Abstract
The prototype of a railles unmanned automatic transport vehicle was developed to be used as an ancillary means to avoid harsh harvest transport in greenhouses. This vehicle is equipped with mechanical and electronic control functions. It is a four-wheel vehicle driven by 12V, 150W DC geared motors. The map guided type travelling method is adopted. The prevailing position is sensed by optical sensors mounted on the vehicle body and by reflector plates installed in the greenhouse while the vehicle is moving towards the prescribed destination.
The results of row spacing travelling test showed that the convergence distance of the vehicle while running on a ridge side angle of 40° was about 1.8m at an approach angle of 12°, that the power requirement for transporting the maximum load of 80kg was 87.6W at the speed of 40cm/s, and that continuous five hours operation was possible with standard load. The practical application of the prototype vehicle is now envisioned.
