Wireless communication between AGVs (autonomous guided vehicles) and the industrial network CAN (controller area network)

The wireless communications and industrial networks are two powerful technologies for the rapidly growing manufacturing industry. The combination of the above is the key to productivity with the lowest possible cost. The technology of wireless AGVs is mature enough to be widely utilized to industrial automation. In addition, the development of industrial network CAN is able to offer a robust and low cost solution to machinery networking. Fast AGVs, with obstacle avoidance capability, can maneuver themselves among distant manufacturing lines carrying components to each of them. The expensive long and slow conveyor belts are not necessary anymore. Furthermore, the wireless integration of AGVs to the global industrial network makes them programmable from any terminal controller at any time. This feature gives a great flexibility to the whole automation to manufacture different products in the future, without the necessity of new machinery re-allocation and, therefore, lower cost.