| Project Reference: | ITP/022/17LP |
| Project Title: | Multiple Machine Cooperation and Self-Leveling Technologies for Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGV) in Warehouse Environment |
| Hosting Institution: | LSCM R&D Centre (LSCM) |
| Abstract: | Business of local warehouses has been challenged by increasing cost in manpower and floor areas. There is also additional pressure to provide more value added services such as handling small orders due to e-commerce. Usage of autonomous vehicle in warehouse can bring improvement in reducing manpower, more efficient use of floor area, quicker response to orders and more accurate operation. However, affordable autonomous vehicle system suitable for local warehouse has not been available in the market. In this project proposal, we will develop the methods and software to provide dynamic planning and cooperative control of actions of autonomous vehicles and also to develop application software technologies for the interaction between these vehicles and operators. The usage of the system will allow a dense placement of storage racks which are wholly managed by autonomous vehicles. The racks will be moved in accordance to the operational needs of the warehouse during operations of stock in, stock out and pick and pack. As orders are continuously feeding into the system, and tasks handled by human operators and autonomous vehicles may deviate from the plan, there will be ongoing needs of re-planning of tasks, vehicle movement trajectories and storage rack placement tactics. The dynamic planning software shall take all available input and provide support to ensure smooth operation of the combined human and robot workforce. The cooperative control software will provide a realtime platform for all vehicles to share information and work well with each other in the factory floor. |
| Project Coordinator: | Mr Martin Chun Wai Lai |
| Approved Funding Amount: | HK$10.62M |
| Project Period: | 24 Jul 2017-23 Jul 2019 |
