PLC CONTROLLED AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE (AGV)

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a specialized computer and designed to be
used in industrial for control purpose. In general, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) is
a kind of transportation that mostly used in material handling system. It is self-propelled
(driverless) vehicles guided along defined pathways and controlled by a computer. The
objective of the project is to design an AGV vehicle prototype which is controlled by
PLC for industrial application (material handling). Most of the AGV used in industries
are controlled by a microprocessor. In this project the main focus is to have a reliable
design, easier maintenance and advanced PLC controlled automated guided vehicle
(AGV). The significant part of the project is of using sensors to guide the vehicle along
the pre-determined path instead of using embedded wire guided method. The initial
stage of the project involves feasibility studies of the PLC controlled automated guided
vehicle (AGV) which includes the ability of the PLC and the automated guided vehicle
system (AGVS). The AGV design requires the determining of the type of hardware
needed, for example PLC (CPM2A), sensors (metal), rechargeable battery, power
window motors and others. The design of AGV and its path are implemented. The AGV
prototype is built part by part and then assembled. Two safety features are added on the
prototype, i.e., the emergency reset and obstacles detection by using sensor. The ladder
diagram for controlling the AGV is designed base on the path design and tested with
PLC CPMlA training kit. The input and output components and the rechargeable
battery is interfaced with the PLC on the AGV. Finally, the PLC controlled AGV was
tested and some modification is required on the ladder diagram and also on the AGV.
The project is successfully executed by using a PLC to control the AGV to find its route
in a predefined path.