What is an AGV?

Often described as automatic guided vehicles or self-guided vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are material handling systems or payload carriers that travel autonomously around the ground surfaces of a warehouse, factory or distribution center, without an onboard worker.

What are Automated Guided Vehicles used for?

Standard AGV applications include storage and retrieval in storage facilities and DCs, usually in support of order picking. They are additionally used for transportation of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods in factories.

What are the primary benefits of Self Guided Vehicles?

1. Decreased Labor Costs: AGVs can considerably reduce labor expenses. A one time cost can get rid of the continuous costs of wages, taxes, and benefits connected with a full time worker.
2. Increased Safety: modern AGVs utilize advanced cameras, lasers, or other sensing units that permit them to "see" and respond to their surroundings very quickly. Humans can often get fatigued or distracted, whereas machines do not. AGVs can also be used in extreme environments or around hazardous materials where individual security is compromised.
3. Increased Productivity & Accuracy: AGVs can work 24 x 7, never needing breaks or tiring. They can make long treks across a warehouse quickly. They likewise do not make the types of mistakes that human workers are prone to making.
4. Modularity: most AGV solutions can be put into place slowly, replacing a handful of jobs here and there without a massive expenditure up front. As automation requirements expand, more AGVs can quickly be introduced to the system.

How do AGVs work?

AGVs are routed by a mix of sensor-based management systems and software. They can navigate safely through a storage or manufacturing facility by utilizing impediment detection bumpers and following thoroughly defined routes, while using precisely regulated acceleration and deceleration.

AGV navigation is generally handled by one of these kinds of systems:

• Vision guidance: cameras record the AGV's surroundings, and the vehicles use these logged images to plot a course. Vision guidance is standalone, and as a result, no adjustment is required to a production facility or warehouse infrastructure for this type of navigation.
• Laser target navigation: with laser based equipment, reflective tape is affixed to pallet racks, walls, posts and other stationary objects. AGVs utilize laser transmitters to rebound light off of these reflectors and and then utilize the proximity and angle of items to navigate.
• LiDAR: LiDAR solutions transmit laser pulses to determine the space around the AGV and articles in its surroundings. This data is used to establish a comprehensive map of the environment. Like vision guidance, no adjustment of a building is required.
• Inertial navigation: transponders implanted into a facility floor route AGVs along a specified track.
• Wired navigation: these systems utilize wire paths embedded into a warehouse or factory flooring. The wire transmits a signal that an AGV identifies through a sensor or antenna system.
• Magnetic guide tape: this type of AGV uses magnetic sensing units and follows a course laid out by magnetic tape.

What are the different kinds of Autonomous Guided Vehicles?

There are numerous types of automated guided vehicles. Many AGVs are similar to other human-operated vehicles yet are developed to maneuver with no continuous human supervision or assistance.

• Forklift AGVs: forklift automated guided vehicles are an often utilized type of AGV in warehouses and distribution centers. They're engineered to carry pallets without the need for a human operator.
• Automated Guided Carts: an automated guided cart is the most fundamental kind of AGV. They can transport all types of materials, from pallets to small components. AGCs are regularly used in stocking, picking, and cross-docking applications.
• Tugger AGVs: towing, or "tugger" AGVs tug unpowered, payload-carrying carts behind them in a train-like configuration. These kinds of automated guided vehicles are typically utilized for transporting heavy loads over long ranges. Sometimes they are programmed to make multiple dropoffs and pickups along their course.
• Unit Load Handlers: unit load handlers transport singular loads like specific objects, or a discrete pallet or tote.
• Heavy Burden Carriers: these are utilized for exceedingly heavy payloads like coils, plates or castings.

Automated Guided Vehicle Supplier Near Me

If you'd like a complete analysis of AGV options for your warehouse, DC or manufacturing facility, you can speak to a professional at Raymond West.

Raymond West's Stockton facility serves much of the northern Central Valley, including Stockton, Lathrop, Lodi, Tracy, Modesto, and Merced.

Raymond West | Stockton Material Handling Equipment Supplier

19107 Christopher Way
Lathrop, CA 95330
(800) 675-2500