AGVs Are the Future: The Best Industries for Automated Guided Vehicles

The robots are here, and they’ve come to stay.

Automation is the future, and automated guided vehicles are leading the pack. However, they aren’t for every industry. So, how do you know if they are right for you?

Read on to learn what AGVs do, which industries get the best ROI, and what your facility needs to take its next step into the future.

What Can AGVs Do for You?

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are a transportation method used by various industries.

These self-guided machines replace traditional conveyor systems, forklifts, or manual carts to move material throughout a facility. They follow a preprogrammed path, are highly customizable, and can carry heavy loads. All of this makes them valuable assets for any operation whose process requires repeatedly moving materials from point A to point B, such as the automotive industry.

These machines tackle tedious, routine jobs so your workforce can focus on adding value.

What Industries Get the Best ROI Out of AGVs?

AGVs are excellent choices for any industry whose transportation process includes long routes and requires minimal skill.

For example, automated guided vehicles benefit many manufacturing operations and food and beverage businesses. These operations move large pallets of product or raw materials through predictable production lines. Using AGVs eliminates the need for a human to physically push materials along that line.

Automated guided vehicles are also excellent for operations in environments that are dangerous to human health.

Battery plants, energy plants, and any company with a paint booth generate hazardous fumes. Likewise, operations like tire plants create a lot of heat. AGVs shine in these sorts of environments because they are not impacted by dangerous contaminants or high temperatures like a human worker would be.

AGVs can even adapt to work in chicken and beef processing.

Models are highly customizable. One common customization for food processing is a stainless steel shell. When these shells become soiled, an operator can simply wash them down, making them health code-compliant.

Ultimately, any industry with repetitive transportation needs maximizes its ROI with AGVs.

What Does My Facility Need to Use AGVs?

AGVs are not suitable for every workspace.

Automated guided vehicles rely on consistent routes. They excel at repetition, meaning they must travel from a routine point A to a regular point B. They are not for companies with variable delivery points or obstruction-heavy facilities.

The last thing to consider is the state of your floor.

AGVs operate best on smooth, clean flooring. Facilities with heavily textured floors, cracks, or other damage may not get the best experience out of their AGV fleet. Similarly, facilities with dirty floors, such as the metal shavings from machine shops, may find their automated guided vehicles struggle with the debris.

Ultimately, if you have quality, clean flooring, and consistent travel routes, AGVs might be the perfect fit for your material handling needs.

Talk to the AVG Experts

The future is coming faster than you think.

Your business needs to move at the speed of innovation, but that can be daunting without help. We've been at the forefront of industry innovation for over one hundred years. Our team has the expertise to guide you through the overwhelming progression of technology and show you which platforms will best benefit your business today and tomorrow. Let us help you keep up with the future.

To learn more about automated guided vehicles or to request a quote, contact us online or visit one of our locations:

Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Dothan, Irondale, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Belden, Richland, and Tupelo
Tennessee - Jackson and Memphis

Further Reading
How Automation Can Help You Overcome a Labor Shortage
6 Signs You’re Not Ready for Warehouse Automation
AGVs 101: Your Guide To Autonomous Warehouse Vehicles