Fully automated guided vehicles
Time pressure, efficiency requirements and the demand for top performance characterize your industry. Staff shortages, rising costs and a lack of automation expertise make success difficult. This is where automated guided vehicles (AGVs) offer a solution for process optimization.
AGV Automated guided vehicles
An automated guided vehicle ( AGV ) is an automated conveyor whose main task is to transport materials for production and logistics processes. Automated guided vehiclesmove goods of different sizes, masses and shapes along a network of routes, from simple standardized transport boxes and pallets to complex components and entire workstations.
Automated guided vehicles are often used as a coordinated network to form an automated guided vehicle system (AGV). In an automated guided vehicle system several AGVs are networked and work together to efficiently organize and control material movements within a specific area, such as a factory or warehouse. Sensors and navigation systems enable the AGVs to avoid obstacles and move smoothly in the shared traffic area. This allows them to continuously transport material, optimize workflows and automate the overall flow in logistics or production.
Roadmap for the successful implementation of an AGV project
Advantages of automated guided vehicles - AGVs
Costs
By eliminating drivers and reducing errors and accidents, operating costs can be lowered.
With conventional logistics vehicles, 80% of costs are accounted for by personnel costs alone.
Reliability
Self-driving vehicles can be used around the clock.
Material flows are optimized through automation, which significantly increases handling capacity.
Security
AGVs reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by using automated safety protocols. As a result, the costs of damage are minimized. The AGV expert opinion provides information on the safety of a system.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about automated guided vehicles
What is an automated guided vehicle (AGV)?
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is an automated means of transportation that is mainly used for transporting materials in production and logistics processes. Automated guided vehicles transport goods of different sizes, weights and shapes over a defined network of routes, from standardized transport boxes and pallets to complex components and complete workstations.
What is the difference between autonomous mobile robots (AMR), automated guided vehicles (AGV) and automated guided vehicles (AGV)?
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) consist of one or more automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and operate on fixed routes with centralized control and are suitable for predefined tasks in stable environments, while autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) navigate flexibly and intelligently in dynamic environments by using sensor technology and artificial intelligence. AGVs offer less flexibility, while AMRs can automatically adapt to changes and work efficiently in real time.
What different automated guided vehicles are there?
Different concepts of automated guided vehicles have been developed for the various transportation requirements in logistics and production. The following transport vehicles are used most frequently: fork-lift AGVs, piggyback AGVs, tractor AGVs, underride AGVs, assembly AGVs, heavy-duty AGVs, mini AGVs, outdoor AGVs and special AGVs.
What advantages do automated guided vehicles offer?
The systems offer high scalability by expanding the number of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and transfer stations as well as the option of implementing layout changes. They adapt well to fluctuations in dynamic material flows and enable the safe and reliable transportation of almost any conveyed goods by adapting the load handling device.
Are automated guided vehicles safe?
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are safe because they are equipped with advanced sensors, real-time monitoring, emergency shutdowns and intelligent route planning to avoid collisions and ensure consistent performance.
What applications are automated guided vehicles suitable for?
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are ideal for use in warehousing, logistics, production, hospitals, airports, retail and various industries. In principle, they can be used anywhere where goods need to be transported regularly.
Which automated guided vehicle system is best suited to my application?
We can discuss your requirements in a personal consultation and in the AGV basic check we will show you whether the system is technically feasible and economically viable. You can also take a look at our white papers, which provide you with valuable knowledge about AGV projects.
Components of automated guided vehicle systems
Automated guided vehicle systems consist of one or more automated guided vehicles (AGVs), a control system, a location determination system, a data transmission system and the infrastructure with peripheral equipment.
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) essentially consists of a chassis, a computer, one or more drive(s), the power supply, a load handling module, a communication module, a safety component and a user interface.
If you would like to learn more about automated guided vehicle systems, we recommend our AGV basic training course or our free white papers.
AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE
The benefits of automated guided vehicles at a glance:
Flexible
Tailored to individual requirements: Automated guided vehicles can be used flexibly and can be adapted to changes.
Load reduction
As automated guided vehicles take on heavy and repetitive tasks, they reduce the physical strain and risk of injury for human workers.
Efficiency
Driverless transport vehicles are able to work around the clock, which significantly shortens throughput times.
Cost reduction
Although the initial investment can be high, driverless transport vehicles reduce operating costs in the long term.
Security
Automated guided vehicles are equipped with sensors and advanced safety systems that prevent accidents and collisions.
Traceability and transparency
Automated guided vehicles are often integrated into digital systems that enable real-time monitoring and tracking of materials and products.
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Our AGV and AMR expert Markus Zipper is available to answer any questions you may have about your AGV project.
