Object oriented modelling and development of a dispatching algorithm for automated guided vehicles

The main problem for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) dispatching system is to assign vehicles to transport demands which optimise some predetermined objectives of a manufacturing shop. This paper presents a framework for an AGV dispatching system based on an object oriented approach using the unified modelling language (UML), and the development of a dispatching algorithm to facilitate a human controller to dispatch efficiently a fleet of AGVs in response to calls from any shop floor (or machine) operator. The main reason for this work is to model an AGV dispatching system as well as to develop a dispatching algorithm which can record details of the AGV position and movement and ensure their allocation of new orders. The provision of both immediate and pre-booked orders for an AGV is also incorporated in the proposed AGVs dispatching system. The underlying AGV dispatching system and algorithm are capable of dispatching a vehicle automatically to handle a call at the required time. In order to overcome difficulties associated with tackling immediate orders, pre-booked orders, and processing of information related to AGVs, a comprehensive dispatching algorithm is developed which aims to minimise lateness, traveling time and distance of empty vehicles in a simulated job-shop scenario. The effectiveness of the proposed framework for an AGV dispatching system is shown through a test problem.

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