AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) have been used as an automated material handling device to replace human transport materials for more than half a century. They have become a common device in factories, warehouses and any occasion where repeated transport of materials is required. However, the effectiveness of AGVs transportation methods is being challenged by more advanced technologies. In the past few years, the enterprise logistics system has begun to accept a new material transportation equipment AMRs (autonomous mobile robots).
Although AGVs and AMRs function as material transportation automation equipment, AMR uses the latest mobile robot technology, which is faster, smarter, more efficient than AGVs, simpler to set up, and more convenient to use.
The fundamental difference between AGVs (automatic guided vehicles) and AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) can be attributed to the difference between guiding vehicles and robots. The guided vehicle follows a fixed route, which is guided by a magnetic strip buried in the ground or a ribbon attached to the ground, similar to the way the train operates. AGVs may use some simple sensors that stop when there are any obstacles in the path, but never go around. In fact, AGVs don’t have much on-board intelligence, all they can do is obey simple commands. When an obstacle appears on the running path or the magnetic strip is damaged, the system often collapses. In addition, if you want to temporarily change the path of the vehicle’s operation, or if the path is not fixed, the AGVs will be powerless.
AMRs are much more complicated. It is equipped with a variety of sensors and a powerful on-board computer to help it understand its operating environment. Rather than being limited to a fixed route, AMR uses a global map instead of a guided magnetic strip or ribbon, which can plan its own route. If you need to add a new shipping destination, just click on the map. It is also smart enough to react to the people, cars and forklifts around the event. No matter how busy the environment, they can work safely.
With all these advantages, you might think that AMRs are more expensive than AGVs, but that’s not the case. Although AMRs use advanced camera systems, laser sensors and computer hardware, the cost per unit will be higher than that of AGVs. Because it does not require the laying of magnetic strips or paste beacons or any other expensive infrastructure modifications, or the entire production line needs to be lined down, the overall cost is not much higher than the AGV, but the AMRs accomplish their tasks more quickly and reliably, saving Your time and money. When your business grows, or your production model changes, AMR will expand your application at the lowest cost, which is unmatched by AGV. Finally, the most important difference between AGVs and AMRs: Automated guided vehicles represent the technology of the previous generation, simply unable to keep up with the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of autonomous mobile robots.