Robotic technology such as automatic guided vehicles (or AGV's) move things around workplaces, which normally requires human labor. Although the equipment has been around for decades, the rising cost of labor and the advancement in technology have made auto guided vehicles more affordable for all sizes of companies.

Whether your company is moving into a new construction and looking to upgrade their technology or modify an existing workforce, there are a few things to consider when purchasing AGV’s:

1. Look at tasks that can be easily handled by an automatic guided vehicle such as routine tasks with fork lifts or pallet stacking and towing heavy loads.

2. Look at the different technology available and the possible return on investment by automating mundane tasks eliminating an hourly wage, benefits and risk of injury to an employee.

3. Take note of special handling requirements or logistical challenges like navigating around people or multiple floors where automatic guided vehicles can help.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find automatic guided vehicle suppliers who carry the right vehicle for your company

There are a variety of AGV's to choose from. Although there are multiple types, most fall under five categories: forked, unit load, tow/tug, special application and custom designed. Each of these vehicles is designed to perform work efficiently, quickly and during any desired hours.

I recommend: Standard towing AGV’s can pull anything from 50 to 50,000 pounds and manufacturers like Jervis B. Webb Company specialize in vehicles that pull up to 250,000. Egemin Automation offers a full line of AGV’s systems, which includes management software, interfacing with other equipment in the warehouse, battery charging systems and wireless networks. They can also upgrade existing systems.

Look for the most cost effective type of automatic guided vehicle

Consider all types of AGV's including wired, wireless laser technology and magnetic tape to name a few. Magnetic tape is less expensive than wired and easy to reconfigure, but lasers are the latest technology. When prices of automated guided vehicles start at $50,000, it may seem out of reach for many small to medium sized businesses, but return on investment shows that it's easy to recoup the startup costs.

I recommend: Savant Automation offers a free budgetary price concept and proposal to get an idea of how AGV’s can help the company and what it will cost. FMC Technologies provides information on the return on investment of AGVs and all of the elements to consider when determining the entire cost of the project and potential benefits.

Purchase special automatic guided vehicles for industries with specialized needs

Industries like healthcare requires navigating multiple floors, elevators and people traffic, need special automatic guided vehicle providers. That would normally take manpower to load, deliver and unload is now fully automated with the assistance of AGVs.

I recommend: Swisslog has vehicles that carry bulk material through areas like healthcare and pharmaceutical with technology that understands challenges specific to this environment, without requiring embedded wires, magnetic tape or chemicals, all of which is potentially harmful in these industries. JBT Corporation specializes in AGV’s that handle unusual sized loads like circular paper rolls, tubes and pipes and offers many vehicles that perform different duties. They also have AGV’s for materials that need specialized handling.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Automated guided vehicle prices vary among providers and the location of the company in relation to them. Check carefully on the full price including any shipping or support when getting a price quote.