Automated Guided Vehicles: An Introduction To AGVs

Answering your AGV questions

What is an automatic guided vehicle system?

For many people, AGVs are still unknown and so it’s no surprise that people ask “What is an AGV?'.  

Sometimes referred to as autonomous guided vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are a type of material handling system that travel autonomously - without the need for an operator or driver.  As a self guided vehicle, they improve efficiency and material flow by automating repetitive tasks. A range of different types of automatic guided vehicles exist including forklift AGV systems, towing AGV and tugger AGV systems, unit load AGVs, automated guided cart systems and automated load carriers.  

What are the benefits of a towing AGV system? 

A towing AGV system enables businesses across industrial manufacturing and logistics to drive operational efficiency, increase resource utilisation and reduce non-value adding tasks in their material handling processes.

With the rise in industrial automation, many businesses look to automatic guided vehicles to streamline the movement of heavy materials and loads, eliminating the need for human involvement.  

What industries use automated guided vehicle systems?

If you're interested in an automated guided vehicle system or autonomous vehicles, you're probably wondering what industries use them. Automation and automated equipment is becoming increasingly more accessible and adoption of automated technologies is no longer just seen in automotive environments.

Our AGV systems are used across industrial manufacturing, from plastics and metal manufacturing to automotive assembly.

Likewise, the repetitive nature of intralogistics processes in distribution and logistics continues to drive an increase in warehouse automation systems and automated guided vehicles. 

What is the difference between an automated guided vehicle (AGV) and an autonomous mobile robot (AMR)? 

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) differ primarily in their navigation capabilities.

AGVs rely on pre-defined routes or markers to follow a fixed path within a controlled environment, requiring physical infrastructure for guidance. In contrast, an autonomous mobile robot utilises advanced sensor systems and algorithms to autonomously navigate without the need for fixed infrastructure or predetermined routes.

AMRs can perceive their surroundings, avoid obstacles, and dynamically plan paths in real-time. AMRs are most commonly used to move lighter loads, with the most common design being a unit carrier or load carrier. 

What navigation technology do MasterMover automated guided vehicle systems use?

Our advanced AGVs feature best-in-class Autonomous Navigation Technology (ANT) by BlueBotics. ANT natural navigation requires no external infrastructure. Using sensors, the AGV maps its surrounding, during training, resulting in no need to reconstruct warehouse or production environments.  

But aren’t AGVs complex to install?

The different types of AGVs and their corresponding navigational methods dictate the ease of installation. For example, a line following system, an AGV system in its’ most simplistic form, enables simple cost-effective installation by simply sticking a line of tape that the machine follows.

For more complex systems, a reputable supplier will work with you to arrange installation at your site.

What happens if the AGV encounters an obstacle?

Our AGV integrates sensors and various components that receive, process and analyse data in real time and act accordingly. When an autonomous guided vehicle encounters an obstacle on its route, such as a pallet or person, it will stop if it detects that it could harm the operators. 

How will automation affect my employees?

AGV perfectly complements your existing workforce. AGVs do the heavy manual work, Removing or reducing the need for your staff to move materials, allowing your people to spend more time doing greater-value tasks. 

How does an AGV know where to go?

Our AGV navigation technologies include:

Line follow: A painted or magnetic line on the floor.

The AGV follows only the painted or magnetic line (including markers to tell it where to stop or change direction).

Natural: A navigation that requires no external infrastructure.

The AGV maps its surroundings using sensors during training runs, and stores the data onboard. 

Can it work outside?

Our AGVs, unlike others, are built to operate indoors, outdoors, on slopes, uneven terrain and even in the rain, ensuring production and manufacturing processes can reduce downtime with autonomous load moving between buildings. 

How fast can an AGV travel?

MasterMover AGVs travel up to 2.5m per second, even with a heavy load. AGVs are capable of adapting to the surrounding environment, slowing down at certain points i.e. through high pedestrian areas and then speeding up when necessary.