With the wave of Industry 4.0 sweeping the world, the demand for smart factories to improve operational efficiency and productivity is becoming more and more urgent. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), as the key technology for logistics and transport in smart factories, have become the ultimate tool for improving efficiency with their powerful functions and significant advantages, completely changing the mode of transport and management of materials in the manufacturing and logistics fields.

What is AGV?

AGV is a kind of intelligent material handling equipment equipped with automatic guiding devices such as electromagnetic or optical devices, capable of travelling autonomously along preset paths and completing all kinds of tasks accurately and reliably. Unlike traditional manual or semi-automatic material handling methods, automated guided vehicles do not require human intervention, which greatly reduces the risk of errors and accidents.

15 Ton AGV Video

Key Component Systems of AGV

Control Management System

As the ‘brain’ of AGV, the control management system is responsible for receiving mission commands and using advanced algorithms and sensing technologies for path planning, mission execution, and safety management. It can optimise the running path of automatic guided vehicle, reasonably allocate resources, and effectively avoid traffic congestion in the factory.

Navigation System

With the help of laser scanning, image recognition, and other technologies, the navigation system helps AGV to perceive the surrounding environment and achieve accurate positioning. By accurately measuring its position in relation to obstacles, it ensures that automated transfer cart arrives at its destination safely and accurately.

Battery Power Supply System

The high-performance battery power supply system provides energy for the continuous operation of AGV. It has long-lasting capability, and most AGV support automatic charging and can automatically return to the charging pile for charging when the power is insufficient.

Drive System

The drive system, which consists of motor, reducer, transfer case and tyres, is the power source of automated transfer trolley movement. It can move accurately and steer flexibly according to the instructions of the control management system and the guidance of the navigation system.

Safety Protection System

AGV is equipped with a safety protection system that includes a variety of sensors and obstacle avoidance devices to monitor the surrounding environment in real time. Once an obstacle is detected, AGV will immediately stop or change its traveling route to ensure safe operation.

AGV Application Scenarios

Manufacturing

1. Automobile Manufacturing: In automobile production, automated transfer carts are responsible for transporting heavy parts such as engines and gearboxes, adapting to the high-yield and fast-paced production environment, and ensuring the smooth operation of production lines.
2. 3C Industry: 3C products have delicate and fragile parts, automated guided vehicle can gently and accurately transport circuit boards, displays, and other parts, reducing the risk of damage during transport.
3. Apparel and Textile: In apparel factories, automated transfer cart can transport rolls of fabric, garments, etc. Their ability to operate flexibly in narrow aisles and congested areas suits the needs of this industry.
4. Tyre Manufacturing: AGV are used in tyre factories to transport raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products, improving production efficiency and reducing labour costs.

Logistics and Warehousing

1. Automated Warehouse: In automated warehouses, AGV work with robotic arms and conveyor belts to complete the picking, transporting, and storing of goods, and build an efficient and seamless warehouse operation system.
2. Flexible Manufacturing System: Flexible manufacturing system relies on AGV to transport workpieces between different machines and production units to achieve rapid reorganisation of production lines and meet diversified customer needs.
3. Flexible Transport System: In the flexible transport system, automated guided vehicle can be flexibly customised according to the needs of different production processes to enhance the flexibility of material transport.

3 Significant Benefits of AGV

Dramatic Increase in Productivity

• Round-the-clock operation: Automated guided vehicles can work 24 hours a day to achieve continuous production in factories, significantly increasing the total amount of production and completing more production tasks on time.
• Efficient material transport: AGV transports materials quickly, reduces waiting time, effectively alleviates production bottlenecks, and accelerates work flow in the factory.
• Accurate and stable operation: AGV operate accurately according to procedures, ensuring that materials are delivered on time and accurately, reducing errors and rework, and further improving production efficiency.

Significant Cost Reductions

• Reduced labour costs: Automated AGV reduce reliance on large numbers of people, resulting in significant cost savings in wages, benefits and training.
• Low maintenance costs: AGV are highly reliable and durable, requiring low maintenance, and maintenance can be scheduled during non-production hours, reducing losses due to downtime.
• Optimised use of resources: AGV reduce energy consumption and equipment wear and tear by optimising routing and operation, resulting in more sustainable production and lower operating costs.

Improved Safety

• Avoid human error: Compared with manual material handling equipment, automated guided vehicles operate autonomously and have safety protection, effectively avoiding accidents caused by human error and ensuring employee safety.
• Real-time monitoring and warning: AGV sensors and monitoring systems detect potential safety hazards in real time, automatically stop or change routes in case of danger, and send alerts to the control centre.
• Compliance with safety standards: Automated guided vehicles are designed and manufactured in strict compliance with safety standards to ensure safe operation in all types of industrial environments, helping companies to meet safety regulations and avoid penalties.