<COMMENT>The ABI labs</COMMENT>
<P><B><JC>Navigation
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<P><B>Wired
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<P>The wired sensor is placed on the bottom of the robot and is placed facing the ground. A wire is placed approximately 1 inch below the ground and a slot is cut in the ground to expose the wire. The sensor senses the radio frequency being transmitted from the wire and follows it. If the AGV is put off course the AGV will correct itself and continue to follow the wire.
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<P><B>Target Navigation
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<P>The wireless navigation is done by mounting reflective targets on poles or machines. The AGV carry a laser transmitter and receiver on a rotating turret. The laser is sent off then received again the angle and distance are automatically calculated and stored into the AGVs memory. The AGV has a grid stored in its memory and can find its location by reflecting the laser off the targets. It can then navigate to a destination target through the grid and the constantly updating sensor.
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<P><B>Gyroscopic Navigation
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<P>Another form of a wireless AGV is gyroscope navigation. This method involves using a gyroscope to detect the slightest change in the direction of the robot. Magnets are installed in the ground of the work place and the AGV detects these magnets with a sensor. The magnets give the robot an insurance factor that it is on course. The gyro detects the slightest turn and corrects it in order to keep the AGV on its path. The margin of error for the magnet gyro method is +/-1 inch.