1
Return

A traffic management system for large and heterogeneous vehicles in narrow industrial environments

delete2026-08-07
delete0
PRE
AI
A
Alessandro Bonetti
S
Silvia Proia
S
Simone Guidetti
L
Lorenzo Sabattini
DOI:10.1177/02783649261470035delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
<jats:p>The coordination of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in high-density industrial environments represents a critical challenge within Logistics 4.0, as traditional traffic management methods often lead to inefficiencies caused by negotiation-based priority assignment. To overcome the resulting limitations, this paper presents an innovative AGV traffic management system based on a Lifelong Multi-Agent Path Finding (L-MAPF) algorithm operating on roadmaps generated with Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) curves. The approach guarantees locally optimal coordination and ensures safe operation of large and heterogeneous AGVs. Building on this concept, the proposed framework integrates a modified version of the Bounded Horizon Conflict Based Search (CBS) technique within a Rolling Horizon Conflict Resolution strategy, utilizing an extended time horizon for each agent to enable effective conflict resolution in corridors identified by a topological map. In contrast to state-of-the-art methods for AGV fleet traffic management, the proposed solution is designed for real-world, non-standardized (i.e., non-grid-like) industrial settings characterized by narrow bidirectional corridors and high-traffic density, where AGVs of various sizes and capabilities operate simultaneously. Key contributions include an anytime conflict resolution strategy with adaptive time horizon regulation, an execution layer for safe and standard-compliant interaction with real AGVs, and an advanced mechanism for deadlock detection and resolution. Experimental results obtained in realistic industrial environments demonstrate higher throughput, with improvements of up to 11% over a conventional rule-based traffic management system, a state-of-the-art industrial method, and a priority-based L-MAPF variant, while maintaining continuous operation and improved efficiency.</jats:p>

Journal

International Journal of Robotics Research cover
International Journal of Robotics Research
IF:
5
Papers:
2.4K
Citations:
1.5W

Organization

G
gruppo tecnoferrari s.p.a.
Scholars:
2
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
U
university of modena and reggio emilia
Scholars:
901
Papers: 427
Citations: 0
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers