What are some of the guidelines for laying out an AGV path?
A number of factors must be considered when laying out an AGV path. First and foremost is consideration for safety. It is recommended that 18″ exist from the side of the AGV to any fixed object along the path. This includes any towed trailers as they track around a curve. Different vehicle types, combined with different steering configurations determine the AGV turning capabilities. Typically a unit load vehicle will use 6-8 radius curves, whereas tow vehicles use 8-12 radius curves. The tighter the curve, the less space required in the aisles for the AGV to operate. Spurs (or sidings) off the main path are another consideration. Including the curves to depart and return to the mainline, plus the straight spur line, the approximate required length of a side spur is an AGV (and trailers, if tow type) length plus about 30 feet. It is important to determine where an AGV stop station can be located how close to the end or beginning of a curve. This is particularly critical in unit load car
