An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is a mobile robot that transports materials, parts, or finished goods through a factory or warehouse without a human driver. AGVs follow fixed routes defined by magnetic tape on the floor, embedded wires, optical targets, or laser reflectors. They are a key component of modern industrial automation, replacing manual forklifts and trolleys in repetitive material handling tasks.
How Do AGVs Navigate?
- Magnetic tape guidance — AGV follows a magnetic strip on the floor. Simple and low-cost. Route is fixed.
- Wire guidance — Inductive wire embedded in floor sends signal. Robust but expensive to modify.
- Laser/reflector guidance — AGV uses a rotating laser scanner and reflective targets on walls to triangulate position. Flexible routing.
- Vision guidance — Camera-based systems read floor markings or natural landmarks. Increasingly common.
- LiDAR + SLAM — Used in AMRs (not traditional AGVs). Maps the environment dynamically.
AGV vs AMR: Key Differences
| Feature | AGV | AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Fixed route (tape, wire, laser) | Dynamic mapping (LiDAR, SLAM) |
| Obstacle handling | Stops and waits | Navigates around obstacles |
| Flexibility | Low — route changes are costly | High — re-routes in software |
| Cost | ₹5,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 – ₹60,00,000+ |
| Best for | Predictable, repetitive routes | Dynamic, changing environments |
| Maintenance | Simple — mechanical | Complex — software + hardware |
Real-World Use Cases in Indian Manufacturing
- 1Textile mills — AGVs carry yarn cones from storage to spinning machines, reducing manual labour by 60–80%.
- 2Automotive plants — Material delivery from component stores to assembly line stations on a fixed cycle.
- 3Pharmaceutical factories — Temperature-controlled AGVs transport medical inventory in cleanroom environments.
- 4Warehouses (e-commerce) — High-speed order picking and bin transportation (Amazon, Flipkart logistics centres).
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