Warehouse Automation What is an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is a mobile robot used for transporting materials or goods within a facility. In contrast, to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) AGVs typically move along predetermined routes marked by wires, magnetic strips or other guidance systems installed in the floor. It's also possible to program these routes using optical or laser systems.

AGVs find application across industries like manufacturing, warehousing and distribution to efficiency and labor costs. They come in types such as forklifts, carts and tuggers catering to tasks like pallet movement, part delivery and item sorting.

Key characteristics of AGVs comprise;
  • Guidance Systems; AGVs rely on embedded paths or markers for navigation to ensure movement and stopping.
  • Safety Sensors; Fitted with sensors like lasers or bumpers AGVs can identify obstacles and stop to prevent collisions thereby enhancing safety.
  • Load Handling Capabilities; AGVs are built to transport loads ranging from small parts to heavy pallets based on the model.
  • Integration with Systems; AGVs can be integrated with warehouse management systems (WMS) and other operational software, for task coordination and monitoring.
  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) prove to be quite beneficial, in settings that involve transportation duties aiding in optimizing workflows minimizing mistakes and boosting efficiency.

Questions about warehouse automation

Recent Articles