Automated guided vehicles (AGV) can’t be switched off because they must be ready at a moment's notice, but they use power even when they are sitting unused, which leads to higher costs and lower efficiency. To save energy while still maintaining immediate availability, the systems are equipped with a "low power" wireless technology for use during periods of rest. As soon as the AGV is required, the low-energy technology reactivates it so the main control system can put it to immediate use.
AGVs already come equipped with a wireless system (Wi-Fi) used to control transportation, but state-of-the-art vehicles can be upgraded to include sWave.NET® devices, which offer a perfect combination of energy efficiency and rapid reaction times.
When a vehicle has to remain in one place for an extended period, for example because the assembly point for its next work step is occupied by another vehicle, its main wireless system can be temporarily shut down, leaving just the low-energy wireless connection or “deep sleep” mode. This low-energy wireless technology maintains the connection to the control system. Within milliseconds of receiving a “wake-up” prompt, the vehicle's receiver reactivates the AGV control system and the vehicle is ready for immediate use.
Use of the LPWAN technology sWave.NET® is not restricted to wake-up applications for AGV systems in deep sleep mode, however. On the contrary, many other applications, such as mobile eKanban or Andon systems, can use sWave.NET® to operate simultaneously using the same wireless infrastructure—saving you money and resources.
