E Class | How to Choose the Right AGV for Your Warehouse Operations

In recent years, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have become one of the rapidly developing automated logistics equipment. With the comprehensive promotion of "intelligent manufacturing" and the quick development of e-commerce, the technological revolution triggered by robots is taking place in the field of manufacturing and warehousing logistics.

What is an AGV?

AGV, namely automated guided vehicle, refers to the handling vehicle equipped with automatic guiding devices like electromagnetism, optics, laser, inertia, vision, GPS and coordinate, capable of traveling along the specified path, and with functions of safety protection and various load handling.

AGV, as an indispensable tool for intelligent logistics, has been widely used in the manufacturing industry, contributing to the growth of market demand. There are still many problems in the AGV market, making it difficult for manufacturing companies to choose the right AGV without guidance.

What is an AGV composed of?

AGV is usually composed of the following components.

▪ Vehicle body

▪ Battery and charging device

▪ Drive unit

▪ Guiding device

▪ Communication device

▪ Safety and ancillary devices

▪ Load handling devices

▪ Central control systems

5 benefits of automated guided vehicles (AGVs)

Featuring wheel drive, AGV has the advantages of quick action, high working efficiency, simple structure, high controllability and safety. Compared with other equipment commonly used in material handling, AGV's activity area does not require the laying of tracks, support frames and other fixed devices. Generally, the 5 benefits of automated guided vehicles are as follows:

▪ High working efficiency

▪ High degree of automation, low error rate

▪ Charging automation

▪ More space for cargo

▪ Reduced labor costs

Here are a few things to consider when choosing an AGV

Automated logistics system cannot operate without AGV, but how to choose the AGV suitable for your warehouse operations?

▪ Your budget

Simple, practical and cost-effective AGVs have been the first choice of the mainstream market.

▪ Operating environment

It depends on the production process, site and space, and ground condition.

▪ Navigation modes

Magnetic navigation, QR code, laser navigation, contour navigation.

▪ AGV control task dispatching and systems integration

Whether it is compatible with the already existing systems like MES, WCS, WMS, SAP and ERP.

▪ Supplier selection

Effective program, product quality and process, technical service team, construction quality.

4 steps to choose the right AGV

▪ Determine your demand

Determine the site, space, production process and existing equipment

▪ Establish a technical team

Purchasing, production, process and equipment personnel need to work together to make effective and balanced decisions.

▪ Get product information and select key suppliers

Ask suppliers to provide effective technical solutions, reasonable configuration and product information.

▪ Evaluation and Bidding

Evaluate suppliers' solutions, configurations, prices and construction periods to make the final choice.