Enhancing Outdoor Warehouse Operations: Design and Development of GPS and Compass-Guided Automatic Vehicles

In the dynamic landscape of modern manufacturing, the imperative to achieve efficiency, precision, and adaptability has driven the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Amid these advancements, the Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) has emerged as a transformative catalyst, seamlessly merging robotics and navigation systems to bolster factory operations. As an inconspicuous workforce, the AGV adeptly oversees intricate tasks, effortlessly navigating material distribution pathways and delivering finished products. However, the prevailing high cost of commercially available AGVs poses a substantial challenge for small and medium-sized factories. To address this issue, this research endeavors to design and construct a low-cost AGV with a specialized focus on material transportation beyond factory confines. The foundation of the AGV’s navigation system is established through a fusion of diverse sensors and actuators. Leveraging the Ublox NEO6MV2 GPS device for location acquisition and complemented by a compass sensor for orientation determination, the AGV charts its course. Movement is dictated by calculating heading errors for feedback control, eschewing conventional PID methods. Motor speed modulation is achieved by harnessing PWM generated through a closed-loop PID control system. The AGV is enhanced with an obstacle avoidance system, enriching its navigational capabilities. This research underscores the pursuit of a low-cost AGV solution to mitigate financial barriers faced by smaller factories. By employing an amalgamation of sensor technologies and refining navigational strategies, the study’s outcomes aim to pioneer an accessible AGV model tailored for external material transportation. Ultimately, this research contributes to democratizing automation and enhancing the viability of advanced manufacturing processes.