Using simulation for the design of semi-autonomous vehicle systems

Abstract The paper describes the development of Semi-Autonomous Vehicles (SAVS) in the context of Automated Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS). During the design process of a complete material handling AGV-system many variables must be decided. A two-stage simulation approach of discrete event simulation and continuous path simulation, improves development and testing of SAVS. Decisions need to be made e. g. what main navigation sensor to use, how many vehicles are needed for the task. The interrelation of these parameters makes it difficult to find optimum or near-optimum values. Because of this, simulation is a very useful tool to design and evaluate AGV-systems.