The Advantages of Q-CAN AGV SystemsHow it Works and What Makes it DifferentQ-CAN – short for QuickConfigurable AutomatioN, is the culmination of our customer collaboration on hundreds of AGV systems. It takes the complexity andexpense out of AGV systemsand makes them nearly as easyto implement as specing andbuying a fork truck.

While most AGV systems arecustom-engineered using vendor engineers to write sitespecific software for eachinstallation, Q-CAN systems utilize a standard software program that permits quick,easy system design and configuration. It also allowsusers to re-configure their ownAGV system* without writingspecial software code or addi-tional vendor support. As aresult, initial system cost islower, and implementation isfaster. As system requirementschange, customers can modifytheir system layout quickly,without additional engineeringcharges. When the layout iscomplete, the program cangraphically emulate systemlogic and performance, high-lighting any layout or controlareas that need to be changed.

Q-CAN AGV systems utilize“smart” AGVs that communicatewith each other or an optionalVehicle Manager PC (a moduleof AGVDIRECTOR™). On-boardcontrols allow each vehicle toperform their own traffic con-trol, routing, remote dispatch-ing and station functions with-out the need for a costly RFBase Station or overhead anten-na system. Q-CAN vehicles usean inertial navigation systemthat does not require floorwires or laser targets. Magneticmarkers are imbedded in thefloor at key locations to guidethe vehicles through the systemlayout. Markers can be easilyadded to accommodate systemchange or expansion.

Q-CAN AGV systems utilize aproprietary program that is thesame for every AGV system, as opposed to the custom engineered (application-specific) software used in competitive AGV systems. Your layout, station locationsand actions are input into theprogram as simply as enteringdata into a spreadsheet program. Your benefit isreduced cost, no de-bugging,faster turnaround, greater reliability and ease of change.

The Origins of Q-CAN Technology

Over the years, customershave requested certain features and special functionality that wouldmake their AGV Systems lessexpensive, easier to plan andlayout, faster to implementand simpler to operate.Specifically our customershave asked for:

• Reduced complexity

• Fast, easy implementa-tion, with minimalimpact on currentoperations

• A system that is more user-friendly and easierto operate

• Less maintenance

• A system with low risk,that is easy to justify

• The ability to modifytheir system withoutadditional vendorinvolvement or software knowledge

*with the optional purchase of theQ-CAN Designer PC Program

Buffer System

Shipping Receiving Docks

ProductionLines

Shipping Docks Receiving Docks

Storage

Buffer System

ProductionLines

ShippingReceiving

Docks

AGV Fork Vehicles — Manufacturing System

AGV Tow Train — Warehouse System

AGV Unit Load Carrier — Distribution System

Benefit:

• Project costs are lower and system is up and running quicker

• Less costly than custom software, no de-bugging and users can change the system layout and operation without vendor support*

• Less costly, easier to change or expand and not subject to damage or line of sight blockage problems

• Simpler to operate, less maintenance, more uptime, lower cost and no potential for system shutdown due to central systemhardware problem

• Lower cost, less complexity, more reliable, no “bugs”

• Easier to maintain, operate and modify, if needed

• Each AGV is “smart” and operates independ-ently of other AGVs to perform destination routing and coordinatedtraffic control

Feature:

• Quick System Configurability

• Application Configured Standard Program

• No Floor Wires or Above Floor Targets

• No Central SystemController, RF Base Station or Antenna System

• No Custom Software

• Simple, but Versatile Control System

• Distributed Operation Avoids Crippling System Failure

Q-CAN AdvantagesTypical Q-CAN Systems

Vehicles: 3 AGV fork trucksSystem Function: Transport finished goods from production lines to buffer storage/stretchwrapping equipment

System Size: 1,900 feet, 17 stationsPayback: 24 months

Special Features: • AGVs automatically recharge their batteries when idle • Pick and drop stations are at various elevations

Vehicles: 6 AGV tow vehiclesSystem Function: Transport finished goods to and from warehouse

