Automation That Works For You

Struggling with labor shortages or looking to boost warehouse productivity? Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) offer a reliable, cost-effective way to transport materials, reduce human error, and operate 24/7 without fatigue. Whether you’re managing a warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing plant, AGVs can streamline repetitive tasks and free up your workforce for higher-value work.

What is an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)?

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are driverless mobile robots or transport systems that move autonomously through a facility without a human operator. They follow a defined path using technologies such as magnetic tape, laser navigation, or vision guidance. AGVs are used to transport raw materials, work-in-process, or finished goods throughout a warehouse or manufacturing plant with precision and consistency.

AGV

Why Choose AGV’s:

  • Ideal for simple, repetitive tasks
  • Easy to implement and scale
  • Remove bottlenecks
  • Works within existing facility infrastructure

To explore broader industry insights, check out the whitepaper: Why Automation is the Next Generation in Effective Warehouse Management, which highlights the growing role of AGVs in addressing labor shortages, improving productivity, and streamlining warehouse operations.

Top Benefits of AGVs in Modern Warehouses

  • Lower Labor Costs: Cut downtime and labor with a one-time AGV investment.
  • 24/7 Operation: No breaks, fatigue, or productivity loss over time.
  • Enhance Safety: AGVs react quickly and navigate safely around people and obstacles.
  • Better Accuracy: Eliminates human error in routine transport.
  • Scalability: Add AGVs gradually as your needs grow instead of more labor.
  • Minimal Disruption: AGVs install with little or no infrastructure changes.

AGV Common Applications:

  • Pick up and delivery in warehouses and DCs
  • Assembly line support, work cell to work cell
  • Cross-docking and transport between zones
  • Long-haul or end-of-line transport
  • Moving materials in hazardous or restricted areas

Types of AGVs

AGVs come in a variety of styles designed for specific use cases. Here are the most common types:

  • Forklift AGVs: Pallet-handling AGVs that mimic traditional forklifts without needing a driver.
  • Automated Guided Carts (AGCs): Lightweight and versatile, ideal for moving totes, bins, or smaller loads.
  • Tugger AGVs: Tow trains of non-powered carts that make multiple stops along fixed automated loops.
  • Unit Load Handlers: Designed to move single units like pallets or containers.
  • Heavy Burden Carriers: Built for transporting extremely heavy or oversized items like steel coils or casting.
Reach Truck AGV

How Do AGVs Work?

AGVs use a combination of sensor-based systems and computer programs to navigate your facility. They’re designed to safely travel on pre-defined paths and adjust to obstacles in real time using the following navigation technologies:

  • Vision Guidance: Uses cameras to record the environment and learn the route without changing infrastructure.
  • Laser Target Navigation: Reflective targets help the AGV measure distance and angle to guide movement
  • LiDAR Mapping: Sends laser pulses to map surroundings and navigate in real time with 360-degree awareness.
  • Inertial Navigation: Transponders embedded in the floor guide AGVs along programmed paths.
  • Wired Navigation: Follows guidance signals from wires embedded within the facility floor surface.

  • Magnetic Tape Guidance: Uses magnetic sensors to follow a taped path that can be quickly installed or relocated.

Bastian CB18 Automated Forklift

CB18 Automated Forklift for Pallet Handling

The CB18 safely lifts up to 1,800kg with 4.5m reach using adaptive forks. It easily navigates through existing layouts with natural feature LiDAR, so no infrastructure is needed. Better yet, its compact, counterbalanced design provides for smooth integration with the warehouse system.

Raymond Automated Swing-Reach Truck

3960 & 3970 Raymond Automated Swing-Reach Truck

The Raymond Automated Swing-Reach truck is built for tight spaces and high-density storage. It’s designed to keep things moving smoothly with automated features like in-aisle navigation, two-way travel, end-of-aisle slowdown, and even self-driving to its charging station when needed. You get the same reliable performance as our manual models, just with a lot more efficiency and a lot less hands-on work.

Raymond Automated Transtacker

Raymond Automated Transtacker (TRT)

The Raymond Automated Transtacker gives you the best of both worlds. It runs in automated mode for full pallet handling or switches to manual mode when you need to pick cases. It offers the space- and labor-saving advantages of an AS/RS system, with the added flexibility to move between aisles when needed. And the best part is, it works with your current setup, so there is no need for special racking or major changes to your facility.

Why Businesses are Investing in AGVs

AGVs are more affordable and adaptable than ever. Whether you’re starting small or scaling up, Abel Womack has the expertise to help you find the right solution. We’ll assess your facility and recommend the best-fit AGV for your needs—guiding you from selection to installation and beyond.

Here are nine signs that you may be ready to integrate AGVs into your business.

Start reducing labor costs, improving safety, and boosting productivity with automation that fits your operation.

More Automated Solutions from Abel Womack

Locus AMRs
Automated Mobile Robots
De-Stuff It and Re-Stuff It portable conveyor
Portable Automated Conveyor
Radioshuttle semi-automated pallet storage
Radioshuttle Semi-Automated Pallet Shuttle