United Kingdom
Deutschland
France
Belgium
Bulgaria
Česká Republika
Croatia
Denmark
España
Finland
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italia
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Nederland
Norway
Österreich
Polska
Portugal
Romania
Schweiz
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Türkiye
United States
Canada
Argentina
Brasil
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala
Jamaica
México
.svg.png?width=24&name=Flag_of_Peru_(state).svg.png){kind=small}
Peru
Trinidad and Tobago
.png?width=24&name=Flag_of_Uruguay_(1828-1830).png){kind=small}
Uruguay
Australia
中国
中国香港
India
Indonesia
日本
대한민국
Malaysia
New Zealand
Pakistan
Philippines
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
UAE
Vietnam
Algeria
Egypt
Kenya
Mauritius
Morocco
South Africa
Tunisia
What is an AGV?
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is a material handling system that travels autonomously without the need for an operator. With AGVs delivering significant efficiency gains, manufacturers across a range of industries are increasingly adopting the technology to mobilise their operations. Across the manufacturing industry, the term AGV has become a buzzword, but what are they and how do automated guided vehicles work?
With the increasing interest in AGVs and Industry 4.0 technologies, we’ve put together this quick blog to equip you with the knowledge to understand AGV offerings and the benefits they can deliver.
Line follow
Set to follow a defined path that can be specified by the operator. Line follow capabilities make sure AGVs follow the same route time after time, even when working in tight spaces or moving loads through areas with minimal clearance.
Barcodes can also be placed on the ground, or other similar identifiable prompts, for the machines to scan for additional programmed information, such as slowing down through a specific area. This makes the environment safer and reduces the risk of damage to high-value loads, the premises, and people.
Natural navigation
The most sophisticated form of AGV, natural navigation machines use sensors and scanning systems to navigate autonomously by detecting and mapping the environment around them to move around obstacles.
The sensors ensure a programmed response to any detected risk and the units will stop until the hazard has been moved away.
8 benefits of AGV systems
Now you understand the differences and types of AGV technology available, the next question you’ve probably got is “What are the benefits of an AGV system?”.
From delivering repeatable movements to increasing safety within congested production environments, AGV systems can provide an array of benefits for industrial manufacturing environments.
-
1. AGVs improve efficiency and throughput
Without the need for an operator, AGV systems dramatically reduce bottlenecks and downtime associated with waiting for licensed drivers or operators.
-
2. They deliver consistent movements
Automated guided vehicles deliver repeatable movements, every time. This delivers safe, precise movements by removing room for human error.
-
3. They reduce labour time
Freeing up employees for value-adding tasks help you make better use of your people and address potential labour shortages.
-
4. They lower costs
They deliver a greater return on investment by optimising people resources and facilitating a 24/7 operation.
AGV systems can also help to reduce accidents and injuries, which can lead to lower insurance premiums and compensation claims.
-
5. They’re flexible and scalable
Can be easily switched to a manual operation mode to move any wheeled load within their weight capability. This enables them to carry out a wider range of tasks, delivering a flexible solution that allows you to scale up or down operations as needed.
-
6. They’re safe
AGVs are equipped with collision avoidance sensors and extensive safety systems to keep people, products, and plant equipment safe.
-
7. They’re customisable
They can be fully customised to fit the specific needs of your processes and operations.
-
8. They’re environmentally friendly
They are emissions-free and help reduce noise pollution and as they’re 100% electric.
