What is an LGV?

LGV is the acronym for Laser Guided Vehicle and identifies vehicles that are used mainly in industrial settings for handling products inside a factory. There are also LGVs for working outdoors, though they are less commonly used.

These vehicles belong to the category of AGV (Automated guided vehicle)

LGV technology

Laser guide technology uses as reference a certain number of retroreflectors situated on walls or objects along the path of the vehicles in order to detect their precise position (with tolerances less than one centimeter).Each vehicle (LGV) is equipped with a laser turret that rotates 360° and scans the entire surrounding zone at an average interval of 50ms.When the ray emitted by the laser turret strikes one of the retroreflectors, it is reflected back and the turret detects the direction and distance from which the reflection is coming; with the detection of at least three retroreflectors, the onboard computer can calculate the position of the vehicle and guide it along preset paths.

Benefits of the laser system

The main advantage offered by the laser system is the absence of other devices related to the paths (wire, magnets, etc.) and the consequent freedom in organizing the factory layout.Since it is a surface-guiding technique, it is possible to change the paths of the vehicle by simply intervening at the software level.With the laser guide the paths can be modified extremely easily, though still with specific competencies, guaranteeing a high level of flexibility and adaptability to any future developments of the factory.

Other aspects

There are many examples of use of this innovative system and numerous applications. Systems are often installed having multiple laser guided vehicles, and with the aid of an advanced Traffic Manager system they can operate in a complex system of right-of-ways and traffic.

It is clear that an LGV can be used successfully for industrial jobs that are impossible or risky for humans, such as handling very heavy products (even 2-3 tons) or dangerous products, such as in industries that handle harmful chemical substances.

An LGV is normally powered by batteries that can assure a certain number of working hours (on average 8 hours, i.e. the length of a work shift), but it can also be powered at intervals in direct connection with the electrical line.

Safety

Each LGV is equipped with a laser sensor on the front and back to identify any obstacles. The range of action of the detection increases in proportion to the speed.

When an obstacle is detected, the LGV slows down, and if the obstacle persists, the LGV stops and emits an acoustic warning signal.

In particular conditions of risk, it is also possible to add lateral sensors.

Consequently, as regards safety, the LGV does not require receivers or supplementary reflectors, and therefore the work area remains fully accessible and navigable.

Special devices

LGVs can be equipped with special waterproof devices for outdoor use in a variety of climatic conditions.
(N.B.: These characteristics are purely indicative. The LGVs vary in details according to the type and to the customer’s needs.)

Advantages

The use of LGVs does not require practically any modification of the existing buildings and lines, which provides numerous advantages:

total elimination of roller units for handlingfree movement of different products or pallets coming from multiple pickup points towards multiple destinations (warehouse, wrapping, shipping)reduced maintenancesimplified installation and startupimmediate improvement of the global performancerapid profitability of the investmentsreal time controls on the load datagreater work safetyoptimization of the spacesimple and fast expansion possibilitiesincrease in the safety level of the entire facility

Support service

Installations of LGV Skilled 800 can be accompanied by VPN Service, which allows the customer to connect via Internet with the Euroimpianti Service Department for diagnosis and immediate resolution of the majority of problems.

The VPN Service can also be used for updating the software and monitoring the trend of the system.

As an alternative, the same services can be provided via the Modem Service.

Integrates the existing technology and can lift a pallet of 1000 kg up to 5,5 meters of height. It can work in warehouses along with traditional forklifts, increasing flexibility and reducing storage costs.

It can be programmed to move in an aisle2 meterswide and, thanks to the reduced dimensions, it can replace manual guide vehicles without the need to change the arrangement of the shelves.

Main characteristics:

uses sophisticated sensors to identify any obstacles along the pathmoves with ease in narrow aisles down to just1.9 mcan lift pallets weighing1000 kgup to a height of 5,5 measy to integrate in the production systemcan work with no problem in the same environment with other Euroimpianti LGVs, even those of different typescan take the place of forklifts with operator without the need to modify the arrangement of the shelvescan deposit the pallet on the floor or stack multiple pallets.

This range of LGVs is designed for handling and transporting various types of reels, for weights up to 2.5 tons. The vehicles can be equipped with various gripping devices depending on the characteristics of the product to be handled: forks, jaws, or special clamping devices.