Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)

The Advantages of Using AGVs in Your Operation

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), a high-tech material handling solution from Jungheinrich, offer numerous advantages that can elevate your operational capabilities to the next level. These vehicles operate autonomously, directed by smart software, ensuring high levels of safety and accuracy. You can monitor the performance of the AGVs in real time simply by accessing the system from your computer.

One of the standout features of AGVs is their ability to run 24 hours a day, handling loads of up to 2.5 tons. Powered by efficient lithium-ion batteries, AGVs also have the ability to automatically recharge themselves, ensuring uninterrupted operations. By integrating AGVs into your workflow, you can expect to achieve higher efficiency and productivity.

Choosing AGVs for your warehouse provides a range of benefits. Not only do they save time and improve safety, but they also allow your operation to run smoothly, reducing labor costs and increasing output. This technology offers a great opportunity to boost your business and see a fast return on investment.

Key advantages of using Jungheinrich AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) in your operations:

• Increased Operational Efficiency: AGVs streamline processes by automating material handling, reducing manual intervention, and speeding up production flow, which can lead to significant time and cost savings.
• Reduced Errors and Accidents: By removing manual handling, AGVs minimize human error and reduce accident risks, creating a safer work environment for operators.
• 24/7 Operation: AGVs are capable of operating continuously, maximizing production uptime and meeting high-demand periods without additional labor costs.
• Optimized Warehouse Space and Time Management: AGVs enable efficient space utilization through precise, automated navigation, reducing the need for wide aisles and improving space usage, all while saving valuable operational time.
• Versatile Functions for Different Operations: Jungheinrich AGVs offer a range of capabilities tailored to diverse industry needs, making them adaptable to various workflows and operational requirements.

Integrating AGVs into your setup can ultimately lead to a safer, faster, and more efficient production environment.

Here's how a Jungheinrich AGV operates in a warehouse environment, powered by smart software for precise and safe automation:

• Automated Task Assignment: Jungheinrich's smart software sends orders to the AGV, assigning it specific tasks such as transporting materials to a designated destination. The software ensures accurate routing by identifying the exact points and destinations in the warehouse.
• Autonomous Navigation: The AGV operates independently, navigating through the warehouse using pre-defined paths, sensors, or other guiding technologies. This ensures that the AGV follows its designated routes without manual intervention.
• Safety Protocols: Equipped with advanced safety features, the AGV continuously monitors its environment. If an obstruction or potential hazard is detected, its emergency stop function activates immediately, preventing accidents or collisions.
• Task Completion and Return: After successfully completing its assigned task, the AGV automatically returns to its starting position or a designated recharging station to prepare for the next task, maintaining a seamless operation cycle.

By integrating with smart software and ensuring safety, Jungheinrich AGVs offer a reliable, efficient, and autonomous solution for warehouse operations.

Safety Video

Driverless but still safe

Extensive safety sensors protect man, machine and load. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) only travel on routes assigned to them. Nevertheless, there may be situations in which an employee inadvertently crosses the route. In this case, the extensive CE-certified safety system will initiate immediate braking. A key component of the system is the personal protection sensors – equipped with a warning and a protection field – which permanently monitor the direct routes of the AGV. If a person enters the warning field, the truck immediately slows down. If the person remains standing, it stops, while a signal is transmitted to the control center indicating the blocking of the truck.

Safety despite speed

All AGVs are generally fitted with a personal protection scanner in driving direction. Depending on the truck’s speed, the field lengths of the safety area are adjusted. This means the faster the truck moves, the more its warning and protection fields are increased and their surroundings are more proactively scanned.

Safety despite driving direction

The Automated Guided Vehicles also detect objects that may be located on the sides of the truck along its path. The side-mounted laser scanners allow for these objects to be detected in advance. In addition, they serve as an additional feature when cornering. The sensors identify objects that could touch the outside of the truck while cornering. If this is the case, they ensure a contactless stop of the truck.

Safety Plus / on top

Additional safety is provided with the sensor curtain. The purpose of the sensor curtain is to detect objects above and below the detection level of the personal protection sensor and to avoid a collision with these objects. For example, it can detect pallets and loads that are protruding too far out of the racking. The sensor curtain does not only operate when travelling straight ahead, it also “looks” ahead into the curve.

A contact for all business areas

No need for reconstruction of your warehouse

The introduction of an Automated Guided Vehicle normally requires a high level of preparation on the customer side and is often accompanied by disruptions of the production. In order to avoid this, our AGVs are prepared for their specific application and thoroughly tested regarding their hardware and software prior to their delivery. Therefore, the degree of adaptation during the “hot phase” and possible standstill periods in your warehousing and production area are reduced to a minimum.
On site, the AGVs are easily connected with the customer’s host system by using the award-winning Jungheinich Logistics Interface. This inhouse developed middleware is a so-called plug-in and has already been successfully implemented at over 100 customer plants. Thanks to this high-quality, standardized hardware and software we are able to realize the implementation of your AGV efficiently, while saving resources. 

How difference between AGV and AMR? 

AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) are both advanced material handling technologies widely used in warehouses and manufacturing environments, but they differ in several keyways:

Guiding System:

• AGV: Follows pre-defined paths, usually relying on physical guides such as magnetic strips, wires, or reflectors on the floor, as well as laser-based guidance. The route is set in advance, and AGVs must adhere to these fixed paths.
• AMR: Operates with more flexibility, using sensors and 3D scanning to autonomously navigate the warehouse. AMRs are capable of dynamically adjusting their routes based on real-time environmental changes, allowing them to avoid obstacles without the need for fixed paths.

Operating Function:

• AGV: Requires specific instructions sent through software, meaning their tasks are pre-programmed. They follow set paths and typically require human intervention to reconfigure routes.
• AMR: Can operate independently, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to map environments and make decisions in real time. AMRs can determine the most efficient route without human intervention, making them more flexible for dynamic warehouse layouts.

Load Capacity:

• AGV: Generally, AGVs can handle higher load capacities compared to AMRs, making them more suitable for transporting heavier items in industries requiring robust material handling.
• AMR: Typically better suited for lighter loads due to their focus on flexibility and mobility, though some models are being developed to handle larger loads.

In summary, AGVs are ideal for environments where fixed, high-capacity transport is needed, while AMRs offer more flexible and autonomous solutions for dynamic, fast-paced operations.

Start the automation now

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)

AMRs navigate freely within a defined area, avoid obstacles and orient themselves when picking up a load carrier by its position and alignment.

Learn more

To order an AGV from Jungheinrich or get more information, follow these steps:

• Contact via Hotline: Simply call the Jungheinrich hotline at 1483 to speak directly with AGV experts who can guide you through the options, provide information, and help you understand the potential benefits and investment value of AGVs for your operation.
• Submit a Contact Form: You can also submit a contact form through the Jungheinrich website to request more details about AGVs, including how they work, pricing, and customization options for your specific needs.

In addition to AGVs, Jungheinrich offers a wide range of high-quality material handling equipment such as electric forklifts, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) trucks, reach trucks, and power pallet trucks to further enhance your warehouse efficiency.