JBT debuts AGV with on-board intelligence to target mid-sized needs

With the aim of filling the gap between facilities that rely on automated guided carts (AGCs) or conventional lift trucks to move materials, and those that use traditional automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) with a central computer, JBT (Booth 1547) introduced the JayBot AGV at a Monday afternoon press conference.

The new AGV is well suited to this mid-sized niche because it has on-board intelligence and navigation sensors for safety and traffic control, rather the requiring a central management computer, said Mark Longacre, JBT marketing manager. The on-board smarts and sensors allow the JayBot to navigate without the installation of reflectors, wires or magnets within a facility, which further holds down costs.

When the system is set up, the AGV is driven around the facility to create a baseline of the routes to take, and while in operation, it navigates by comparing what its sensors see to this baseline. “We call it the industry’s smartest AGV because it takes all that intelligence for traffic control and safety and puts it right on the vehicle,” says Longacre.

The lower cost from eliminating traditional guidance infrastructure and a system manager layer makes the JayBot well suited to middle segment applications where AGCs don’t offer enough functionality and where traditional AGV systems are too complex or too costly. The JayBot is capable of precise maneuvering, including the type of positioning needed for servicing racks, stands and other locations.

ProMat 2015 is scheduled to be held March 23-26, 2014 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete ProMat 2015 coverage.