// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Automated Guided Vehicle
A driverless vehicle that follows predefined paths, such as lines or wires, to move materials or products within a factory or warehouse. This is the full term for AGV.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) is a mobile robot system that navigates along fixed routes using guidance technologies (e.g., magnetic tape, laser guidance) to automate material transport and logistics within industrial and warehousing operations.
BACKGROUND
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is a portable robot that, unlike an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), follows along marked long lines or wires on the floor, or uses radio waves, vision cameras, magnets, or lasers for navigation. They are most often used in industrial applications to transport heavy materials around a large industrial building, such as a factory or warehouse. The application of AGVs broadened during the late 20th century.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- AGV
- automated cart
- guided transport vehicle
- driverless vehicle
USAGE NOTE
Primarily used for repetitive, point-to-point material handling, improving consistency and reducing labor costs.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Automated Guided Vehicle.
A German multinational manufacturer of materials handling equipment, whose brands like Dematic and Linde Material Handling provide a wide range of AGVs and automated solutions for intralogistics and factory automation.
A global leader in material handling systems, Daifuku develops and manufactures a comprehensive line of automated guided vehicles, including their SmartCart AGVs, for transport and assembly line processes in various industries.
JBT provides a diverse portfolio of automated systems solutions, including a long-standing and robust line of Automated Guided Vehicles used extensively in manufacturing, warehousing, and hospital environments for material transport.
A key player in industrial automation, Omron develops advanced autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), a flexible and intelligent evolution of AGVs, designed to navigate dynamic environments in factories and warehouses without predefined routes.
A Japanese company specializing in factory automation and logistics systems. Muratec develops a wide variety of AGVs, from overhead hoist transport (OHT) for cleanrooms to unit-load vehicles for distribution centers.
A leading provider of motion systems and components. Kollmorgen develops the underlying control technology, including software, hardware, and navigation systems (like their NDC Solutions platform), that powers AGVs for many vehicle manufacturers.
Seegrid specializes in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that use proprietary Vision Guided Vehicle (VGV) technology. Their robots learn and navigate using cameras and algorithms, offering a flexible alternative to traditional AGVs.
A division of Toyota Industries Corporation, this company is a world leader in material handling equipment. They develop a range of automated solutions, including automated forklifts, tow tractors, and AGVs, for logistics and manufacturing.
A global provider of modular warehousing and logistics solutions. SSI Schaefer develops and integrates a wide portfolio of AGVs and AMRs as part of their comprehensive intralogistics systems for smart factories and distribution centers.