Intelligent AGV Solutions for Next-Generation Parking Systems

Introduction

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have become essential not only in industrial factories and warehouses, but also in smart urban infrastructure. In the era of intelligent IoT, AGVs are moving beyond automation to intelligentization. An AGV manufacturer developed a parking robot equipped with Wi-Fi modules, laser navigation, and comb-exchange technology, capable of lifting and parking a car within 120 seconds. To ensure reliable communication with the centralized dispatch system and to avoid collisions or accidents, a compact, fanless, and high-performance industrial gateway was required. This type of system demands a powerful yet space-saving industrial computer that can manage real-time data processing, wireless communication, and remote monitoring to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Advantech’s UNO-238 V2, a next-generation palm-sized embedded automation computer, provides the ideal solution for these requirements. Its powerful Intel® Core™ processors, robust industrial design, and versatile expansion options ensure precise task execution, efficient data handling, and reliable performance in 24/7 operational environments.

System Requirements

In intelligent parking systems, the control gateway must be capable of performing:

• Complex movement calculations for navigation and collision avoidance.
• Real-time communication with centralized dispatch systems.
  
• Compact integration into space-limited AGV bodies.
  
• Durable operation with resistance to vibration, shock, and temperature fluctuations.
• Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance to ensure system uptime when managing large numbers of vehicles simultaneously.

System Diagram

System Description

The UNO-238 V2 is designed to meet these requirements with the following advantages:

• Compact, Fanless Design: Palm-sized enclosure with DIN-rail or wall mounting options, ideal for space-constrained AGVs. 
• High Expandability: Three M.2 slots supporting storage, Wi-Fi, 5G, or AI accelerators for advanced navigation and connectivity.
• Reliable Connectivity: Rich I/O including LAN, CANbus, and serial ports, enabling seamless integration with sensors, navigation systems, and dispatch platforms. 
• Lockable I/O design: With the support of lockable cable kit, the UNO-238 V2 secures cables firmly in place to prevent disconnection caused by vibration or movement, which is ideal for AMR and AGV applications.
• Industrial Durability: Certified for shock and vibration tolerance, with wide temperature support to ensure reliable operation in harsh environments. 
• Edge Intelligence Ready: Compatible with Advantech’s DeviceOn and EdgeLink software for protocol conversion, data management, and cloud integration.

These capabilities enable UNO-238 V2 to process sensor data in real time, calculate parking paths, manage collision avoidance, and issue precise driving commands to AGV robots. Its built-in support for remote monitoring ensures proactive maintenance and smooth fleet management across large-scale deployments.

Project Implementation

Conclusion

By leveraging the UNO-238 V2, intelligent parking AGVs gain advanced computing performance, reliable connectivity, and industrial-grade durability within a compact form factor. This allows parking robots to safely and efficiently transport vehicles, increase parking space utilization, and deliver a smoother user experience. With its precision and reliability, the solution can generate up to 40% more parking spaces in congested areas and help drivers find available slots faster. The UNO-238 V2 is a future-ready platform for intelligent transportation systems and beyond.