System Size: 10,000 feet in length, 22 stationsPayback: 18 months

Special Features: • Can move up to 12 unit loads per tow vehicle

Vehicles: 4 AGV unit load carriersSystem Function: Transport product between buffer area, production and shipping

System Size: 1,200 feet in length, 12 stationsPayback: 24 months

Special Features: • System controls are interfaced with customer’s host computer for automatic AGV task assignment

• Bi-directional AGVs with lift/lower decks

*with the optional purchase of theQ-CAN Designer PC Program

How the Q-CAN Program WorksA Step-by-Step DemoThe Q-CAN Designer programfeatures a Windows®* like graphical user interface (GUI),so it’s easy to operate and isdesigned to run on a standardPC. The software is simple torun and easy to use. Followthis step-by-step demo to seehow easy it is to design and layout a Q-CAN AGV system.

* Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc.

Planning the path layout ofyour AGV system is quick andeasy with the new Q-CAN program. It’s simple to use anddesigned to run on a standardPC, with a Pentium® III** orfaster processor and a minimum of 64MB of RAM.

**Pentium is a trademark of Intel.

Build a model ofan AGV system for

your facility andview its operation

in subsequentsteps.

Begin creating anAGV system path

by importing a facility CAD

drawing.

Enter “simulation”mode to test

system design.

Set AGV parameterssuch as speed,

traffic separation and individual

vehicle destinations.

As Easy as 1–2–3The Q-CAN program allows you to gofrom a computer generated system layout to an operational AGV system, as easy as 1–2–3.

Use the Q-CAN program to create a path layout and mark stations, intersections, actions, etc.

The program automatically converts the path layout and operation into AGV software, which is downloaded into the vehicles.

Install magnetic navigation markers inthe floor and the system is operational.

Drawing navigation toolsmake it easy to zoom, pan, undo and changedrawing parameters.

Drag and dropsymbols for

station location,path branches,

intersections andAGV action commands.

Observe AGV movement to verify proper pathlayout, traffic flow and routing operation.

If simulated operation is not as desired, alterpath or operational parameters as necessary.

AGV wireless path toolbarand menus provide multipleways to draw AGV paths andconfigure system operation

on the facility layout.

Q-CAN Vehicles Matched to Your Application“Smart” Vehicles Feature OnboardNavigation and Traffic Control CapabilitiesWe manufacture a completeline of smart AGVs designed tomeet your system’s specificrequirements and take advan-tage of the Q-CAN program’sunique capabilities. Key to the Q-CAN system’s simplicityand flexibility is the controlarchitecture built into each Q-CAN vehicle. Once your system’s path layout and operation has been created on screen and the magneticnavigation markers placed inthe floor, the system file isdownloaded to each AGV vehicle in the system. OnboardAGV intelligence enables eachvehicle to independently provide traffic control, routing,dispatching and station functions, without the need fora central base station or customsoftware. Vehicles “talk” toeach other to control traffic at intersections and avoid collisions, as they movethrough the facility – all without a RF base station oroverhead antenna system.

Q-CAN AGVs are available intow, unit load and fork vehicleconfigurations. We offer fourdifferent tow vehicles, with avariety of wheel and drive configurations and a maximumtowing capacity of up to 60,000lbs. Our unit load carrier vehiclescome in numerous standardmodels, with capacities rang-ing from 2,000 to 6,000 lbs.We also offer a modular forkvehicle, with capacities of 2,000to 4,000 lbs. In addition tostandard vehicles, we providecustom-designed and heavytransporter AGVs for specificapplications. All vehicle typesare available with Q-CAN tech-nology. Detailed AGV specificationsare available from your SiemensDematic representative.

An onboard control panelenables operators to dispatchAGVs remotely, without a central control station. Vehiclescan be programmed for a onetime trip, or re-circulate onthe route until re-directed.

Fork vehicle

6,000 lbs. capacity unit load carrier

Tow vehicle

Dual load roller deck unit load carrier

616.791.8540www.agvsystems.com