AGVs (automated guided vehicle) have been carrying cargo and goods for more than halfa century. This technology ended up becoming an accessory widely used by factories,industries, warehouses and any other placewhere there is a need for repetitive deliveryof materials.

However, as expected from Industry 4.0, new technologies are emerging all the time,with the aim of further improving the production process within operations. Currently,one that is gaining prominence in industrial automation is AMR.

Although not as popular in Brazil as in other countries, AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots)is a technology that also performs the transport of cargo and goods autonomously.However, there are some differences if we compare it with the AGV system.

With that in mind, SINOVA prepared this material by sharing with you the maininformation of these two technologies and which one is the best solution for your industry. Follow!

Navigation system

Undoubtedly, the main difference between AGV and AMR is the navigation system thateach system has. Both offer their good points and, depending on the application orenvironment, will be more or less suitable.

AGV is a self-guided vehicle that moves through a pre-defined circuit. The main navigationsystems are through cables embedded in the floor of the place, tape applied or paintedon the floor, reflecting mirrors installed along the circuit and opto-electronic sensors.

Therefore, there is a need to make some changes to the building’s structure, in additionto having a controlled environment for the technology to work. Ideally, AGV should beused in production spaces and processes that are not subject to change.

AMR navigates through the maps that its software builds in real time or through pre-loaded plans. Let’s think about a car with GPS. When the vehicle owner places the homeaddress, for example, GPS creates the best route based on the simple positions that themap has. And it is more or less in this sense that the AMR learns and chooses the bestroute for transportation that must be carried out.

This technology is easily programmable and does not need a structure in the specialenvironment to function.

Safety

In terms of security, each technology has its particularity.

The AGV has an integrated intelligence, obeying instructions programmed in software,which transmits data via Wi-Fi. Therefore, it is able to detect obstacles around it, but itcannot get out of its path if an object is in its path, however when it identifies the objectit makes a safe stop, obeying a pre-programmed distance.

Different from AMR. The technology applied to the equipment makes it possible, in theevent of an obstacle or employee, to bypass the blockade, if possible, and continue itsroute, using the best alternative route, also in a safe way.

Despite this difference, it is always worth mentioning that both technologies are extremelysafe and effective in the process of handling loads, especially if we compare it with ahuman being piloting aforklift, for example, since laser sensors, cameras and severalother collision protections that can be installed on both, overcome reflexes and perceptionof anyone.

Conclusion

In view of these differences that we share in this article, we can conclude that bothtechnologies are extremely effective and safe for carrying out cargo transportautonomously. To choose the one that best suits your company, you must analyze theenvironment and the necessary application.

AMRs, for example, offer great performance in e-commerce distribution depots, as theyare environments that constantly change, with obstacles that hinder vehicles.

In places, such as production factories, the most suitable AGV is considered, as theytransport cars on fixed routes, where there are no obstacles and the cadence is veryimportant to meet production needs.

Do you have any questions or would you like to receive more information? Get in touchwith SINOVA! For over 15 years, we have been offering customized solutions in AGVsystems and we have brought technology and innovation to the most varied sectors ofthe industry. Talk to one of our experts and enjoy!