Abstract: AGVs receive instructions regarding tasks to be performed via localized wireless I/O communication devices (604) onboard the AGVs from localized wireless communications units (600) positioned about the facility, for example, at conveyors (202). The wireless communications units (600) utilize I/O devices (604) which have a limited range so as to be truly localized in their operation. The AGVs have a sophisticated onboard control system (130) that includes a destination determination system (140), a routing system (142), a navigation system (144), and a crash avoidance system.

Abstract: AGVs receive instructions regarding tasks to be performed via localized wireless I/O communication devices (604) onboard the AGVs from localized wireless communications units (600) positioned about the facility, for example, at conveyors (202). The wireless communications units (600) utilize I/O devices (604) which have a limited range so as to be truly localized in their operation. The AGVs have a sophisticated onboard control system (130) that includes a destination determination system (140), a routing system (142), a navigation system (144), and a crash avoidance system.

Abstract: A system for controlling the travel path of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) from a first location to a second location includes assigning a virtual penalty for impediments in the potential travel path of the AGV, for each turn required to be made by the AGV in the potential travel path, and for transfers from one elevator to another. The determined virtual penalties are factored in determining the most expeditious travel path from the first location to the second location. The virtual penalty may be a virtual distance penalty or a virtual time penalty composed of one or more of the distance of alternative travel paths available to avoid the impediment(s), the time required to remove or move the impediment(s), or the time required to wait for the impediment(s) to be removed.

Abstract: AGVs receive instructions regarding tasks to be performed via localized wireless I/O communication devices (604) onboard the AGVs from localized wireless communications units (600) positioned about the facility, for example, at conveyors (202). The wireless communications units (600) utilize I/O devices (604) which have a limited range so as to be truly localized in their operation. The AGVs have a sophisticated onboard control system (130) that includes a destination determination system (140), a routing system (142), a navigation system (144), and a crash avoidance system.

Abstract: AGVs receive instructions regarding tasks to be performed via localized wireless I/O communication devices (604) onboard the AGVs from localized wireless communications units (600) positioned about the facility, for example, at conveyors (202). The wireless communications units (600) utilize I/O devices (604) which have a limited range so as to be truly localized in their operation. The AGVs have a sophisticated onboard control system (130) that includes a destination determination system (140), a routing system (142), a navigation system (144), and a crash avoidance system.

Abstract: A system for controlling the travel path of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) from a first location to a second location includes assigning a virtual penalty for impediments in the potential travel path of the AGV, for each turn required to be made by the AGV in the potential travel path, and for transfers from one elevator to another. The determined virtual penalties are factored in determining the most expeditious travel path from the first location to the second location. The virtual penalty may be a virtual distance penalty or a virtual time penalty composed of one or more of the distance of alternative travel paths available to avoid the impediment(s), the time required to remove or move the impediment(s), or the time required to wait for the impediment(s) to be removed.

Abstract: A method for automatically guiding a vehicle along at least a first of a plurality of rows comprising predefined centerlines. At least a second of the rows comprises a number of objects of known dimensions positioned at known locations along the centerline thereof. The method comprises the steps of scanning the objects from the vehicle, generating a set of data points representative of the locations of the objects relative to the vehicle, determining a sensed position and heading of the vehicle from the data points, comparing the sensed position and heading of the vehicle to a position and direction of the first row centerline, and generating offset and heading errors for the vehicle based on differences between the sensed position and heading of the vehicle and the position and direction of the first row centerline.

Abstract: A method for automatically guiding a vehicle along at least a first of a plurality of rows comprising predefined centerlines. At least a second of the rows comprises a number of objects of known dimensions positioned at known locations along the centerline thereof. The method comprises the steps of scanning the objects from the vehicle, generating a set of data points representative of the locations of the objects relative to the vehicle, determining a sensed position and heading of the vehicle from the data points, comparing the sensed position and heading of the vehicle to a position and direction of the first row centerline, and generating offset and heading errors for the vehicle based on differences between the sensed position and heading of the vehicle and the position and direction of the first row centerline.

Abstract: A method of forming a line on a ground surface is described. It comprises the steps of: forming one or more slits in the ground surface; inserting a line of material in the or each slit such that part of the material is visible above the ground surface. Also described is a material suitable for use in forming a line on a ground surface. The ground surface is generally grassed earth, and the material can be a geotextile such as polypropylene. The present invention provides a simple but effective means of providing marked lines e.g. for playing surfaces such as football, rugby pitches and the like. The lines will remain, and need no further repair or maintenance for a number of years, while still providing the same visual effect as painted line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for tracking, monitoring, and managing equipment. An embodiment of the system for monitoring and managing equipment comprises: one or more mobile pieces of equipment; one or more fixed pieces of equipment; a central processing system; and one or more means for communicating data between said equipment and said central processing system. The data may be location or status data, in particular real-time data about the equipment.