Design of Intelligent Warehouse System with MES and AGV Linkage

1. Enterprise MES system and AGV

AGV unmanned transport vehicles can generally control their travel route and behavior through computers, with strong self adjustment, high degree of automation, accuracy and convenience, which can effectively avoid human errors and save human resources. In automatedlogistics systems, using rechargeable batteries as the power source can achieve flexibility, efficient, economical, and flexibleunmanned work and management.

MES manufacturingexecution system is a production information management system for workshops. From the perspective of factory data flow, it is generally at the intermediate level and mainly collects, stores, and analyzesproduction data from the factory. The main functions that can be provided include planning and scheduling, productionmanagement scheduling, data traceability, tool management, quality control, equipment/task center management, process control, safety light kanban, report analysis, upper level system data integration, etc.

2. MES and AGV docking method and principle

In modern manufacturing, intelligent management of production processes has become the key to improving efficiency and reducing costs. MES (ManufacturingExecution System) and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) are two important technologies, and their seamlessintegration is crucial for achieving automation and optimization of production lines.

In the implementation and integration process of smart factories, MES and AGV usually involve data docking, driving AGV to operate physically through digital instructions. MES, as the integrated and scheduling central system in the manufacturingmanagement process of digital factories, needs to give AGV instructions mainly including what materials to transport? Where are the materials? Where to move it? This involves two aspects: the docking of RCS work instructions between MES and AGV, as well as the management of MES warehouse locations and AGV map management systems.

1. Enterprise MES system and AGV

AGV unmanned transport vehicles can generally control their travel route and behavior through computers, with strong self adjustment, high degree of automation, accuracy and convenience, which can effectively avoid human errors and save human resources. In automated logistics systems, using rechargeable batteries as the power source can achieve flexibility, efficient, economical, and flexible unmanned work and management.

MES manufacturing execution system is a production information management system for workshops. From the perspective of factory data flow, it is generally at the intermediate level and mainly collects, stores, and analyzes production data from the factory. The main functions that can be provided include planning and scheduling, production management scheduling, data traceability, tool management, quality control, equipment/task center management, process control, safety light kanban, report analysis, upper level system data integration, etc.

(1) Docking of RCS work instructions between MES and AGV

MES, as an information management system for manufacturing enterprises, is responsible for tasks such as production planning, process control, and quality traceability. As a logistics automation equipment, AGV achieves autonomous driving through its built-in navigation system and sensors. In order to achieve seamless integration between MES and AGV, a middleware commonly known as RCS (Robot Control System) is required. RCS serves as a bridge between MES and AGV, responsible for coordinating communication and instruction transmission between both parties. When MES issues a production task, RCS will convert the corresponding work instructions into a format recognizable by AGV and send it to AGV. After receiving instructions, AGV performs autonomous navigation and operation based on pre-set path planning and task priorities.

2) Integration of MES warehouse location management and AGV map management system

In the docking process between MES and AGV, warehouse location management and map management are crucial links. MES is usually responsible for managing the material storage location information of the entire factory, including raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products. AGV needs to accurately understand the map information of various areas within the factory in order to carry out path planning and navigation.

A common way to achieve integration between storage locations and maps is to associate the storage location information in MES with the AGV's map management system. When MES issues a handling task, RCS will convert the target location into specific coordinate points on the AGV map based on the material's storage location information. AGV navigates based on the coordinate points on the map during task execution and accurately delivers materials to the target location. At the same time, the AGV map management system can also provide real-time AGV operation status and task completion status to MES, so that MES can adjust and optimize production plans.

In summary, seamless integration between MES and AGV is an important link in achieving manufacturing process automation and optimization. By integrating RCS work instructions, MES can control and monitor the real-time operation status and task execution of AGV; Through the integration of warehouse location and map management system, precise control of material flow and inventory management can be achieved. This efficient collaborative work method not only improves the flexibility and efficiency of the production line, but also brings higher competitiveness and cost reduction opportunities to manufacturing enterprises. With the continuous advancement of technology, we believe that the interface and principles between MES and AGV will continue to evolve and improve, bringing more innovation and breakthroughs to the manufacturing industry.


Post time: Sep-11-2024