types of agvs features and application

Automated Guided Vehicles, also known as AGVs, are self-guided vehicles that are designed to move materials or products from one location to another within a manufacturing, distribution, or warehouse facility. These vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors, computer systems, and control algorithms that enable them to navigate through complex environments without human intervention. AGVs are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. In this article, we will discuss the different types of AGV features, applications, and benefits.

Types of AGVs

There are several types of AGVs available in the market today, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Here are some of the most common types of AGVs:

backpack-type cargo-carrying robot

AGV directly carries the load-bearing goods;

Backpack-style AGV is used to automatically transport goods by placing materials, boxes, cartons, or installing trays, racks, and other equipment directly on the top of the AGV;

Materials or material boxes can be placed directly on the AGV to transport materials to multiple stations, suitable for production systems with frequent transportation and long material supply cycles.

End towing agv robotic 

Use material carts, hand-operated hydraulic forklifts with attached casters, and other equipment directly attached to the rear end of the AGV for material handling.

Hang the material cart on the AGV and use the rear traction hook device of the AGV to tow the material cart back and forth for transportation work.

A traction mechanism device needs to be installed at the front end of each material cart, connected to the hook at the rear end of the AGV, to achieve the function of rear-end towing of the material cart by the AGV.

Under cart towing agv robot 

The top of the AGV is equipped with an electric traction pin mechanism.

The AGV sneaks into the bottom of the material cart and automatically tows and unloads the material cart by the rising and falling of the electric traction pin at the top of the AGV, thus achieving the automatic submergence of the AGV to tow and transport the material cart.

UP lifting agv robot 

The top of the AGV is equipped with a lifting mechanism.

The AGV sneaks into the bottom of the material cart and automatically lifts and unloads the material cart by the rising and falling of the lifting mechanism at the top of the AGV, thus achieving the automatic lifting and transportation of the material cart by the AGV.

automatic docking and conveying type automatic guided vehicle 

The top of the AGV can be equipped with conveyor platforms such as rollers, conveyor belts, and synchronous belts.

The conveyor platform on the AGV can automatically dock with the conveyor line or production line, automatically transfer the materials carried on the AGV to the conveyor line, or automatically recover the materials on the conveyor line to the conveyor platform on the AGV, and then the AGV automatically docks and transports the materials to the next docking conveyor line, completing the automatic feeding and unloading of the production line.

Agv forklift 

Can automatically pick up and place cardboards or pallets on the ground.

Can automatically pick up and place cardboards or pallets stored on storage racks.

Can replace traditional manual forklift operations, automatically pick up and transport cardboards or pallet materials

Classfity based on types 

Tow Vehicles: Tow vehicles are designed to move carts or trailers loaded with materials or products. These AGVs have a towing mechanism that is attached to the cart or trailer, and they can move multiple carts or trailers at the same time. Tow vehicles are commonly used in industries such as automotive, where they are used to transport car bodies and engines between production lines.

Unit Load Vehicles: Unit load vehicles are designed to move individual items or pallets of materials or products. These AGVs are equipped with a platform or forks that can lift and transport heavy loads. Unit load vehicles are commonly used in industries such as warehousing, where they are used to transport pallets of goods between storage areas and shipping docks.

Assembly Line Vehicles: Assembly line vehicles are designed to transport components and finished products between different stages of the production process. These AGVs are equipped with specialized sensors and software that enable them to navigate through complex assembly lines and avoid obstacles. Assembly line vehicles are commonly used in industries such as automotive, where they are used to transport car components between different production stations.

Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrid vehicles are a combination of tow vehicles and unit load vehicles. These AGVs are designed to move both carts or trailers loaded with materials or products and individual items or pallets of materials or products. Hybrid vehicles are commonly used in industries such as logistics, where they are used to transport both individual items and bulk quantities of goods.

Features of AGVs

AGVs are equipped with a variety of features that enable them to perform their tasks efficiently and safely. Here are some of the most common features of AGVs:

Navigation Systems: AGVs are equipped with advanced navigation systems that enable them to move autonomously through complex environments. These systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, and software to detect and avoid obstacles, and to follow predefined paths.

Safety Systems: AGVs are equipped with safety systems that ensure the safety of workers and other equipment in the facility. These systems include sensors that detect obstacles and stop the AGV when necessary, as well as warning lights and sounds that alert workers to the presence of the AGV.

Communication Systems: AGVs are equipped with communication systems that enable them to interact with other equipment and systems in the facility. These systems include wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID.

Load Handling Systems: AGVs are equipped with load handling systems that enable them to pick up and transport materials and products. These systems include platforms, forks, and clamps that can be customized to handle different types of loads.

Battery Systems: AGVs are powered by battery systems that enable them to operate for extended periods without the need for recharging. These systems are designed to be easily replaceable, allowing the AGV to operate continuously.

Applications of AGVs

AGVs are used in a variety of applications across different industries. Here are some of the most common applications of AGVs