What Is An AGV?

Frequently described as automatic guided vehicles or self-guided vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are material handling systems or payload transporters that proceed autonomously around the floors of a warehouse, factory or DC, without an onboard operator.

What Are Automated Guided Vehicles Used For?

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

What Are The Primary Advantages Of Self Guided Vehicles?

• Reduced Labor Costs: AGVs can substantially reduce labor expenses. A one time expense can remove the continuous expenses of salaries, taxes, and benefits connected with a full time worker.
• Increased Safety: modern AGVs utilize advanced electronic cameras, lasers, or other sensors that enable them to "see" and react to their environment at lightning speed. Humans can become tired or distracted, whereas machines do not. AGVs can also be utilized in extreme environments or around dangerous materials where personal safety is compromised.
• Increased Productivity & Accuracy: AGVs can work continuously, never needing breaks or tiring. They can make repeated treks across a large building effortlessly. They also don't make the types of errors that humans are prone to making.
• Modularity: most AGV systems can be put into place slowly, replacing a handful of employees incrementally without a massive capital outlay in advance. As automation requirements expand, more AGVs can easily be added to the operation.

How Do AGVs Work?

AGVs are shepherded by a combination of sensor-based management systems and computer programs. They can maneuver safely through a storage or production facility by using impediment detection bumpers and following thoroughly vetted courses, while using precisely controlled acceleration and deceleration.

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

• Vision guidance: cameras log the AGV's environment, and the vehicles utilize these cataloged images to get around. Vision guidance is standalone, and as a result, no modification is needed to a warehouse or factory infrastructure for this kind of navigation.
• Laser target navigation: with laser based equipment, reflective tape is attached to pallet racks, walls, poles and other fixed objects. AGVs utilize laser transmitters to bounce light off of these reflectors and and then use the range and angle of objects to navigate.
• LiDAR: LiDAR solutions send laser bursts to determine the range between the AGV and items in its environment. This information is used to develop a comprehensive map of the setting. Like vision guidance, no modification of a building is necessary.
• Inertial navigation: transponders embedded into a building's flooring guide AGVs along a specified path.
• Wired navigation: these systems employ wire pathways embedded into a warehouse or factory floor. The wire broadcasts a signal that an AGV recognizes by means of a sensor or antenna system.
• Magnetic guide tape: this kind of AGV employs magnetic sensors and follows a course laid out by magnetic tape.

What Are The Different Types Of Autonomous Guided Vehicles?

There are several types of automated guided vehicles. Lots of AGVs are similar to other human-operated vehicles yet are developed to function with no continuous human supervision or assistance.

• Forklift AGVs: forklift automatic guided vehicles are an often utilized kind of AGV in warehouses and distribution centers. They're designed to transfer pallets without the need for a human operator.
• Automated Guided Carts: an automated guided cart is the most rudimentary type of AGV. They can carry all kinds of products, from pallets to small components. AGCs are regularly 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 arrangement. These kinds of automatic guided vehicles are frequently utilized for transferring heavy loads over long spans. Sometimes they are configured to make multiple dropoffs and pickups along their path.
• Unit Load Handlers: unit load handlers carry individual payloads like specific articles, or a discrete pallet or tote.
• Heavy Burden Carriers: these are utilized for extremely heavy payloads 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 production center, you can speak with an expert at Associated.

The Associated Indianapolis service area includes Indianapolis, Evansville, Fishers, Bloomington, Carmel, Lafayette, Greenwood, Terre Haute, Muncie, Kokomo, Anderson, Westfield, Jeffersonville, Columbus and all surrounding areas.

Associated | Indianapolis Forklift Dealer

5905 Decatur Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46241
(317) 821-0300