What is an AGV?

Often referred to as automatic guided vehicles or self-guided vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are material handling systems or goods carriers that move autonomously across the floors of a warehouse, factory or DC, without an onboard driver.

What are Automated Guided Vehicles used for?

Common AGV applications include storage and retrieval in storage facilities and distribution centers, generally in support of order picking. They are additionally put to use for transport of basic materials, work-in-process, and finished goods in factories.

What are the primary advantages of Self Guided Vehicles?

1. Reduced Labor Costs: AGVs can substantially reduce labor costs. A one time expense can get rid of the ongoing costs of salaries, taxes, and benefits associated with a full time worker.

2. Increased Safety: contemporary AGVs use sophisticated electronic cameras, lasers, or other sensors that permit them to "see" and respond to their surroundings instantaneously. Humans can become careless or distracted, whereas self guided vehicles do not. AGVs can likewise be utilized in harsh environments or around hazardous materials where human safety is jeopardized.

3. Increased Productivity & Accuracy: AGVs can work around the clock, never needing breaks or becoming tired. They can make repeated treks around a large building effortlessly. They likewise don't make the kinds of mistakes that people are prone to making.

4. Modularity: most AGV solutions can be introduced slowly, replacing a handful of jobs here and there without a massive capital outlay up front. As automation needs expand, more AGVs can easily be added to the system.

How do AGVs work?

AGVs are shepherded by a combination of sensor-based supervision systems and bundled software. They can maneuver securely through a storage or manufacturing facility by using impediment detection bumpers and following carefully vetted routes, while using precisely regulated acceleration and deceleration.

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

• Vision guidance: cameras record the AGV's environment, and the vehicles use these logged videos to plot a course. Vision guidance is standalone, and as a result, no adjustment is required to a warehouse or factory 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 items. AGVs use laser transmitters to rebound light off of these reflectors and then use the distance and angle of items to navigate.
• LiDAR: LiDAR solutions transmit laser bursts to measure the range between the AGV and items in its environment. This data is used to establish a 360-degree map of the surroundings. In similarity to vision guidance, no modification of a facility is required.
• Inertial navigation: transponders embedded into a building's floor surface guide AGVs along a specified path.
• Wired navigation: these systems employ wire paths embedded into a warehouse or factory flooring. The wire sends a signal that an AGV detects via a sensor or antenna system.
• Magnetic guide tape: this style of AGV employs magnetic sensors and conforms to a route defined by magnetic tape.

What are the different types of Autonomous Guided Vehicles?

There are numerous types of automated guided vehicles. Lots of AGVs are similar to other human-operated vehicles yet are engineered to function with no direct human intervention or assistance.

• Forklift AGVs: forklift automatic guided vehicles are an often utilized kind of AGV in warehouses. They're built to carry pallets without the assistance of a human operator.
• Automated Guided Carts: an automatic guided cart is the most rudimentary type of AGV. They can transport all types of products, from entire pallets to small parts. AGCs are regularly utilized in stocking, sorting, and cross-docking applications.
• Tugger AGVs: towing, or "tugger" AGVs tug unpowered, payload-carrying carts behind them in a train-like configuration. These types of automated guided vehicles are frequently used for transferring heavy loads over long ranges. Many times they are set to make multiple pickups and dropoffs along their route.
• Unit Load Handlers: unit load handlers transport singular payloads like particular articles, or a discrete pallet or tote.
• Heavy Burden Carriers: these are used for exceptionally heavy payloads like coils, plates or castings.

Long Beach Automated Guided Vehicle Supplier

If you'd like a complete analysis of AGV options for your warehouse, DC or production facility, you can talk to a professional at Raymond West by calling (562) 444-1222.

Raymond West
Long Beach Service Area:
Long Beach, North Long Beach, Wilmington, San Pedro, Lomita, Torrance
Phone: (562) 444-1222