Lase has launched LaseAVP – Automatic Vehicle Positioning, to be used for automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The application can handle the positioning of AGVs in up to three lanes (sequentially). A 3D laser scanner from the LASE 3000D-C2-11x Series is mounted at the portal girder centrally above the lanes and will detect an AGV in a specific lane.
It receives the position information using the crane PLC in order to calculate the distance to the crane’s centre. For this task, the application must determine the centre position as well as the skew of a free slot on an AGV for deposit tasks and of the container for pick up operations.
In for example a semi-automatic environment, an AGV receives a position where it has to drive to carry or fetch a container. This position is very rough and quite inaccurate beneath the respective crane. Firstly, the AGV drives to this position. After arriving, the crane PLC triggers the Lase system for a calculation of the position and the skew of a free slot or container on the AGV. In this case, the 3D scanner performs a scan over the respective lane. The collected data is then sent back to the PLC, which can align the crane and the spreader to the AGV position correctly.
Furthermore, the application is able to position AGVs for all common container types, such as 20ft, 40ft and 45ft and is also applicable for single or double spreader operations. Its measurement system is primarily designed for STS-Crane operations and serves both to increase the safety and efficient workflow in container handling while loading and unloading operations.