Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) play a crucial role in intralogistics. They help to cope with increasing cost pressures and economic challenges, thereby increasing efficiency and effectiveness. AGVs are cheaper than traditional conveyor systems, are easy to install and can be used in many different areas. They optimize internal processes, reduce idle time, and lower personnel costs. These AGVs have been in use since 1950, primarily for material flows that are very stable. Technological advancements have led to the development of autonomous vehicles that make decisions based on real-time data and therefore contribute significantly to the efficiency of a process or logistics process. For this reason, human monitoring is necessary. In this context, user interfaces (UI) must be addressed, as these represent the interface between the autonomous vehicle and the human. Through this interface, the process, the vehicle, and the entire system can be monitored, controlled, and intervened in unexpected situations. In unexpected situations, the operator can intervene and respond accordingly. Since it is essential to act quickly and correctly, especially in such situations, the complex data must be visualized. Information visualization is important for displaying the data, but also the system status. When these visualizations are well thought out and follow certain principles, the interaction between human and machine is facilitated, status information can be monitored, and interventions can be made if necessary. Quick intervention is possible when information frequently needed by the user can be accessed with just a few clicks or is always displayed on the interface. Additionally, it is advantageous if the layout follows a certain structure, so that different levels and pages are built identically, allowing the operator to quickly navigate. This rapid intervention and response are particularly essential in logistics, which is why a well-designed UI can be supportive and efficient. However, these interfaces must also be user-friendly, intuitive, and easy to understand to ensure user acceptance. Therefore, it is helpful to apply commonly known rules. For example, the color red on an interface should indicate an action that needs to be taken immediately. Similarly, the representation of a parking space should be marked in blue and with the letter "P," as is known in road traffic. Based on interviews with experts, a prototype was created that identified these and other key aspects of a user interface between autonomous vehicles and humans. The interviews and the reflections on the prototype showed that by adhering to these rules, the efficiency and user-friendliness of a UI can be increased, which in turn can improve employee productivity.
Date of Award | 2024 |
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Original language | German (Austria) |
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Supervisor | Stefan Oppl (Supervisor) |
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Benutzungsschnittstellen für fahrerlose Transportfahrzeuge in der Intralogistik: Anforderungen an die Informationsvisualisierung
Gasperlmair, V. B. (Author). 2024
Student thesis: Master's Thesis