Why AGV Mobile Robots?

 

What are the benefits of AGV mobile robots? 

There are several benefits. One of the main benefits to investing in mobile robots is increased productivity which ultimately allows you to do more with less. Mobile robot vehicles also increase warehouse throughput, reduce labor and operational costs, reduce handling and storage costs as well as reduce human error.

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In what applications should mobile robots be used?  

A few of the main applications where AGV mobile robots are used include automotive, pharmaceuticals, healthcare & hospitals, food and beverage, packaging, paper/printing, production, and warehouse & distribution. They can transport a variety of materials including pallets, rolls, racks, carts, containers, and more. 

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Why should my company consider implementing AGVs into our workflow? 

AGV mobile robot vehicles increase efficiency and productivity, improve safety and save money. Typical return on investment is generally 2 years or less. 

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What is the throughput of AGV mobile robots? 

Every operation is unique but a good rule of thumb for most environments is 8-10 trips per hour per AGV.

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What are the environmental benefits of mobile robots? 

Some operations use propane or diesel to power their manual forklifts. Mobile robot vehicles run on rechargeable batteries rather than fuel which is cleaner for the environment. Mobile robots are also quiet and have low noise pollution. Since AGVs are following a preset path, they also rarely cause damage to buildings unlike manual forklifts.

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What are the main differences between hired labor and AGV mobile robots?

One difference between hired labor and AGVs is that workers are unpredictable while mobile robots are predictable. Though hired labor does have their place within the workplace, they take sick days, are not always working to their maximum capacity, can get injured, make careless mistakes, damage products, etc. Mobile robots on the other hand, follow a predetermined path continuously moving product only stopping if they need to be charged or if an object or person is in its way. Also, hired labor receives financial compensation every time they work, while AGVs cost up front then pay for themselves.

 

AGV Mobile Robots 101

 

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I’ve heard of AGVs, AGCs, and AMRs...what is the difference? 

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) navigates using traditional navigation methods such as magnetic tape or laser reflectors. There is a software manager telling an AGV what to do. The vehicle stays on its programmed path and stops if an obstacle occurs. An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is a self-driving robot that freely navigates without a guidance system put into place. They are able to define their own paths and avoid obstacles when needed. Automated guided carts (AGCs) are mobile platform robots that drive underneath carts to transport them. They are smaller and the load remains on top of the cart in transport. 

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What are the main components that make up an AGV mobile robot system? 

A mobile robot system is made up of the vehicle itself, the road network, and the fleet manager. The vehicles can be thought of as the arms and legs doing the actual work while the software coordinating the entire operation can be seen as the brain behind the scenes. The road network is individual to each warehouse and is used as a guide for the software to tell the vehicles where to go. 

 

Are mobile robots safe? 

One of the main advantages of mobile robots is that they are safer than manual forklifts. AGVs are equipped with several safety sensors that prevent them from coming into contact with people or things. 

 

How much weight can a mobile robot carry? 

The weight a mobile robot can carry depends on the type and design of the robot. General payloads range from around 2,000 to 20,000 pounds. At America in Motion, we build custom vehicles so we can accommodate any load size. 

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Can AGVs drive outdoors?

AGV mobile robots can be modified to accommodate outdoor conditions.