Kumatech has designed its own software to control the AGVs, which we call the Transport Management System (TMS), also known as the fleet manager. By developing the software ourselves, we keep control and the knowledge in-house.
The TMS is divided into 3 important functionalities:
The TMS receives its assignments from an external source, which can be:
KUMATECH TMA (Transport Management App)
ERP/WMS system
Directly from machine/cell
The orders are received centrally in the TMS, which distributes them next among the available AGVs.
On each route there are pick and drop points and sometimes possible obstacles such as doors that need to be opened. Routes can easily be expanded and multiple AGVs can drive simultaneously. To organize this, traffic must be properly regulated, which is done in the Traffic Management System.
The Traffic Management System works with zones. Intersections, for example, are located in such a zone. When an AGV enters a zone, it ‘asks’ the TMS for permission. If the zone is clear, he can pass through, otherwise he has to wait.
The homebase of the AGV is the charging position, where the battery always will be charged. When an AGV is in operation for a longer period of time, a minimum battery percentage that is set ensures the AGV always returns to its home base in time for charging. At that moment, the AGV is given the status ‘unavailable’. As soon as the battery has reached the minimum percentage again, the AGV can accept and execute new orders again.