Drive by Wire: Overview

Technologists' Practice	November 2008
Automation and control technology	YEARS 11-13

Cover image of case study

Drive by Wire
Simtech AGV is helping to push the boundaries of the rapidly developing automation industry with its innovative range of automated wire-guided vehicles (AGVs) for a wide range of commercial applications. In the best of Kiwi traditions, the company is taking on the global heavyweights in this niche market with a combination of lateral thinking, hard work and flexibility.
Focus points include:	Additional Material:
Characteristics of Technology Sociocultural influences and impacts Characteristics of Technological Outcomes Physical and functional properties of an outcome 'Proper' and 'alternative' function Technological Systems Control	Wikipedia entry YouTube videos
Teaching Activities
Discussion starters: How have socio-cultural factors influenced the development and operation of AGVs? Justify the fitness for purpose of AGVs in terms of their physical and functional nature and the socio-technological environment within which they operate. Explain how control and feedback requirements impact on the operation of industrial AGVs.

Case study reproduced with permission from e.nz magazine. E.nz subscriptions are discounted for schools and TENZ members.