The Evolution of Automated Guided Vehicles: From AGVs to Laser-Guided Vehicles

In recent years, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have become an increasingly popular choice for industries looking to streamline their material transportation processes. Lower-cost versions of AGVs are often referred to as Automated Guided Carts (AGCs), which are typically guided by magnetic tape. In Germany and Sweden, these vehicles are known as Fahrerloses Transportsystem (FTS) and förarlösa truckar, respectively.

In hospitals, AGVs are used to transport vital materials such as food, linen, and medicine. These versatile robots can also be referred to as laser-guided vehicles (LGVs). With the ability to navigate using a range of technologies including magnetic tape, radio waves, vision cameras, magnets, or lasers, AGVs have become an essential component in various industries.

AGVs are employed across nearly every sector, from pulp and paper to metals, newspaper, and general manufacturing. These vehicles can be equipped with motorized rollers (conveyor) that allow objects to be placed on them, which are then pushed off by reversing the rollers. AGVs can also tow trailers behind them, attaching autonomously to carry raw materials or finished products.

The application of automatic guided vehicles has expanded significantly since the late 20th century. They are now commonly used in industrial settings to transport heavy materials around large buildings such as factories and warehouses. In contrast to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), AGVs follow marked lines or wires on the floor for navigation, whereas AMRs operate independently.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of AGVs in the future. Whether used in hospitals, manufacturing facilities, or other industrial settings, these versatile vehicles are revolutionizing the way we transport materials and improve efficiency.

Agv mobile robot