An optimal AGV fleet sizing estimation method for flexible manufacturing systems

To solve the automated guided vehicle (AGV) fleet sizing problem under the coupling characteristics of processing and transportation in flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), an optimal AGV fleet sizing estimation method is proposed. First, this paper studies the coupling characteristics of processing and transportation without buffer zones, and conducts a detailed analysis of the specific steps and resource flows in the production process. Then, a semi-open queuing network (SOQN) model is established to analyze the effect of the number and utilization of AGV and workstation resources on production efficiency. Finally, fully consider production efficiency and cost, and establish an optimal AGV fleet sizing estimation model. A simulation model is built using FlexSim to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed model.