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Imagine a factory where robots are the delivery drivers! That's the reality of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), a key player in today's high-tech manufacturing world.

These intelligent machines are revolutionizing industries across the globe, from sleek car plants to healthcare facilities. While they might look a bit like self-driving cars, AGVs are specifically designed for the controlled environment of a factory or warehouse, ensuring smooth and efficient material movement.

How they work

AGVs navigate pre-defined paths, precisely transporting goods. They utilize various navigation methods, including magnetic guidance, laser guidance, and vision guidance. Onboard computers and sensors guide their movements, enabling them to perform tasks such as material transport, warehousing, and order fulfillment.

Here’s where we can help!

• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Sensors- use Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) and 360-degree scanning, that creates a 3D map of AGV surroundings. By rapidly scanning the environment, they can detect obstacles like walls, machinery and even people.
• Through-Beam Sensors – by using a transmitter and receiver positioned opposite each other, an object interrupting the light beam signals the AGV to stop or adjust its path

• Retro-Reflective Sensors- these are all-in-one transmitter and receiver in the same housing, with a reflector positioned opposite. If an object interrupts the beam between the sensor and the reflector, the AGV is alerted.
• Position Sensing – photoelectric sensors can be used to detect markers or lines on the floor, presence or absence of objects and create safety zones to help the AGV maintain its position on the designated path.

• Ultrasonic Sensors – used to detect objects in the immediate vicinity such as walls, pallets or other vehicles allowing the AGV to adjust its path, slow down or stop. These sensors can also be used to assist the precise positioning of the AGV for loading and unloading operations.
• HMIs/ PLCs – acting as a central control for the AGV, a PLC coordinates all the vehicles actions and interactions with its environment.

As technology advances, the extensive line of vendors we support offers solutions for every application. With warehouses and manufacturing facilities embracing increased automation, we are here to assist. Our vendor network provides a wide range of products to meet the evolving needs of these industries.