An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) is a type of mobile robot used in industrial applications to transport materials around a manufacturing facility or warehouse. AGVs operate without human intervention, following predefined paths using technologies such as magnetic strips, lasers, vision systems, or GPS.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) form a large and important part of the logistic transport systems in today's industry. The trailers can be used to move raw materials or finished product.
AGVs operate without human intervention, using sensors, cameras, magnets, or lasers to follow predefined paths or dynamically adjust routes. Modern AGVs can follow complex and changeable paths, adapting to plant layouts and operational demands.
Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) are equipped with safety sensors (e.g., LiDAR, ultrasonic), AGVs can detect obstacles and avoid collisions automatically. They can carry, tow, or lift different types of loads including pallets, containers, and racks, depending on the vehicle design. High accuracy in load transport, docking, and positioning ensures consistent and repeatable operations.
Most AGVs are electric and run on rechargeable batteries, with some featuring automatic charging systems. AGVs can be integrated with warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and production control systems for seamless operation. Easy to scale operations by adding more units without significant infrastructure changes.
AGVs reduce the need for manual material handling, lowering labor costs and improving efficiency. Operate at controlled speeds with built-in emergency stop features to ensure a safe working environment.
Towing AGVs (Tugger AGVs): Designed to pull carts or trailers loaded with materials. Ideal for transporting large loads over long distances in warehouses or factories.
Unit Load AGVs: Carry individual units like pallets, containers, or racks. Often used in manufacturing and distribution centers for material handling.
Forklift AGVs: Mimic traditional forklifts but are autonomous. Capable of picking up, transporting, and placing pallets at various heights.
Automated Guided Carts (AGCs): Compact, low-profile AGVs used for lighter loads. Follow fixed paths using magnetic tape or QR codes.
Assembly Line AGVs: Move products through various stages of an assembly process. Common in automotive and electronics manufacturing.
Heavy Load AGVs: Built to carry extremely heavy or oversized loads (up to hundreds of tons). Often used in shipyards, steel plants, or aerospace industries.
Hybrid AGVs (AMR-AGV Combo): Combine traditional AGV technology with advanced sensors for more flexible navigation. Useful in dynamic environments where routes and obstacles change frequently.
Laser guidance
Magnetic tape or wire guidance
Vision-based navigation
LIDAR and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
Automotive: AGVs are heavily used in automotive assembly lines for transporting parts, bodies, and sub-assemblies.
Electronics: AGVs facilitate the movement of sensitive components and finished products in electronics manufacturing.
General Manufacturing: AGVs handle raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods across various manufacturing processes.
Heavy Industries: AGVs are employed in industries like iron and steel, and power generation for moving heavy loads.
Warehousing and Distribution Centers: AGVs automate tasks such as pallet handling, order picking, and inventory management in warehouses. AGVs play a crucial role in automating material flow within distribution centers, especially with the rise of e-commerce.
E-commerce Fulfillment: AGVs streamline the fulfillment process by efficiently moving products from storage to packing and shipping.
Healthcare: AGVs are used to transport medications, supplies, and waste within hospitals.
Food and Beverage: AGVs handle raw materials, ingredients, and finished products in food processing and beverage plants.
Paper and Printing: AGVs are used for moving paper rolls, pallets, and other materials in the paper and printing industry.
Pharmaceuticals: AGVs ensure the safe and efficient movement of materials in pharmaceutical manufacturing and storage.
Aerospace: AGVs are utilized for transporting aircraft parts and components in aerospace manufacturing.
Smart Ports: AGVs are used in ports for container handling and movement.
