METHODS FOR PREVENTING TRAFFIC CONFLICTS AMONG AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLES IN WAREHOUSE SYSTEMS

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) transport loads between storage, order-picking and dispatch areas. When several AGVs share routes, independently selecting the shortest path does not ensure coordinated movement. Simultaneous approaches to an intersection or opposing movements in a narrow aisle create conflicts, while waiting for occupied sections to become available can lead to deadlock. Warehouse traffic control must therefore account for both vehicle positions and the time during which shared resources are occupied.