What Is An AGV?

Oftentimes described as self-guided vehicles or autonomous guided vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are material handling systems or payload carriers that travel autonomously across the floors of a warehouse, DC or production facility, without an onboard driver.

What Are Automated Guided Vehicles Used For?

Popular AGV applications include storage and retrieval in storage facilities and DCs, usually in support of order picking. They are also put to use for transport of basic materials, work-in-process, and finished products in production centers.

What Are The Main Advantages Of Self Guided Vehicles?

• Reduced Labor Costs: AGVs can substantially lower labor costs. A one time expense can remove the continuous costs of wages, taxes, and benefits connected with a full time worker.
• Increased Safety: contemporary AGVs use sophisticated video cameras, lasers, or other sensing units that permit them to "see" and react to their surroundings instantaneously. Humans can become fatigued or distracted, whereas machines do not. AGVs can likewise be utilized in severe environments or around hazardous materials where personal safety is endangered.
• Increased Productivity & Accuracy: AGVs can work around the clock, never needing breaks or tiring. They can make distant treks around a warehouse effortlessly. They also do not make the types of mistakes that human workers are prone to making.
• Modularity: most AGV systems can be put into place gradually, displacing a handful of jobs here and there without a massive capital outlay up front. As automation requirements expand, more AGVs can quickly be added to the system.

How Do AGVs Work?

AGVs are shepherded by a combination of sensor-based supervision systems and computer programs. They can maneuver safely through a warehouse or manufacturing facility by using impediment detection bumpers and following thoroughly defined courses, while utilizing precisely regulated acceleration and deceleration.

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

• Vision guidance: cameras log the AGV's environment, and the vehicles use these recorded images to plot a course. Vision guidance is standalone, meaning no modification is required to a production facility or warehouse infrastructure for this kind of navigation.
• Laser target navigation: with laser solutions, reflective tape is affixed to racks, walls, poles and other fixed objects. AGVs utilize laser transmitters to rebound light off of these reflectors and and then utilize the range and angle of objects to find a path.
• LiDAR: LiDAR systems send laser pulses to measure the distance around the AGV and articles in its environment. This data is used to establish a 360-degree map of the setting. In similarity to vision guidance, no adjustment of a building is needed.
• Inertial navigation: transponders implanted into a facility floor surface route AGVs along a specified track.
• Wired navigation: these systems use wire tracks embedded into a warehouse or factory flooring. The wire transmits a signal that an AGV identifies through a sensing unit or antenna system.
• Magnetic guide tape: this kind of AGV uses magnetic sensing units and follows a route laid out by magnetic tape.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Autonomous Guided Vehicles?

There are numerous types of automated guided vehicles. Many AGVs resemble other human-operated vehicles but are designed to operate without direct human supervision or assistance.

• Forklift AGVs: forklift automated guided vehicles are a frequently used kind of AGV in warehouses. They're designed to carry pallets without the supervision of a human driver.
• Automated Guided Carts: an automated guided cart is the most rudimentary kind of AGV. They can carry all kinds of products, from pallets to small components. AGCs are often used in stocking, sorting, and cross-docking applications.
• Tugger AGVs: towing, or "tugger" AGVs pull non-powered, payload-carrying carts behind them in a train-like configuration. These kinds of automated guided vehicles are frequently utilized for transporting heavy loads over long ranges. Sometimes they are set to make numerous pickups and dropoffs along their route.
• Unit Load Handlers: unit load handlers transport singular loads like particular articles, or a discrete pallet or tote.
• Heavy Burden Carriers: these are used for exceptionally heavy weights like castings, coils or plates.

Automated Guided Vehicle Supplier Near Me

If you'd like a complete analysis of AGV possibilities for your warehouse, DC or manufacturing facility, you can speak to an expert at Associated.

The Associated Des Moines service area includes Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Waterloo, Ames, West Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Ankeny, Dubuque, Urbandale, Cedar Falls, Marion, Bettendorf, Mason City and all surrounding areas.

Associated | Des Moines Material Handling Equipment Supplier

4421 NW Urbandale Dr
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 964-0162