ABSTRACT
A well-recognized way for manufacturers to keep agile is to implement flexible automation on the shop floor using advanced management, computer, and control technologies. The trend toward flexible automation has significantly increased the use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in material handling in automated factories for cost savings. The trend toward small to moderate volumes of many different board types in semiconductor manufacturing promotes the use of AGVs over conveyor systems. As a result, manufacturers have chosen AGVs to implement truly flexible material handling systems (MHS). On the other hand, managing AGVs and product routes becomes a challenging problem.
