicles (AGVs) are driverless vehicles which carry workpieces rapidly among workstations by following guide paths. They are usually controlled by off-board computers, communication with which is established with dedicated wiring in the floor. AGV systems (AGVSs) are widely used in flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) on account of their flexibility and adaptability. However, they are highly complex and expensive. To realize the full potential of these systems, careful design and operational planning are essential. Computer simulation is usually employed to design and verify the operation of complex automated handling systems.This paper proposes a faster and more flexible approach for modelling and simulating AGVSs by expanding the power oftimed Petri nets. It also addresses some of the design and operational control issues of AGV-based FMSs. The paper is

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