An automated guided vehicle (AGV) refers to an autonomous vehicle or mobile robot that is guided by markers like wires or magnetic tape on the floor or laser references. Such vehicles are becoming the norm in the industrial sector when it comes to moving materials from the production facility to the automated warehouse or when it comes to managing the storage efficiently lowering any risk for staff.
So, let’s see the details and use of such vehicles in details. But first, what are the parts that make up the AGVs? Let’s see.
Elements of the Automated Guided Vehicle Applications
The AGV systems have different elements that work in unison to ensure that there is complete automation in the goods movement in industrial environments. Let’s see some of the elements that come into play while using AGV.
Autonomy
One of the best technological advancements is self-driving which has brought in a new era of industrial automation. Due to the advancement of technologies like AI or artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and advanced sensors, autonomous vehicles can use self-driving functionalities in navigating and operating along the determined parts thus with little to no human interventions.
The fact that these vehicles can self-drive makes them more than work faster, it also makes them safer. For example, with self-driving capabilities, it can navigate through aisles avoiding obstacles and optimising goods transportation.
Navigation
Navigation is a crucial part of technology as it allows precise movement of the AGVs. AGV systems use a hybrid system consisting of magnets, lasers and vision technology to guide them along their fixed ways.
These methods combined with smart traffic control can help the vehicles move with greater accuracy and speed. This makes AGVs the perfect vehicles to traverse complex environments without the need for any human monitoring.
For example, AGV in a manufacturing faculty, can help other customers with laser technology navigating the difficult layouts and transporting the materials.
Collison Warnings
An automated guided vehicle needs safety features so they don’t crash into other vehicles or people in the factories or warehouses. These systems have sensors, cameras and other techs that detect potential hazards and even warn them of any obstacles to avert accidents.
For instance, Cyngn’s collision avoidance system, Virtual Bumper uses in-vehicle guided sensors to automatically stop and prevent collisions. Therefore, if your vehicles are in a warehouse, they can identify the objects in their way and stop or change course to prevent any accidents.
All of these are crucial parts of the AGV functions. All of them in the market have these functionalities. There are six types of AGCs out there.
6 Types of Automated Guided Vehicles
There are quite a few types of AGVs. each performs repetitive tasks like delivering raw materials, keeping loads stable and doing simple tasks. AGVs can continuously operate and only need recharge or repair.
- Automated Guided Carts
This is the most basic type of AGV out there. It has minimal features. The navigation systems can range from systems as simple as magnetic tape to complex, sensor-based systems that are AI-powered to navigate their environment. They help in the transportation of various materials- small to loaded parts have uses in sorting, cross-docking and storage.
Example: One of the best applications of these carts is the automated hospital cart transporter. It helps to efficiently transform compact loads through a hospital like meals, empty food trays, clean or soiled lines or sterile supplies and more. Hospitals do not need a staff member to push a trolley to deliver them. It reduces labour costs.
- Forklift AGVs
Forklift automatic guided vehicles or Fork vehicles are a very commonly used type of AGV. They perform the same functions as the human-=oprated forklift. The only difference? It does not need a human operator. It saves time and manpower and personnel hiring for the companies.
- Towing AGVs
Towing vehicles, also known as tugger automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), tow one or more unpowered, load-carrying vehicles in a train-like configuration. These driverless trains have wheels for mobility.
Tugger AGVs are commonly employed to transport heavy loads over extended distances, typically making multiple stops for drop-off and pick-up along a predefined route within warehouses or factories.
- Unit Load Handlers
These handlers carry discrete loads like individual units or single objects like totes or pallets that contain multiple items.
- Heavy Burden Carriers
Sometimes, there are items in the warehouse that are the heaviest of the bunch. For that, you would need heavy-burden carriers. These AGVs are useful in applications like large assembly, casting and coil and plate transport. Some of the heavy burden carriers have self-lading functions that come with standard, pivot or omnidirectional steering.
- Autonomous Mobile Robots
Also known as AMRs, these are more technologically advanced than the rest of the AGVs. While AGVs usually use fixed navigation systems like wires and magnetic tapes, AMRs have intelligent navigation capabilities like sensors and camera systems that allow them to detect and navigate obstacles around them. They navigate the warehouse in the most efficient paths.
All these types of AGVs have several benefits that companies’ supply chains and warehouse players can use. Let’s see some of the pros of using these vehicles.
Automated Guided Vehicle Advantages
Let’s see AGV’s advantages to see how they can help make work more efficient:
- Reduced Labour Costs
With an automated guided vehicle for material handling you can reduce labour costs in your warehouse operations. Firstly, you’re replacing a human or multiple human workers with the AGV- so it’s a single equipment cost. There are no follow-up costs other than maintenance. For human workers, you’d have to give them healthcare coverage, payroll taxes and more.
- Increased Safety
Engineers program the AGVs with safety in mind. They come with cameras, lasers and other sensors that make it easy for them to safely operate around structures and personnel.
On the contrary, human-operated equipment like forklifts, do not have as many built-in safety mechanisms and usually rely on human input which can get compromised due to several reasons. A human operator can become distracted or fatigued thus causing an accident. However, while using AGVs, these are not the concerns.
Also, AGVs can operate in extreme conditions, unlike humans. These could be extreme cold or heat and work around hazardous materials. Such enhanced safety measurements lead to reduced costs and operational downtime, thus increasing the probability of carrying out multiple operations.
Increased Accuracy and Productivity
“To err is human”.
Humans make mistakes. So, when you replace the human element with AGVs, you remove some of the risks of inaccurate workflows, ultimately reducing waste and increasing output, allowing your operations to become more productive and accurate. Human personnel is limited when it comes to how long they can work, AGVs run 24×7.
Beyond the clear enhancements in accuracy and productivity, integrating AGVs with a warehouse control system streamlines processes like inventory management and materials ordering.
Let’s see the last advantage.
Modularity
As you’re expanding your operation, it’s easy to add more AGVs as per your needs. Adding automated guided vehicles in warehouses is known as the “modular system element”. With it, you can avoid an incredibly high initial investment. Instead of buying 20-30 AGVs, you can start with one or two and slowly transition eventually expanding your fleet to a fully or mostly-automated operation.
FAQs: What Are Automated Guided Vehicles
What are some automated guided vehicle disadvantages?
AGVs can be a costly affair. They need regular maintenance and might have difficulty in navigating complex or crowded environments. They also heavily rely on precise programming and infrastructure which can limit their flexibility and adaptability to changes in the warehouse layout or operations.
What is the automated guided vehicle cost?
An average automated guided vehicle, with a lifting capacity: of 2,000 lbs is roughly priced at Rs 1500000 in Mumbai.
What is the difference between AGVs and AMRs?
AGVs follow a fixed route using tracks and predefined paths. They heavily rely on external guidance systems. AMRs, alternatively, navigate autonomously using sensors and onboard mapping. This allows them to dynamically adjust routes and avoid obstacles for greater flexibility and efficiency.
Conclusion
Automated guided vehicles are efficient and profitable investments for companies with large warehouses. It speeds up many supply chain processes thus ensuring accuracy and flexibility. For the best in advanced supply chain efficiency tools, explore Qodenext’s solutions and see how we can enhance your operations.
