Guidance/Charging Technologies for AGV

Domestic manufacturers of transportation systems, AGVs, other peripheral parts and devices, related organizations and concerned government agencies

I   Current Status of AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) Market

1. Diverse Companies Entering AGV Market
2. AGV Market Size Continues Expansion in Volume but Shrinks in Value in FY2013
3. Guidance Method for AGV Occupied by Magnetic Method
4. Manual Battery Charge Consists Mainstream: Introduction of automated battery charge depends on what the advantages are.

II   Trends in Guidance/Charging Technologies for AGV

1. Trends in Guidance Technologies for AGV
2. Trends in Battery Charging Technologies for AGV
3. Trends in Safety Technologies for AGV

III   Approaches Taken By Leading AGV Manufacturers

1. IHI Logistic Technology Co.,Ltd. (IHI Group)
2. Aichikikai techno system co.,ltd
3. Sumitomo Heavy Industries Material Handling Systems Co.,Ltd.
4. Takuma Co. Ltd.
5. Other Manufacturers

IV   Approaches to Attain New Guidance/Charging Technologies for AGV

1. OPTEX CO., LTD.
2. Mitsubishi Nichiyu Forklift Co., Ltd.
3. SHOWA AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY CO.,LTD.
4. HOKUYO AUTOMATIC CO.,LTD.
5. Other Manufacturers

V   Potential of Guidance/Charging Technologies for AGV and Possibility to be Adopted for Robots

1. New guidance technologies can be expected for autonomous traveling methods for AGV, although they have some challenges to overcome.
2. A wireless charging system has been widely proposed as a charging method for AGV.  It is expected to be widely used for AGVs with advanced features
3. Operation systems that may contribute speed up AGVs have been certified for safety standards, which can influence guidance/charging technologies.
4. New guidance methods and wireless power supplies have been adopted for AGV, though both have some conditions.
5. New guidance/charging technologies for AGV aligning with autonomously traveling robots, leading to new market creation.