What is an AGV?

Frequently described as self-guided vehicles or automatic guided vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are material handling systems or load carriers that travel autonomously across the floors of a warehouse, factory or distribution center, without an onboard operator.

What are Automated Guided Vehicles used for?

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

What are the main advantages of Self Guided Vehicles?

1. Decreased Labor Costs: AGVs can considerably minimize labor expenses. A one time expenditure can eliminate the ongoing expenses of wages, taxes, and benefits related to a full time employee.

2. Increased Safety: modern AGVs use sophisticated video cameras, lasers, or other sensing units that enable them to "see" and react to their environment very quickly. Humans can become tired or distracted, whereas self guided vehicles do not. AGVs can likewise be used in extreme environments or around dangerous materials where personal security is compromised.

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

4. Modularity: most AGV solutions can be introduced slowly, replacing a few workers incrementally without an enormous capital outlay up front. As automation requirements expand, more AGVs can quickly be introduced to the facility.

How do AGVs work?

AGVs are shepherded by a mix of sensor-based guidance systems and software. They can travel safely through a warehouse or manufacturing facility by utilizing obstacle detection bumpers and following thoroughly vetted routes, while using precisely regulated acceleration and deceleration.

AGV navigation is typically supervised by one of these kinds of systems:

• Vision guidance: cameras log the AGV's surroundings, and the vehicles use these cataloged videos to plot a course. Vision guidance is standalone, meaning no modification is required to a production facility or warehouse infrastructure for this type of navigation.
• Laser target navigation: with laser solutions, reflective tape is affixed to racks, wall surfaces, posts and other stationary bodies. AGVs utilize laser transmitters to rebound light off of these reflectors and then utilize the proximity and angle of items to maneuver.
• LiDAR: LiDAR solutions transmit laser bursts to measure the distance between the AGV and objects in its environment. This data is used to develop a 360-degree map of the surroundings. Like vision guidance, no adjustment of a facility is required.
• Inertial navigation: transponders implanted into a facility floor guide AGVs along a defined path.
• Wired navigation: these systems use wire tracks embedded into a warehouse or factory floor surface. The wire broadcasts a signal that an AGV recognizes by means of a sensing unit or antenna system.
• Magnetic guide tape: this style of AGV makes use of magnetic sensors and conforms to a course laid out by magnetic tape.

What are the different kinds of Autonomous Guided Vehicles?

There are several types of automated guided vehicles. Lots of AGVs resemble other human-operated vehicles but are developed to maneuver without direct human intervention or assistance.

• Forklift AGVs: forklift automatic guided vehicles are a commonly utilized kind of AGV in warehouses and distribution centers. They're engineered to transport pallets without the need for a human operator.
• Automated Guided Carts: an automatic guided cart is probably the most rudimentary type of AGV. They can carry all kinds of products, from pallets to small items. AGCs are often utilized in storage, picking, and cross-docking applications.
• Tugger AGVs: towing, or "tugger" AGVs tug non-powered, load-carrying carts trailing them in a train-like setup. These types of automatic guided vehicles are often used for transporting heavy loads over long spans. Sometimes they are set to make multiple dropoffs and pickups along their course.
• Unit Load Handlers: unit load handlers transport singular payloads like specific items, or a discrete pallet or tote.
• Heavy Burden Carriers: these are used for exceptionally heavy weights like coils, plates or castings.

Spokane Automated Guided Vehicle Supplier

If you'd like a complete analysis of AGV options for your warehouse, DC or manufacturing center, you can consult with an expert at Raymond West by calling (509) 728-6000.

Raymond West's Spokane branch services Spokane, Airway Heights, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Coeur d'Alene, Medical Lake, Cheney, Pullman, Moscow, Moses Lake, Yakima, Wenatchee, Lewiston, Clarkston, Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, Walla Walla and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Spokane Material Handling Equipment Supplier

11002 E Montgomery Dr #100
Spokane, WA 99206
(509) 728-6000