Automated Guided Vehicle AGV
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is a type of self-propelled mobile robot that automates the transport of raw materials, work-in-process goods, and finished products within a facility. They can automate and provide continuous, efficient movement for various inbound and outbound applications.
These include moving raw materials to manufacturing production lines, product storage and retrieval, inventory replenishment for order picking operations, and loading docks. AGVs handle tasks typically handled by forklifts, conveyors, and manual carts without human intervention or guidance.
Multiple types of AGVs are available to address a variety of operational requirements, including:
- Automated guided carts
- Forklift AGVs
- Towing or tugger AGVs
- Unit load handler
- Heavy burden carriers
- Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)
Most automated guided vehicles follow predetermined paths in the warehouse, using sensors and other guidance technologies to navigate and avoid obstacles. These AGVs are typically used in operations where product and material movement is highly predictable and repetitive such as in a manufacturing setting. Others, such as AMRs, may have dynamic navigation capabilities.
Operating efficiencies can be further enhanced by integrating AGVs with other warehouse automation technologies, such as conveyor belts and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), to streamline and optimize the handling and transportation of materials and products. AGVs can dramatically reduce warehouse labor requirements while increasing productivity and profitability when incorporated into an overall warehouse technology design plan.
Selecting an Automated Guided Vehicle for Your Warehouse Operations
When reviewing warehouse technologies such as AGVs, it is critical to choose the right AGVs for your operations. As a leading warehouse software developer and independent systems integrator, Numina Group has over 35 years of experience defining, designing, and implementing highly profitable automated warehouse systems.
Our automated warehouse solutions enable companies to increase productivity by 50% or more, reduce labor costs by 30% to 70%, and increase order accuracy to 99.9%.
We offer consultative warehouse design services to identify the right lean processes for your operations. We help you turn your design into reality by combining the power of RDS™ WCS-WES, our real-time warehouse control and execution software with cutting-edge material handling technologies.
RDS includes advanced data-driven order release planning and execution and real-time control of core warehouse automation control duties. The software platform manages automated warehouse execution and activities to balance and synchronize workflow across the entire warehouse operation to improve productivity, reduce labor costs and increase profit.
Numina’s comprehensive warehouse automation solutions include:
- Design and implementation of turnkey automated distribution center
- Warehouse execution and control systems (WES-WCS) for picking, packing and shipping
- Goods-to-person (G2P) warehouse automation solutions
- Multimodal voice picking systems for hands-free, eyes-forward picking
- Labor management tracking and reporting tools
- Print-and-apply labeling of packing slips, shipping labels and compliance labels.
- Pack-and-ship automation for order fulfillment, returns and shipping
Learn More
Guide: The Basics of Warehouse Automation
Services: Numina Warehouse Automation Consulting
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