Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)

An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) is a floor-bound, autonomous, driverless vehicle used for material transportation in industrial, logistics, or intra-company processes. AGVs are a key component of an automated Guided Vehicle System (AGVS), which consists of several elements such as vehicles, control systems, and infrastructure components.

AGVs navigate using various technologies such as magnetic strips, lasers, optical sensors, or GPS, enabling precise control within defined work areas. In modern applications, autonomous AGVs are increasingly used, utilizing artificial intelligence and advanced sensor technologies to flexibly respond to environmental changes and make dynamic routing decisions.

A major application area for AGVs is warehouse management, which involves the control and optimization of warehouse processes. Here, AGVs often operate in conjunction with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) that coordinates vehicle movements, manages inventory, and optimizes material flow. Integrating AGVs into a WMS allows for more efficient use of warehouse capacities, shorter processing times, and reduced error rates.

Other typical application areas include production facilities, warehouses, and hospitals, where AGVs handle tasks such as transporting raw materials, semi-finished, or finished products. The use of these systems contributes to automation, increases efficiency, and reduces operational costs by replacing manual transport tasks.