Route Management Manual

Managing Multiple Automated Trucks

When installing multiple automated truc ks in a facility, consider how they will interact and how those interactions will impact operat ions, product flow, and route execution. This section describes some common issues that may cause accumulation points when usin g multiple automated trucks in a facility, and how to resolve those is sues. Accumulation points prevent multiple automated trucks from completing routes, and may cause disruption with other traffic in the facility.

Multiple Automated Trucks in the Same Aisle – One-Way Traffic

There may be instances where an automated truck stops while following a route. Other automated trucks following the same path will line up behind the stopped truck, forming an accumulation point.

If this becomes an issue, consider a sy stem of alternative routes that trucks can use to reach their destination.

If this issue occurs at or near an End Station, consider retraining each truck to arrive at adjacent parking lanes as End Stations.

Multiple Automated Trucks in the Same Aisle – Two-Way Traffic

There may be instances where an automated truck encounters another automated truck, operating in the opposite direction. If there is insufficient clearance, both trucks will stop , forming an accumulation point.

If this becomes an issue, verify minimum aisle width requirements stated in "Maneuvering" on page26 . If aisle width is sufficient for two-way traffic, retrain at least one truck’s route furt her away from the other truck’s path, taking into account clearances stated in “ Maneuvering”. If aisle width is not sufficient for two-way traffic, train the aisle as an Intersection Zone. Refer to "Intersection Zone" on page23 and "Adding Zones" on page79.

Multiple Automated Trucks in the Same Aisle – One-Way Traffic 1134254B, Revised: 30 Sep 2016 109

Multiple Automated Trucks on Intersecting Paths