Automated guided vehicles are driverless conveyors which are controlled automatically and operated without human intervention. They are used to transport material with the aid of active or passive load-carrying equipment by means of both pulling and carrying.
Automated guided vehicles (AGV) are playing an increasingly important role in modern intralogistics. The term stands for an overall system, which comprises automated guided vehicles (AGVs), a master control, units for data communication and loading stations. Automated guided vehicles have a wide range of uses. The focus is on their role of transporting goods from A to B without human intervention, thus taking over from the non-value-adding transport.
AGVs offer a number of benefits in everyday warehouse operations: They take over repetitive transport tasks from employees, create optimum process stability, and thereby reduce error and accident rates in the warehouse. With its autonomous vehicles from the MATIC series, Linde Material Handling offers AGVs for virtually any customer requirement. The perfect device is part of this offer.
As part of an automated guided vehicle, driverless trucks need to move quickly and safely through the warehouse environment. Two types of navigation technology are available for this.
Track-guided navigation With this option, the AGVs move using visual aids or magnetic tracks. The sensors of the autonomous logistics vehicles navigate to the desired destination by means of this track guide. Forward planning is required for this kind of track guide. Companies need to consider in advance precisely what their ideal route network should look like. Subsequent changes to the specified routes are often costly.
Natural Feature Navigation With natural feature navigation, AGVs are controlled by means of a laser-assisted navigation system. Additional infrastructure such as guide rails or light reflectors are not necessary. The AGVs scan their surroundings in all directions with laser sensors. The natural feature navigation is incredibly flexible and can be adjusted to new routes and surroundings with little effort. Mapping of the surroundings is performed during commissioning with the aid of the AGVs. This process enables additional sections to be added and used with little effort. Intelligent control software coordinates the routes and speeds of multiple automated vehicles as required. Linde uses natural feature navigation in its autonomous MATIC trucks too.
Small to large: These trucks are used in AGVs
Virtually any type of industrial truck known in manual operation can be used in an AGV. This includes autonomous tractors, pallet stackers, counterbalanced forklift trucks, reach trucks, and very narrow aisle trucks. Automated platform trucks are also incredibly efficient, especially in very tight spaces. They can lift and set down load carriers directly from a transfer station or together with trolleys that can be driven under.
The MATIC series from Linde comprises the following AGVs:
The Linde P-MATIC autonomous electric tow tractor with stand platform moves towing loads of up to 5000 kilograms and is perfectly suited to use supplying production halls in industrial companies, for example. It is preferred for production delivery, removal of waste, and for hauling larger loads.
The L-MATIC automated pallet stacker from Linde is perfect for storage and retrieval at low heights and for transporting loads. It is optimized for handling pallets and pallet cages. It transports loads of up to 1200 kilograms and can pick up and set down pallets at heights of up to 1.60 meters.
The Linde L-MATIC HD automated pallet stacker is ideal for picking up and setting down medium-duty loads. Depending on the model, the trucks can transport up to 2 tons of heavy loads. Depending on the weight and load geometry, shelf heights of up to 3.20 meters can be reached.
The L-MATIC AC autonomous pallet stacker from Linde has a cantilevered fork. It moves loads of up to 1200 kilograms and reaches shelf heights of 1.60 meters. It simplifies transport of closed load carriers, for example during transfer of Euro pallets, and is especially well suited to goods receipt at transfer stations that cannot be driven under.
The K-MATIC autonomous very narrow aisle truck from Linde is the perfect choice when dealing with particularly high heights. It lifts loads of up to 1500 kilograms and reaches lift heights of 14 meters during storage and retrieval. In the process, the K-MATIC interacts seamlessly with infrastructure such as belt conveyors or packing stations.
The R-MATIC autonomous reach truck is designed for storage and retrieval of goods at up to 11 meters in height. It can manage load weights of up to 1600 kilograms. Thanks to a range of possible masts, it is equally suited to use in warehouses, for transporting materials, and for supplying workstations. In warehouses, its small size is particularly useful, as it can access narrow paths and thereby enables higher storage capacities.
The Linde C-MATIC automated mobile platform demonstrates its strengths in low-level material transport in tight spaces. Loads are picked up with trolleys that can be driven under and can be positioned anywhere in the space at the destination. Transport between static reloading stations or conveyor belts is also possible. Depending on the model, the C-MATIC moves loads of 600, 1000, or 1500 kilograms.
The autonomous Linde C-MATIC HP mobile transport robot autonomously moves loads on under-ride transport tables weighing up to 1,000 kg over medium and long distances, without a permanently installed infrastructure. Thanks to laser-based natural feature navigation, the mobile platform vehicle can also be used very well in mixed traffic with other trucks.
Efficient and safe: That’s why it’s worth switching to an AGV
For many companies, it makes a lot of sense and is necessary to switch their in-house intralogistics fully or partially to an AGV. This is for the following reasons:
Fewer staff: The use of AGVs means that non-value-adding transport tasks can be automated. This combats the lack of skilled workers and also saves costs. With manually controlled logistics vehicles, the required staff alone accounts for around 80% of the overall costs.
Continuous operation: What’s more, driverless vehicles can be used 24/7. To achieve this, material flows are optimized as part of the automation process, which significantly increases the overall handling capacity.
Lower error rates: AGVs also increase safety in goods handling. The result is reduced rates of errors and accidents in the warehouse and thereby lower costs from damage to goods or the building infrastructure.
It’s all in the mix: Use AGVs in mixed operation
Mixed operation of autonomous and manual industrial trucks is possible at any time. The AGVs from Linde can be controlled manually if required. This works because they are based on manual devices that have been subsequently automated. Autonomous forklifts, tractors, and pallet trucks in the MATIC series have intelligent navigation and safety technology for mixed operation. They can therefore work with people and manual trucks with ease in very tight spaces. The laser scanners on the AGVs enable safe movement and prevent collisions.
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming increasingly important in modern intralogistics. The driverless platform trucks are used for automated or partially automated goods transport and thereby noticeably increase efficiency in warehouses and logistics hotspots.
Fully networked: AGV interfaces with ERP and WM systems
Networking is essential for smooth processing of automated material flows. Two areas are particularly important here: ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems facilitate comprehensive planning and coordination of tasks and resources. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) cover all internal goods movements and increase efficiency in complex environments. The AGVs from Linde can communicate with ERP and WM systems for optimum automation. The intelligent control functions of AGVs also enable synchronization of vehicles and automatic hall doors. Connection to traffic light systems and the fire alarm system is possible too.
Professional implementation: How AGVs are integrated into existing systems
In order to automate individual process sections or entire material flows into existing warehouses, the support of specialist staff is required. When it comes to the development and implementation of an automation solution , Linde supports its customers with its own Implementation Team. Linde specialists help with the selection and design of the trucks, integration into existing processes, and ultimately operation of the system. Thanks to the infrastructure-free natural feature navigation, the trucks can be integrated quickly and easily into the existing process. If conditions change, the system can be adapted and rescaled without huge effort.
When opting for an AGV, the main costs lie in the procurement of the trucks and commissioning of the system. The individual costs depend on various factors. First and foremost, the fleet size and the complexity of the application. Experience shows that investment in an AGV pays off very quickly. This is not least due to the fact that processes are optimized through automation and significant staffing costs are saved.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about AGVs
What is understood by the term automated guided vehicles (AGVs)?
An automated guided vehicle takes over automated transport and warehouse tasks. The AGVs are usually guided by rails or magnetic strips. The MATIC trucks from Linde, on the other hand, use significantly more flexible natural feature navigation, which means that AGVs find their way by means of laser sensors. AGVs are used in material transport, storage and retrieval in racks, when transferring material to material handling technology, and when supplying material to production lines.
Why should I choose an AGV?
AGVs offer a number of benefits. This includes in particular maximizing the efficiency of internal material flows. This is due to the fact that an AGV increases the coherence and maneuverability of in-house material flows. In addition, AGVs lower dependence on staff and reduce the risk of accidents and damage in transit, while increasing the reliability of transport processes. Furthermore, AGVs improve the coherence and maneuverability of in-house material flows.
What is the difference between AGVs and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)?
An AGV is an overall system for automating processes in in-house material flows. It consists of an automated guided vehicle (AGV), master control, units for data communication, and loading stations. The vehicles used move on defined routes and use the free natural feature navigation for orientation. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) on the other hand, rely more heavily on flexible navigation, which does not require additional infrastructure, with QR codes also being used here.
What types of AGV are there?
Different types of vehicle can be used in AGVs, including automated tractors, pallet stackers, counterbalanced forklift trucks, reach trucks, and very narrow aisle trucks. For transport by means of short and mid-length routes in tight spaces, automated mobile platforms are also a good choice. Depending on the model of vehicle used, AGVs can fulfill various tasks, including transport from floor to floor, from floor to rack, or from material handling technology to material handling technology.
What kind of safety systems are used with AGVs?
AGVs are equipped with a number of safety solutions which help to ensure risk-free material flow. The standard components include laser scanners with various safety zones and monitoring areas, as well as curtain lasers for detecting hovering obstacles. The trucks are also fitted with an emergency stop switch.
Who are AGVs suitable for?
AGVs are perfect for companies which already have a high level of standardization in their material flow processes. This includes, for example, the standardization of the load carriers and the regularity with which certain loads need to be transported from point A to point B. In general, the more standardization, the more efficient the automation. It is particularly cost-efficient to use AGVs in multi-shift operation.
Success stories – automated guided vehicles in use
Our dispatch logistics are good, but how can we make them even better? This was the challenge facing ebm-papst, a leading producer of fan and motor products, at its site in Mulfingen, Germany. The answer: Fully automate one of its material flow processes using trusted expertise from Linde. The project has proven a huge success, so much so that transport volumes have exceeded expectations and further automation projects are already being planned thanks to this impressive start.
For FIEGE, one of Europe’s leading contract logistics companies, automation has been part of working life for years. The company is now partnering with Linde Material Handling to tackle another innovatory project: automated wide aisle storage and retrieval by driverless reach trucks. A visit to the site of the pilot project in Worms, in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
We all know transparency trumps all in contract logistics. Even better if this can be generated as efficiently as possible: Transport and logistics service provider Gebrüder Schröder GmbH & Co. KG relies on the Linde Warehouse Navigator, which not only speeds up and simplifies processes on site, but also visualizes stock levels in real time for customers too.
If demand, and therefore the production volume, increases, this is actually a cause for celebration. But how can you manage the increased flow of goods without burdening employees with more and more repetitive transport assignments? At the plastics processor Poloplast, the answer is automation, made by Linde.
The LINHARDT Group is a leading specialist in packaging, and at its headquarters in the German town of Viechtach, it’s all action in the high rack warehouse. Thanks to Linde technology, efficiency and ergonomics are on the up now too.
Two Linde L-MATIC pallet stackers make their rounds between the warehouse and dispatch at Austrian sanitary equipment specialist HOLTER. Meanwhile, the human colleagues get to focus entirely on their actual work: value-adding order picking.
“Gofar” and “Fargo” are the names for the automated warehouse trucks which transport packed lights to the finished goods warehouse at Fagerhults Belysning in Sweden. The investment in Linde L-MATIC devices by the renowned lighting company was a success and is proof that people and automated trucks can work together with ease.
Sander Fördertechnik GmbH enabled KOMSA AG to build one of the highest narrow-aisle warehouses in Saxony and Thuringia. The K-series combination trucks from Linde, which Sander uses as Komsa, have a navigation system, aisle safety assistant and Linde System Control (LSC) for regulating the lifting and travel speeds.
With the help of our dealer Schöler, the L-MATIC AC autonomous pallet stacker is now in operation at Joma-Polytec GmbH. The automated guided vehicle uses natural feature navigation to independently navigate around the logistics warehouse. By taking this step towards automation, Joma-Polytec benefits from streamlines processes and increased efficiency.
Simple doesn't always mean banal: proof of this is the automation project of Linde Material Handling for BASF Italia. In order to optimize efficiency and safety, a flexible, secure and fast-to-implement solution for Logistics 4.0 was integrated on the basis of an automated guided vehicle (AGV).
In times when customer requests are becoming increasingly individual, intralogistics also has to adapt to the altered production conditions. The example of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) in Wiesloch/Walldorf shows how this can take place at a globally active industrial company.
