Guidance & Navigation

Navigation Technology

There are many different forms of Navigation/Guidance Technology available today.  Selecting the correct technology for your process is sometimes the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful system. The buyer must acquire thorough knowledge of the usability of the system before making a decision.

The most popular forms of guidance that are available today are laser, spot, magnetic, and wire. Keep in mind that selecting the navigation/guidance technology involves thinking about the current project, as well as any future expansions/changes. References and specialists are the best way of acquiring knowledge and reliability.

Laser Guidance Technology (Laser Navigation)

Automatic Guided Cart
  • Area is mapped and stored in the vehicle's computer memory
  • Multiple, fixed reference points, reflective strips, located within the operating area that can be detected by a laser head that is mounted on the vehicle
  • Guide path is easily changed and expanded
  • Most flexible for vehicle movement
  • Most reliable and secure form of navigation
  • Most accurate form of guidance
  • System can be expanded without damage or major alteration to the facility
  • Throughput is easily maximized
  • Most dynamic control of blocking and traffic management
  • Most suitable for fork lift vehicle
  • Recommended by TRANSBOTICS

Magnetic Gyro Guidance Technology

Automatic Guided Cart
  • Guide path is marked with magnetic pucks that are place on the floor
  • Guide path sensor and Gyroscope (Gyro) is mounted on the vehicle
  • Paths are open, the systems guide path can be changed
  • Extensive layouts can complicate the layout of magnetic pucks
  • Depending on the accuracy of the Gyro, calibration of the position is demanded in different vehicles
  • System guide path is flexible
  • System can be expanded without damage or major alteration to the facility

Magnetic Spot Guidance Technology

  • Similar to Gyro Technology
  • Guide path is marked with magnetic pucks that are place on the floor
  • Guide path sensor is mounted on the vehicle
  • Paths are open, the systems guide path can be changed
  • System guide path is flexible
  • System can be expanded without damage or major alteration to the facility
  • Complex floor installation, but easy to re-program in the operating area
  • Latest technology maintains accuracy while eliminating added cost of a Gyro

Magnetic Guidance Technology (Tape Guidance)

  • Guide path is marked with a magnetic tape that is place on the floor surface
  • Guide path sensor is mounted on the vehicle
  • Paths are continuous
  • Paths are fixed, the systems guide path can be changed easily and quickly
  • Will not work with a fork lift vehicle
  • Not suitable for outdoor operations
  • Recommended for AutoMotion AGCs

Inductive Guidance Technology (Wire Guidance)

  • Floor is cut and a wire is imbedded to represent the guide path
  • Guide path sensor is mounted on the vehicle
  • Paths are well marked on the floor
  • Paths are continuous
  • Paths are fixed, the systems guide path is not easily changed
  • Expansion of the facility is not as flexible as some other navigation technologies and may be limited due to constraints