AGVs and AMRs

The combination of just in time manufacture, large complex warehouses, the on-going drive to increase productivity and sophisticated ERP systems has created an ideal environment for AGVs (Automatically Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots).

An AGV is an Automatically Guided Vehicle.  An AMR is an autonomous mobile robot.  Either will travel around a warehouse or factory, collecting parts or orders and taking them to where they are needed.  They will work tirelessly and often have long service lives. 

An AGV runs to a defined path.  If an AGV encounters an obstacle, it will stop and wait for the way to be clear.  An AMR has a map and it knows where it is and where it is going.  If it encounters an obstacle, it will try to avoid it and find a new route.  It will keep trying until it gets to its destination. 

AGVs are very punctual and efficient – unless they have a problem, in which case they can be delayed a long time.  AMRs in contrast have a little more independence, and might therefore be slightly less predictable.  But they are less likely to be severely delayed as they will cope well with obstacles and minor problems. 

There are a range of different types of vehicle:

• Towing vehicles will move trailers loaded with materials or parts
• Pallet trucks will carry pallets
• AGV Fork Trucks will be able to collect and deliver pallets from different heights

These are just some examples.  There are many different types of AGs  and AMRs.  The latter are even starting to work outside, as delivery vehicles. 

Not surprisingly, AMRs have more costly control systems and need more sensors.  But the actual vehicle and drive system may well be broadly similar. 

Originally, AGVs were guided by wires buried in concrete floors.  Now AGVs and AMRs are guided by lasers, gyroscopic guidance or vision systems. 

It would be possible to build a drive system for an AGV or an AMR using a motor, a gearbox and a drive wheel with some sort of shaft drive.  But it is so much simpler to use one of our recently introduced iWMC servo wheel motors.  By packaging the motor, the gearbox and the wheel together, we create a finished product in the minimum of space and we eliminate the effort required to develop the system.  A brake is optional for completion. 

The control system in AGVs might well be bespoke, but it can also be run with a CAN Open controller such as our Kinco AK800M-48DT. 

While popular in industry, there is also the application of robot vacuum cleaners, increasingly popular in a domestic environment. 

Let us know if we can help with your AGV/AMR project.