Körber and Libiao Robotics, global specialist for autonomous mobile robots specialising in sortation, have teamed up to deliver the newest robotics technologies to Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) & Laser guided Vehicles (LGV)
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is a robot or driverless forklift truck designed, built and configured to increase efficiency and reduce costs by helping to automate the movement of goods in a manufacturing facility or warehouse. There are a number of different sizes and types of automatic guided vehicles depending on the application and use. The automated guided vehicle can either be programmed to follow markers or wires in the floor of a warehouse or manufacturing plant or they can work through the use of vision or lasers.
Locus Robotics reaches picking milestone of 250 million units for global retail, industrial, healthcare and 3PL customers
Nov 25, 2020
Locus Robotics, the autonomous mobile robots (AMR) provider for fulfilment warehouses, passed the quarter-billion (250,000,000) units picked volume level heading into the 2020 holiday peak season.
Made for safer machinery and AGVs - Discover the innovative capabilities of the Laser Sentinel Enhanced from Datalogic
Feb 10, 2020
Datalogic has completed the LASER SENTINEL family with the introduction of new ENHANCED models. The new Laser Sentinel Enhanced is a single solution for the safety of both machinery and automated vehicles.
Bold solutions for efficient Intralogistics
Jan 09, 2020
LogiMAT 2020, say the organisers, is already setting new records, filling the entire convention center and drawing more exhibitors than ever before, well before it opens its gates on March 10. Innovations from all areas of intralogistics, many not yet exhibited anywhere else in the world, are sure to inspire and enlighten visitors.
SICK’s NAV-LOC Localisation Sets AGVs Free from Reflectors
Mar 05, 2019
SICK has set Automated Guided Vehicles free from the need for reflectors or other physical markers with the all-in-one NAV-LOC localisation solution, enabling them to navigate more reliably and efficiently around shop floor and warehouse environments.
How mobile robots will transform material handling and logistics industries
Jul 25, 2017
By Dr Khasha Ghaffarzadeh, Research Director, IDTechEx.
Mobile robotics in material handling and logistics will become a $75bn market by 2027. It will then more than double by 2038.
Swisslog proposes Rudolf Weber as member of the Board
Mar 13, 2012
Swisslog has nominated top manager Rudolf Weber for election to the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 18 April 2012.
There has never been a better time to buy Automated Guided Vehicles
Nov 22, 2011
At a time when spiraling business and manufacturing costs mean smarter, leaner solutions are required to make businesses more competitive, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are more cost effective than ever.
Volvo increased productivity with NDC 8 AGVs
Nov 25, 2010
Volvo Car Corporation has increased productivity at its body-in-white plant in Olofstrm,Sweden, thanks to a fleet of AGVs operating under the Kollmorgen NDC8 control platform.
Egemin opens Chinese offices
Nov 24, 2010
Egemin Automation has announced the establishment of two offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong to further support expansion into the Southeast Asian market.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
Sometimes called self-guided vehicles or autonomous guided vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are material handling systems or load carriers that travel autonomously throughout a warehouse, distribution centre, or manufacturing facility, without an onboard operator or driver. They are typically used to move heavy loads over long distances, and can be programmed to follow specific routes or to respond to real-time instructions.
AGVs are the predecessors to mobile robots however they still have a variety of uses within a modern manufacturing or warehouse environment. An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is a different class of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that has more capabilities than an AGV. AMRs are capable of free-movement and real-time path planning that enables them to collaborate in material handling tasks with humans.
AGVs are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional manual handling methods. These advantages include:
- Increased efficiency: AGVs can operate 24/7, without the need for breaks or downtime. This can lead to significant productivity gains.
- Reduced labour costs: AGVs can automate many of the tasks that are currently performed by manual laborers. This can help to reduce labour costs and improve safety.
- Improved accuracy: AGVs can be programmed to follow precise paths, which can help to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of material handling operations.
- Increased flexibility: AGVs can be easily reprogrammed to follow new routes or to respond to changes in demand. This makes them a versatile and adaptable solution for a variety of material handling needs.
In addition, while AGVs are all wheeled vehicles, AMRs come in a variety of locomotion configurations. This includes not only wheeled vehicles, but also tracked vehicles, bipedal robots, quadruped robots, and multi-legged robots.
The 4 main types of AGVs are:
- Automated Guided Cart (AGC)
An automatic guided cart (AGC) is the most basic type of AGV with minimal features that engage carts underneath them to transport them safely. These carts are ideal for transportation and assembly line work. They can transport a variety of materials, from small parts to loaded pallets, and are often used in sorting, storage, and cross-docking applications. Capable of operating with multiple types of navigational options, AGCs make it easy to automate facilities in most industries.
- Automated Tow Tractors/ Towing AGVs
These AGVs are used to tow trailers or other vehicles. They are typically used for long-distance transportation of heavy loads over longer distances.. The autonomous tow tractor with operator platform is designed for load transfers in work areas with restricted space such as factories, warehouse and airport logistics to haul baggage trailers and goods trucks.
- Robotic Forklifts
These technologically-advanced machines can complete tasks and perform workflows with minimal human interference, allowing people to avoid unpleasant or repetitive tasks. AGV forklifts are self-driving vehicles that can operate devices, communicate with other equipment, plan warehouse routes and move items. Types include: Reach Trucks/End Riders/ Counterbalanced Stackers/Tow Tractors
- Unit Load Handlers/AGVs
Unit load handlers carry discrete loads such as individual objects, or a single unit such as a pallet or tote that contains multiple items.
AGVs are a valuable tool for improving the efficiency and productivity of material handling operations. They can help to reduce labor costs, improve accuracy, and increase flexibility. As the technology continues to develop, AGVs are likely to become even more widely used in a variety of industries.
Benefits: Here are some additional benefits of using AGVs
- Improved safety: AGVs can help to reduce workplace accidents by eliminating the need for manual handling of heavy loads.
- Increased visibility: AGVs can be equipped with sensors and cameras that provide real-time information about their location and status. This can help to improve visibility of material flow and identify potential problems.
- Environmental benefits: AGVs can help to reduce the environmental impact of material handling operations by reducing the need for human-powered vehicles.
If you are considering using AGVs in your warehouse or manufacturing facility, there are a number of factors you will need to consider, such as the size of your facility, the types of materials you need to move, and your budget. However, if you are looking for a way to improve the efficiency and productivity of your material handling operations, AGVs are a valuable option.
