AGVs are now creeping into more and more industries because of the added efficiency that they are able to offer, and they are becoming a vital part of any smart logistics strategy.

Their ability to work unaided and to keep things flowing for 24 hours a day has meant that many businesses are seeing huge advantages when it comes to making use of AGV technology and integrating it into their existing systems.

That got us wondering whether you need to consider making AGVs part of your smart logistics strategy too?

What are AGVS?

An autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) is a material handling system or load carrier that is capable of moving around a warehouse, hospital or manufacturing facility without the need for a driver. The navigation systems can work in a number of different ways, from making use of GPS technology and sensor-based navigation systems to following magnetic tape, these carts, forklifts and towing vehicles can move around a workplace without the need for any human intervention.

This means they are generally used to move materials, products and equipment around production lines, for storage purposes and for docking. As they are battery operated and capable of spotting hazards such as walls and people for themselves, they can continue to work around the clock to improve the efficiency of a business.

Adopting AGVs into a working environment

Adjusting to working with AGVs can take time, so it is important to find the most effective ways to adopt them. Whilst the cost might at times seem prohibitive, it is important to look at the return on investment that they are capable of bringing when you are able to streamline processes and continue working without the need for worrying about shift patterns.

As AGVs need to communicate and coordinate with your existing systems, you will need to ensure that they are compatible with your current technology so that they can easily slot into the business. Trust can be a big issue for many when they first begin using AGVs, so choose ones with advanced safety features to ensure that you avoid collisions and errors.

Employee implications of AGVs

When AGVs arrive in a business, there can be some understandable concerns from employees. There is the inevitable fear that the robots are taking over and that they will soon find themselves out of a job, but instead AGVs should be used to free up members of staff from these menial tasks so that they can attend to more important things. This does not mean that staff will lose their jobs, but rather that they can help the business to grow and develop further than it might have done before.

Many can also be concerned about safety, fearing collisions or accidents and picturing uncontrolled machines running riot. However, the lack of human intervention means that they can handle potentially hazardous, soiled or unsterile items, without an employee ever needing to come into contact with them. This helps to promote employee health and safety and lowers the risks that they might encounter in their day-to-day roles.

Advantages and disadvantages of AGVs

One of the biggest advantages of an AGV is how it can make labour more effective. Instead of spending time loading, unloading and moving items around, employees are now free to perform other tasks, ensuring that workers can be directed to the areas of the business that need them most.

As all AGVs are packed with lasers, sensors and cameras, they are now safer than ever before. There is no more reliance on human input, which reduces the chances of accidents and errors, ensuring people, goods and infrastructure are all kept much safer.

A system of AGVs have the ability to continue to work at all hours of the night and day. Improved battery life and charging times means that there is little to no downtime, and the business can continue running, even when it is unsupervised. This increased efficiency is a huge cost saver and goes a long way towards streamlining many processes and making employees lives easier.

Whilst AGVs can make many tasks easier, it is important to remember that their flexibility is limited. They are not yet at a point where they can make decisions or adapt what they are doing, and so they should only be taken on to fulfil repetitive and programmable tasks.

There is also a significant investment needed to bring AGVs into a business. Not only is there the initial cost, but there is also the potential investment into new software to allow systems to interact together effectively.

There are also maintenance costs involved in looking after any AGV, and this could also lead to temporary downtime, however, it should be remembered that this will still be the case for any manual forklifts and trucks that you have on site. Whilst this can initially seem higher than employing personnel, it should be remembered that this is a long-term investment that can earn its money back over time.

AGVs in smart logistics

Smart logistics requires efficient transport, warehousing and connectivity. It can enable a whole system that works throughout a business to increase productivity and product flow. By integrating AGVs into an existing smart logistics system, workflow can be smoother and more organised.

As automation software can track material movement, AGVs can ensure that a consistent supply is always available in the right place at the right time, as well as transporting inventory from long term storage to create a more efficient order-picking system for employees to work from.

As everything in a smart logistics system works seamlessly together, AGVs can be the missing link to ensure that shipping, storage, production and deliveries are all performed more accurately. With less margin for error, businesses can become even more efficient and more profitable.

AGVs can play a huge role in almost any industry now, and by integrating them into smart logistics solutions they can help to ensure a business is more productive, efficient and accurate than ever before.

About the Author

Tom Hughes is the General Manager at Aerocom, who are leading specialists in AGV systems and pneumatic tube systems for the education, retail and healthcare sectors.