Types of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles)

Types of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles)

1. Classification by Load-Handling Method

1. Forklift AGV
   • Function: Equipped with forks to automatically pick up and transport palletized goods.
   • Characteristics: Suitable for shelf stacking and high-position storage, commonly used in warehousing and logistics.
   • Subtypes: Pallet forklift, wide-foot stacker, and footless stacker.
2. Towing AGV
   • Function: Pulls unpowered trolleys via a rear hitch mechanism, ideal for bulk material transportation.
   • Characteristics: High load capacity (up to tens of tons), widely used in automotive manufacturing and large-scale warehouses.
3. Backpack AGV
   • Function: Directly carries goods (e.g., shelves, containers) on its platform.
   • Characteristics: High flexibility, suitable for compact spaces in electronics manufacturing and small production lines.
4. Under-vehicle AGV
   • Function: Moves under trolleys or shelves, lifts them, and transports goods.
   • Characteristics: Small size, suitable for dense storage centers or narrow aisles.
5. Transfer AGV
   • Function: Uses rollers, belts, or other mechanisms to seamlessly connect with production lines for automatic material transfer.
   • Characteristics: Commonly used in automotive manufacturing and home appliance assembly lines.
6. Clamping AGV
   • Function: Transports reels or non-palletized goods (e.g., paper, steel) using hydraulic clamps.
   • Characteristics: Applied in industries like papermaking, printing, and steel.

2. Classification by Navigation Technology

1. Magnetic/Strip Navigation: Requires magnetic tracks or strips, low cost but limited path flexibility.
2. Laser Navigation: Uses laser scanning for environmental mapping, offering flexible path planning and high precision.
3. Vision Navigation: Relies on cameras to identify environmental features, adaptable to complex scenarios.
4. RFID/QR Code Navigation: Achieves positioning by reading ground labels, with moderate precision.
5. Hybrid Navigation: Combines multiple technologies (e.g., laser + inertial) for enhanced reliability.

3. Classification by Load Capacity

• Light-Duty AGV: ≤500 kg, suitable for electronics and food industries.
• Medium-Duty AGV: 500 kg–2 tons, common in general manufacturing.
• Heavy-Duty AGV: ≥2 tons, used in heavy-load sectors like construction machinery and steel metallurgy.

4. Classification by Application Scenario

1. Industrial Manufacturing: Transports raw materials and components (e.g., towing and forklift AGVs).
2. Warehousing & Logistics: Handles shelf storage and sorting (e.g., under-vehicle and transfer AGVs).
3. Special Environments: Explosion-proof AGVs (chemical industry), high-temperature AGVs (metallurgy), etc.
4. Service Industry: Used for food delivery, patrols, etc. (e.g., backpack AGVs).

5. Other Classifications

• By Drive Method: Single-wheel drive, differential drive, omnidirectional drive.
• By Control Type: Conventional (pre-programmed paths) vs. intelligent (autonomous decision-making).

Selection Recommendations

• Define Requirements: Choose based on material type, load capacity, and environment.
• Space Layout: Opt for under-vehicle or backpack AGVs in narrow areas; select towing AGVs for open spaces.
• Intelligence Level: Consider AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) with laser/vision navigation for complex scenarios.