FAQ
Table of Contents
General Questions
What is a Thouzer?
Thouzer is a line of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) produced by the Doog company in Tsukuba, Japan. Known for their simplicity, power, and flexibility, Thouzer AGVs can move upwards of 900kg (2000lb).
Do I need Wi-Fi to connect Thouzer AMR?
Nope! Thouzer is a Follow Me AGV so it does not need a wireless network for either programming or operation.
That said, if wireless network access is available, all E-Series Thouzer AGVs do offer enhanced features such as remote monitoring, remote control and advanced integrations via WiFi; however, most clients don't find these necessary.
Can I remote control a Thouzer AGV?
Yes. E-Series Thouzers include WiFi connectivity which enables remote control via mobile app or third-party software.
What is Thouzer AGV made of?
The main drive unit is made of steel. The material handling platform is primarily made of 30mm extruded aluminum barstock. Underneath the platform there are some plastic covers that protect the internal components from water, dust and debris, but they are not load-bearing.
Is Thouzer AGV waterproof?
No, but the Thouzer AGVs do carry an IP42 rating which means they are somewhat water resistant and dust resistant. We recommend you keep your robots as clean and dry as your facility will allow.
Can you push the AGV without the motor running?
Yes, but first you must disengage the motor from the drive wheels or you risk damage to your motor. There is a manual release lever just above the rear axle that disengages the motor so you may freely push the Thouzer.
Can I get a discount for buying multiple robots?
We do offer bulk discounts from time to time. Please contact us using the form below and we will be happy to build a custom quote for you.
Can I customize my Thouzer AGV?
Yes, and we hope you do! Thouzer supports many custom payload configurations including shelving, bins, cages, lockers, towing jigs, pallets, pallet jacks, and more.
Additionally, E-Series Thouzers support additional features such as extra safety devices, additional sensors, more power/battery options, extra I/O ports, API access, robot remote control, and more!
Specifications
How many Thouzers are there?
Five! The Thouzer Lite, Thouzer Standard, Thouzer Mini, Thouzer Giant, and Thouzer Giant EX are all currently in production.
If you'd like more information on the various models of Thouzer, we encourage you to Meet the Thouzer Family.
What is the maximum load Thouzer can carry?
The Thouzer Mini carries 132lb (60kg), the Thouzer Lite carries 220lb (100kg), the Thouzer Standard carries 264lb (120kg), the Thouzer Giant carries 661lb (300kg), and the Thouzer Giant EX carries 1100lb (500kg).
Most Thouzers can carry AND tow loads at the same time.
If you add carry weight and tow weight together, Thouzer Standard can move about 900lb (420kg) per trip and Thouzer Giant can move about a ton (900kg) per trip.
How fast is Thouzer?
A standard Thouzer has a maximum speed of 2 meters per second (7.2 kph, 6.5 fps). Thouzer Giant has a maximum speed of 2.3 meters per second (8.3 kph, 7.5 fps).
Can I integrate these robots into my WMS, MES, ERP, etc?
Yes! E-Series Thouzer AGVs can communicate with the rest of your plant using the MQTT protocol. MQTT is an open-source, standards-based protocol designed for IOT projects.
Can one Thouzer talk to another?
Thouzer robots are autonomous mobile robots. They were designed to operate independently of one another and to be easy to use with no extra software or servers to set up! So no, by default they do not talk to one another.
How loud is Thouzer's alarm device?
Thouzer uses a Patlite BSV-24N-W for its alarm device and the maximum volume is 87dB.
Using Thouzer
How long does it take to set up a Thouzer robot?
Not long at all. Once it’s unboxed and assembled, a Thouzer AGV only takes a minute or so to boot up. After that you can immediately put it to work. See YouTube for specific examples - especially this video showing what our Follow Me AGV looks like.
How many routes can I teach Thouzer?
Our Basic Thouzers can learn up to five routes. The E-Series Thouzers can learn 1000km worth of routes.
How does Thouzer see its environment?
Thouzer relies completely on Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors to see the world. Every Thouzer robot has a 2D LiDAR sensor under the main deck. In particularly difficult environments, additional sensors can be added to give Thouzer a better view of its surroundings.
Can I take Thouzer Outside?
Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Thouzer AGVs carry an IP42 rating, which means they’re water resistant and dust resistant. Thouzer AGVs are definitely NOT waterproof so don’t leave your robots outside for too long!
Can people ride Thouzer?
No! Thouzer was not designed for human riders.
How does "Follow-Me" work? Do I need some kind of pendant?
Nope! No pendant required. This Follow Me AGV uses a 2D LiDAR sensor to track and follow its target.
Can I change the music?
Yes. There are several different music files the Thouzer plays based on its operational state and these can be customized for your environment. We will eventually post these instructions online, but for now, please contact your local distributor for help.
Can I Change the Tires?
Yes, the tires can be changed; however, the factory default tires offer excellent traction and are usually only replaced when they have been worn down after years of use.
Batteries
How long do Thouzer's batteries last?
Thouzer batteries run for 9-12 miles (14-19km) on a single charge; however, battery life depends greatly on the load the robot is moving as well as the temperature and humidity of the operating environment.
Is it possible to extend the robots' battery life?
Yes! You can use aftermarket battery packs to extend the runtime of your Thouzer units. 1000Wh units can commonly be found online for $500-1100 each.
How long does Thouzer take to charge?
A Thouzer AGV with factory default battery packs will fully charge in less than 8 hours. If you'd like to upgrade to a fast-charging technology like Lithium Ion, that's possible as well.
What kind of battery does Thouzer use?
Thouzer Standard has two 12V 34Ah lead acid batteries on board.
Thouzer Giant has two 12V 75Ah lead acid batteries on board.
Can I use other battery types/brands?
Yes! As long as you match the Doog specifications exactly you can source replacement batteries locally. Just make sure you choose a Deep Cycle Sealed Lead Acid Battery.
Thouzer Standard batteries are 12V 34Ah lead acid (two per robot). Replacement batteries should measure 197mm(L) x 131mm(W) x 159mm(H).
Thouzer Giant batteries are 12V 75AH lead acid (two per robot). Replacement batteries should measure 260mm(L) x 170mm(W) x 202mm(H).
If you plan to upgrade your Thouzer AGV to a completely different battery technology, please contact us so we can help with your design.
What do I need to charge a Thouzer battery?
Thouzer AGVs all come with a charging “brick” that looks very similar to a modern laptop charger. You can plug the Thouzer charger into any standard grounded wall outlet.
How do I replace the battery?
There are detailed battery replacement instructions and illustrations on pages 17-31 of the Thouzer maintenance guide. If you don’t have this document handy, please contact your distributor and they’ll send it to you.
Does Thouzer support fast-charging?
Yes! Upgrading your Thouzer to fast-charging batteries and chargers is officially supported by Doog. Contact your local reseller partner for recommendations.
What other charging options do you offer?
We understand there are many different power delivery options on the market today and Doog is very supportive of customizing Thouzer's power systems. We are currently researching fast charging, perpetual power, and more. If you need a custom power system for your Thouzer AGV, we'll help you design and deploy it.
Still have questions?
That's completely understandable! There are lots of mobile robots out there trying to grab your attention - AMRs, AGVs, AGCs, and more. It's hard to figure out which one is the right fit for your company!
Let us help you! We think our Follow Me AGVs are pretty great but they're not for everyone and that's OK. Send us your questions and we'll get you pointed in the right direction, even if that direction is somewhere else.