Automated guided vehicle (AGV) robots are becoming a powerful addition to expand your automation capabilities. From streamlining internal logistics to increasing throughput, an AGV robot can help you keep growing your automation beyond fixed robotics.
Choosing the right AGV robot involves more than simply comparing specifications. You also need to determine how well a robot will integrate with your programming and design processes.
With the right tools, and this handy guide, you can learn how to ensure a smooth deployment of your AGV robot.
What Is an AGV Robot?
An Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) is a type of mobile robot that navigates without human guidance around a space, such as a warehouse or factory floor. AGV robots are often used to automate the movement of materials or other automation components (such as robot arms) in industrial settings.
The market for AGV robots has risen steadily in the past 5 years, as companies have seen how they can expand on their success with other types of robotic automation.
AGVs vs AMRs… Is There a Difference?
A common distinction is between AGVs and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs).
Both can navigate autonomously. However, AGVs often use fixed markers (such as tracks, paths, or markers) for navigation. AMRs use more advanced algorithms and sensors to navigate in unstructured environments.
While this distinction is relevant, the difference between the two terms is starting to blur. As the technology improves and the need for fixed markers reduces, it seems possible that the more popular term of AGV robot might end up being used for both types.
5 Types of AGV Robots (And Use Cases)
When selecting an AGV robot, it’s helpful to understand the range of use cases and types.
There are many ways you could divide AGV robot types, but here are 5 examples:
1. Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR robot)
As explained above, autonomous mobile robot is a term used to describe a mobile platform with advanced navigational capabilities. They don’t require external navigational fixtures, so are “self driving.”
For example, the Omron robots in the RoboDK Library are actually AMR robots.
2. AGV Pallet Mover
An AGV pallet mover transports empty or loaded pallets around your facilities. They are basically like a self-driving pallet jack.
These can be a great extension to a robotic palletizing application. See our Essential Guide to Robotic Palletizing
3. Tugger AGV
Designed to tow multiple carts like a train, tugger AGVs are a great way to transport more items with a single mobile robot.
A significant benefit to tugger AGVs is their scalability — you can keep adding carts to the train as long as the load falls within the capacity of the robot.
4. Forklift AGV
Similar to pallet movers, a forklift AGV is basically an autonomous forklift truck designed for lifting and stacking pallets.
With applications from assembly, warehousing, and logistics, forklift AGVs can be a great way to add simple automation by replacing manual fork lifting.
5. Hybrid AGV with Robotic Arms
While AGV robots alone can be a game-changer, they become even more powerful when combined with robotic arms.
With RoboDK, you can easily design and simulate hybrid robotic applications with both AGV robots and arms.
What to Look for in an AGV Model
With so many options for AGV and AMR robots, how do you choose between them?
Here are some factors to look for when shopping for an AGV robot:
- Application First — Start with your application. What do you want your AGV robot to do? What objects or other automation technology will it be carrying?
- Payload Capacity — What are the heaviest loads the robot will need to transport? Also consider if the robot will need to pull trailers, as with a tugger AGV.
- Navigation Technology — What range of navigation technologies would work for your application? Would a fixed track be too restrictive? Would a full-featured AMR be too costly? Consider the upper and lower limits of suitable navigation technology.
- Safety Features — What safety features are necessary for the AGV robot to work in your environment?
- Integration Capabilities — How easily will the AGV robot integrate with other automation components? Using a versatile robot programming tool, [like RoboDK,][RKSIM] can significantly ease the roadblocks to integration.
By focusing on these factors, you can select an AGV model optimized for your current application and longer-term automation goals.
How RoboDK Helps You Program AGV Robots
Choosing the right AGV model is just half the story. The real challenge comes when programming and deploying it effectively to meet your facility’s unique workflows.
RoboDK simplifies programming for a vast range of automation projects, including those with AGV robots.
With a rich set of simulation features, an extensive library of over 1,000 robot models, and advanced programming options, you can easily integrate mobile robotics into your application.
3 AGV Models from the RoboDK Library
It’s straightforward to add any robot model to RoboDK. However, there are AGV robots already supported in our extensive robot library, which you can download and start using immediately.
Here are 3 that you can find:
- Omron LD-60 — With a payload capacity up to 60 kg, this AMR from the Omron LD series is ideal for light material transport in compact facilities.
- Omron LD-250 — Built for mid-sized loads of up to 250 kg, this LD series robot is perfect for warehouses needing efficient pallet or container movement.
- Omron HD-1500 — A heavy-duty AMR from the Omron HD series, this can transport loads up to 1,500 kg.
If your AGV robot isn’t currently available in the RoboDK library, don’t worry! You can easily add it yourself through our Create Mechanism or Robot feature , or get in contact with us to ask if we can add it for you.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Right AGV
Investing in an AGV robot isn’t just about the vehicle itself. It’s about building a system that seamlessly integrates into your facility and evolves as your automation needs change.
RoboDK makes AGV programming simple, reliable, and scalable. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize an existing application, RoboDK helps you minimize guesswork and deployment risks, so your AGV robots perform as expected from day one.
What applications would benefit from an AGV robot in your business? Join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel
