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Analysis of the number of automated guided vehicles required in flexible manufacturing systems

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Abstract

In this paper we examine some of the general principles and analysis methods that are used to design an automated material handling system. The paper focuses on one type of automated handling system that seems especially suitable for automation in discrete-product manufacturing. These types of automated handling systems are called automated guided vehicle systems. These systems are most applicable for the automation of low-and medium-volume handling situations, where the routeing of materials is more individualised. For guided vehicles, a new quantitative method for analysing these systems is developed in the paper. Examples are presented to demonstrate the method.

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Ilić, O.R. Analysis of the number of automated guided vehicles required in flexible manufacturing systems. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 9, 382–389 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01748483

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