The main factory of the French metal packaging manufacturer Massilly in Cluny relies on extensive automation in the production process. Until recently the final process step, transporting the pallets to the warehouse, was conducted manually. This task is now also being performed by automated industrial trucks, with great success. Representatives of the company are now traveling to Cluny to see for themselves the benefits of Linde robotics equipment.
Every year, the Marketing Department of Wolf GmbH, a systems supplier for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and solar technology based in Mainburg, Lower Bavaria, develop a motto that aims to give employees orientation and motivation. The theme for 2016, "Courage to change," could not be more appropriate for the acquisition of the first automated industrial truck at the plant.
The Opel plant in Aspern, Austria is the company’s first site to commission fully automated vehicles for longer distances. In doing so, the carmaker is placing its full trust in Linde’s expertise. The challenge lay in integrating the autonomous trucks into the existing systems.
The task: To transform a former production hall into a high-performance logistics center within just a few months. The solution: A comprehensive approach, close collaboration—and the right project partner. Model: The new spare parts logistics solution from construction machinery specialists Yanmar Compact Equipment Europe at the plant in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria.
For FIEGE, one of Europe’s leading contract logistics companies, automation has been part of working life for years. The company is now partnering with Linde Material Handling to tackle another innovatory project: automated wide aisle storage and retrieval by driverless reach trucks. A visit to the site of the pilot project in Worms, in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
At LogiMAT 2024 in Stuttgart, Linde Material Handling focussed on the topic of automation. Other topics included energy, safety and warehouse intelligence.
With the Robotics4Retail survey, the EHI Retail Institute is investigating how robotics and automation are revolutionizing intralogistics. Who are the drivers of automation and what comprehensive solutions and industrial trucks does Linde offer?
Automation made easy: This was the challenge facing TST GmbH in Düsseldorf (Germany). Armed with the expertise and technology from Linde, it was possible to overcome this challenge in a short space of time.
Our dispatch logistics are good, but how can we make them even better? This was the challenge facing ebm-papst, a leading producer of fan and motor products, at its site in Mulfingen, Germany. The answer: Fully automate one of its material flow processes using trusted expertise from Linde. The project has proven a huge success, so much so that transport volumes have exceeded expectations and further automation projects are being planned for the future.
The most fascinating equations are known to be the ones with multiple unknown variables. One such variable was to be found in the “Automation” chapter of the Requirements Specification from paper specialists Franz Veit. How can the transportation tasks be reliably handled in a production and warehousing environment whose face is constantly changing?
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming increasingly important in modern intralogistics. The driverless platform trucks are used for automated or partially automated goods transport and thereby noticeably increase efficiency in warehouses and logistics hotspots.
Every year, the Marketing Department and Management Board of Wolf GmbH, a systems supplier for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and solar technology based in Mainburg, Lower Bavaria, develop a motto that aims to give employees orientation and motivation. “Courage to embrace change”, the message for 2016, could not be more appropriate with regard to the purchase of the company’s first robot industrial truck.
If demand, and therefore the production volume, increases, this is actually a cause for celebration. But how can you manage the increased flow of goods without burdening employees with more and more repetitive transport assignments? At the plastics processor Poloplast, the answer is automation, made by Linde.
The Opel plant in Aspern, Austria, is the first Opel location to commission fully automatic vehicles for longer distances. In doing so, the carmaker relies entirely on Linde's expertise. The challenge was to integrate autonomous driving into the existing systems.
Simple does not always mean trivial: proof of this is the automation project of Linde Material Handling for BASF Italia. In order to optimize efficiency and safety, a flexible, secure and fast-to-implement solution for Logistics 4.0 was integrated on the basis of an automated guided vehicle (AGV).
Ground handling is a challenge for airport logistics. The demands on industrial trucks and logistics solutions are correspondingly high. Demand is for robust vehicles that enable fast and safe handling and are increasingly focusing on alternative drive systems.
Two Linde L-MATIC pallet stackers make their rounds between the warehouse and dispatch at Austrian sanitary equipment specialist HOLTER. Meanwhile, the human colleagues get to focus entirely on their actual work: value-adding order picking.
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