Exploration of the Usage of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) in Logistics in Amazon

Author Name : Dr. Ashok Kumar Madan, Aakrit Mittal, Aakash Ghosh, Shashwat Patnaik, Bhavya Khanna

ABSTRACT

Automation has helped evolve the manufacturing industry to become more efficient. As the e-commerce industry has grown, so has its need for a more efficient and well-versed production system. Automated Guided Vehicles are advanced material handling systems which help in improving the material flow in a production process. Since their conception 1953, they have risen in popularity in intra-logistic and material handling processes. Amazon, as a pioneer of e-commerce, has utilised AGVs to drastically increase the efficiency and flexibility of material handling throughout its warehouses. In 2012, Amazon acquired Kiva Robotics with the vision to increase focus in the development of mobile robots, control software, machine learning and artificial intelligence-based optimizations. This paper thus explores the evolution of material handling using AGVs by looking at their specific usage in Amazon’s warehouses. The technological capabilities as well as the choice of technology in Kiva robots like the Build Type, Path Planning, Navigation System and Battery Management are weighted alongside currently available and upcoming technologies. This paper also explores the future goals and projects of Amazon related to robotics as well as certain prospects for change in terms of the design of Kiva Robots and the general approach towards Logistics.

Keywords: Amazon Kiva, Automation, Guided Vehicles (AGV), Autonomous Industrial Equipment, Manufacturing, Material Handling, Optimization, Smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0