An AGVS management model utilizing 3D animation techniques

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The AGVs used in the manufacturing sector for all types of material transportation related to manufacturing process are highly effective in the environments equipped with repetitive transportation patterns. However, since the User Interface of the AGVs management systems is mostly using a 2D system, it is quite difficult for the general managers to use. Accordingly, in this paper, we intend to propose a 3D animation styled management model which may be easily used by the general managers to enhance the efficiency of the AGVs management. Methods/Statistical analysis: Recently, the development of the semiconductor integrated circuit has sped up the performance of computers, and the processing speed for graphic work has also been accelerated, whereby the application industry is growing, including games and virtual reality. HMI, which is used for industrial purposes, is still generally used in 2D, and a system is operating for some parts to the extent of making them look in 3D with gradation effect. In This paper, we propose a management monitoring system using 3D animation for existing AGVs management system which is represented and managed in 2D. It is expected that AGVs can be used more easily and conveniently because the working conditions of the logistics robot can be directly observed on site through the proposed system. Findings: As the need and level of interest related to the logistics technology have grown, researches on the automation and efficiency of the use of logistics have diversely been performed. However, the previous studies of the AGVs have largely been limited to those related to their own functions and performance improvement, and moving path, while the systems for managing the AGVs are mostly a 2D system. This is because only the users trained to operate the management system are eligible, and since it requires such a considerable amount of training time and effort to control for the general users, we have implemented a transport robot management system enabling motion via a 3D substantive animation whose form is almost identical to that of the onsite situation. The proposed model can create an animation environment as per the requirements of the manager and devise an AGVs operation plan as per the user's work requirements, further to directing the simulation performance for the actual operation and the operation of the AGVs directly. In order to design the optimal AGVs system, the user can create the same environment as the site in advance, validate the design of the AGVs system via inspection through simulation, and supplement and offer alternatives for issues based on the results of the validation process. Improvements/Applications: Following the steep growth of smart factory, future studies would need to be performed on effectively connecting with the manufacturing execution system (MES) in connection with the network within the factory.