What is an AGV (automated guided vehicle system)?

What is an AGV?

An AGVS (Automated Guided Vehicle System) is a complete system for the automated transport of materials within a facility. It consists of one or more AGVs, a central control system, and the necessary navigation, communication and safety technology. The AGV is therefore the individual vehicle and a component of the AGVS. It transports goods, such as pallets or containers, within buildings without a driver. Conventional AGVs usually follow predefined routes between storage and production areas. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), on the other hand, can plan their routes more flexibly within defined areas and avoid obstacles. An AGVS is particularly well-suited to standardised, repetitive transport over longer distances. Depending on the design, navigation may be carried out, for example, using optical, magnetic or inductive systems, via laser, or through free navigation. The AGVS control system coordinates the vehicles and usually communicates with the warehouse management system (WMS).

What are the advantages of an AGVS?

• AGVs can be operated round the clock and are particularly well-suited to multi-shift operations.
• AGVs automate transport, reduce the need for manual labour and ease the workload on staff.
• The safety and sensor technology in AGVs detects obstacles and reduces the risk of collisions.
• The vehicle fleet of an AGVS can usually be expanded as transport requirements increase.
• Routes can be flexibly adjusted

What are the disadvantages of an AGVS?

• Changes to routes or processes may require adjustments to navigation, infrastructure or software.
• Traditional AGVs often stop in front of obstacles and – unlike many AMRs – cannot avoid them autonomously.
• Where there is a high frequency of transport along a fixed route, stationary conveyor systems may be the far more cost-effective solution.

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