Maximizing traffic flow of automated guided vehicles based on Jamology and applications

Abstract

This study aims to propose and investigate a theoretical maximum traffic flow method. Furthermore, we propose a merging timing control based on the results obtained from this method, which are verified using actual automated guided vehicles. The results (micro-level optimization) enable automated guided vehicles to achieve a fabrication level optimization (macro-level optimization). Engineers working in the field of automated guided vehicles have found that there is an optimal headway distance that achieves a maximum traffic throughput when automated guided vehicles operate with merging points. ''Zipper merging'' is known to be a suitable merging method resulting from ''Jamology.'' In this study, first, we will verify the results using the ''Zipper merging'' simulation model. Second, we develop a mathematical model and verify its simulations and experiments using actual automated guided vehicles. Finally, we develop a merging timing control to augment transfer flow and verify the effects using a small full fabrication simulation. We predict that this control will improve factory model throughput when used in practical applications.

Throughput evaluation of AGV transportation systems based on queueing modeling and AGV route decomposition

“…Eilers and Rossmann 20 built a virtual system for an AGV-based logistics system by employing 3D lasers and calculated its performance. Kumagai et al 21 conducted real-time experiments in a company to obtain the throughput of AGVTSs. These methods are applicable to modeling real AGV working styles; however, they are applied only to a small-scale system because of the machine cost and computational time.…”