Sensors applied to automated guided vehicle position control: a systematic literature review

The position or movement control of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) is crucial for its operation. However, choosing the AGV position sensor is not a trivial task. This paper investigates the sensors and sensing techniques in machine vision applied in AGV position control in the past 5 years of published academic research. Using a systematic literature review method, we seek to answer the main research question: which sensors and sensing techniques are used in indoor AGV positioning control problems according to the past 5 years of published research and their technological impact. In doing so, we address three sub-question: (i) is the sensor/sensing technique related to the AGV application area; (ii) is the sensor/sensing technique applied to the problem related to the control strategy and/or the AGV guide; (iii) is the sensor/sensing technique related to the required AGV accuracy/sensitivity level. The paper contributions are the application of a systematic method of literature review in AGV position sensors, the research area overview from the selected 31 articles of the past 5 years, and a research agenda proposal.