Introduction to Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Systems

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have the ability to be transformational when it comes to driving operational efficiency within industrial manufacturing. Featuring best-in-class navigation and safety technologies, AGVs remove the need for human operation, carrying out movement of products, equipment and materials on time, every time.

This not only makes the operation more efficient but protects your people from the stresses and injuries associated with manual handling, or higher risk load moving solutions. Furthermore, it also means your people can focus on tasks of greater value, driving additional ROI and efficiency.

AGV in Action: Toyota

Learn how Toyota Motor Manufacturing used an AGV system to automate its driving processes.

A world-leader in its field, the automotive manufacturer has achieved return on investment and improved operational efficiency when moving parts to the production line…

Increased Return on Investment

AGVs deliver greater ROI through increased efficiency and safety, better use of people resources, less risk of mechanical failure and greater flexibility.

Maximum Safety Built-In

With in-built safety systems, environmental scanners, and optimum surrounding awareness – increased safety comes as standard.

Efficiency Supercharged

Drive operational efficiency by carrying out tasks on time and at the optimal speed. Enjoy flexible layouts without the constraints of fixed infrastructure.

Scalable Pulling Power

Our AGV systems are available with a capacity up to 30,000kg, enabling automated movement of even the heaviest of loads.

Delivering return on investment

An AGV can reach an ROI of between 50% and 150% when used for a single-shift over 3 years.

This can be dramatically increased to over 600% when the machine is used as part of a three-shift operation over a 5-year period.

An AGV that fits your application

Regardless of your current phase, we understand that switching to an AGV system is an investment, even if it is one that will inevitably deliver increased ROI, efficiency and safety. Our skilled and experienced team is here to guide you with our tried and tested approach.

Our 5-step process:

1. The right machine for you

Firstly, we put time into understanding your application.
2. The right navigation for your site

We’ll explore which navigation system works best.
3. The right dispatch commands

Next, our team will look at how the AGV gets its instructions to move or ‘pulse’ to the next location.
4. Integration with your systems

Then, we look at where other system integrations are needed.
5. Optimise your safety systems

Depending on the environment and application, identifying the right safety systems is key.

Weight Capacity

Move up to 30,000kg, enabling automated movement of even the heaviest of loads.

Speed

MasterMover AGVs travel up to 2.5m per second even with heavier loads.

Terrain

Designed to travel inside, outside, in the rain, and even on slopes.

Durability

All MasterMover products are manufactured to the highest standards, meaning they are reliable, durable and dependable.

Dual Mode

Easily be utilised for other tasks and jobs, helping drive additional ROI and flexibility.

Intelligence

Our AGV does not rely upon WiFi like many other AGVs to operate.

Battery Capacity

With a runtime of 10 hours, and 24 hours using multiple batteries. Operational efficiency is maximised.

Custom Solutions

Our in-house team can design and build entire solutions, in stainless steel, and to ATEX and IP55 standards if required.

Answering your AGV questions

What is natural navigation?

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.

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 heavier loads. 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.

Compact (Up to 6,000kg)

Performance (Up to 70,000kg)

SmartMover

MasterTow

MasterTug

AllTerrain

MasterHandler

PowerSteered

Trailer Moving System

ATEX/IECEx

Stainless Steel

Supercharge your production with total control

Safe and secure material handling across defence

Reduce maintenance turnaround times with electric tugs

Shifting efficiency up a gear

Optimising automotive supply chain efficiency

Heavy-duty solutions for powerful movements

Maximum flexibility to meet demand and reduce costs

Reducing downtime in trailer movement

Eliminating manual handling to accelerate efficiency

Boost production efficiency without compromising on safety

The power to maximise control

Unlock greater operational efficiency

Precise and controlled movements for hazardous environments

Control high-value loads with confidence

Safe movement of baggage trolleys in busy airports

Bin moving made easy

Eliminating manual handling and improving staff safety

Effortless movement of waste bins and containers

Boost labour productivity and production efficiency

A safer way to move nested roll cages

Eliminating manual handling in food manufacturing

Reducing aches and strains in meat processing

Precise and controlled movement of high-value loads

Safe control of delicate loads

Large reels handled with precision

Seamless movement of loads, maximising control

Moving modular buildings just got easier

Compact paper reel handling equipment that maximises safety

Safely move stillages and hoppers

Safe, efficient movement of loads in manufacture and maintenance

Reduce downtime to maximise production flow

Safer handling of loads in textile manufacturing

Transforming logistics operations to maximise efficiency

Making safe store deliveries a one-person job

A safer way to move roll cages

Efficient trailer movement for busy depots

Safer pharmaceutical material handling

Remove manual handling and reduce staff fatigue

Maximise safety and suite uptime

Customer Support

Approved Parts

Fully Autonomous Load Moving

Introduction to Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Systems

AGV in Action: Toyota

Built with benefits to supercharge your processes

Delivering return on investment

Maximising safety for people and operating environments

Intelligent safety rated features

High level scanner

Outdoor weather detection

Speed adaptive safety system

Low level safety scanner

Awareness and warning features

Flashing safety lights

Audio beacons and warnings

Emergency stop/Anti-crush button

Blue light/light curtain

An AGV that fits your application

Why we're different. Our AGV capability

Ready to learn more?

Answering your AGV questions

Ready to talk? Request a consultation

Read the latest AGV news