What are Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AVGs)?

Autonomous Robots are becoming the new normal as they get integrated into industrial settings as well as our everyday lives. It’s not all robot arms and security mobile robots though, a lot of current autonomous robots resemble normal warehouse objects like conveyor belts and palette jacks. Whether moving or positioning objects, accessing dangerous environments, handling hazardous materials like medical waste, or simply helping out around the house, there is a tremendous demand for autonomous mobile robots.

Not only do they perform tasks that are difficult, repetitive, or inconvenient for human labour, but they also carry them out correctly and are especially effective where precision is required. Especially in hospitals performing infection control, medical services, medical waste delivery, biochemical specimen delivery, and general medical tasks. Another growing market is in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry where robots play a crucial role in the surveillance and military operations. In the oil and gas (O&G) industry, they are expected to be invaluable tools in pipeline inspections thanks to their ability to photograph the interior of the structures to help identify cracks or faults.

Automated Guided Carts (AGV)

An automatic guided cart (AGC) is the most basic type of AGV with minimal features. Navigation systems can range from systems as simple as magnetic tape to complex, sensor-based navigation systems that use AI to navigate their environment.  They can transport a variety of materials, from small parts to loaded pallets, and are often used in sorting, storage, and cross-docking applications. Delivery services like Amazon, UPS, and food delivery services are beginning to reduce human intervention by delivering items to your door via drones and other autonomous delivery robots.

Forklift AGVs

Fork vehicles, or forklift automatic guided vehicles, are another commonly used type of AGV. They’re designed to perform the same functions a human-operated forklift performs (transporting pallets), but without the need for a human operator.

Towing AGVs

Towing vehicles, or tugger automatic guided vehicles, pull one or more non-powered, load-carrying vehicles behind them in a train-like formation. Sometimes called driverless trains, powered towing vehicles travel on wheels. Tugger automatic guided vehicles are often used for transporting heavy loads over longer distances. They may have several drop-off and pick-up stops along a defined path through a warehouse or factory.

Towing AGVs

Towing vehicles, or tugger automatic guided vehicles, pull one or more non-powered, load-carrying vehicles behind them in a train-like formation. Sometimes called driverless trains, powered towing vehicles travel on wheels. Tugger automatic guided vehicles are often used for transporting heavy loads over longer distances. They may have several drop-off and pick-up stops along a defined path through a warehouse or factory.

Unit Load Handlers

Unit load handlers carry discrete loads such as individual objects, or a single unit such as a pallet or tote that contains multiple items.

Conclusion

Autonomous mobile robots  (AMRs) are typically more technologically advanced than other types of AGVs. While many AGVs use fixed navigation systems, such as wires or magnetic tape, many AMRs are equipped with intelligent navigation capabilities such as sensors and camera systems that enable them to detect and navigate around obstacles. Thanks to more sophisticated technology, AMRs can dynamically navigate a warehouse or other facility and plan the most efficient paths.

If you’re looking for high-end DC brushed and brushless motors for your autonomous guided vehicles, consider us, AssunMotor. With reliable and efficient motors, your AGVs can navigate complex environments with ease. Contact us today to learn more about their products and how they can help optimize your autonomous mobile robot operations.

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