The differences between AGVs and AMRs

Today’s manufacturing and logistics industry is facing significant challenges to upgrade and optimise business processes to meet the demands of a modern economy. Advances in technology make it possible to create more efficient and productive systems through automation and digitisation.

Global industrial automation is worth approximately $200 billion — and according to the latest market research study by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the AGV and AMR Market is expected to reach US$13.2 billion by 2026 with a growth rate of around 35%.

That means AGVs, as well as AMRs, are going to become a new normal in day-to-day operational activities in warehouses, factories and other facilities.

What is an automated guided vehicle (AGV)?

AGV robots are wheel-based and computer-controlled load carriers. AGVs follow marked wires or long lines on the floor of a facility without the help of a driver or onboard operator. They use a combination of sensor-based systems and software to navigate and move around on a predictable path with controlled acceleration and deceleration. Hence, they offer a safe way of moving loads around.

There are various types of AGVs, including:

• Automated carts: the simplest type with minimal features and low implementation cost.
• Automated forklift AGVs: forklifts with automatic controls allowing for unmanned operations.
• Unit load AGVs: individual vehicles used to transport loads on their decks.
• Tugged AGVs: powered units that pull non-motorised trailers carrying loads.

What is an autonomous mobile robot (AMR)?

An autonomous mobile robot is a robot that understands and moves around a facility floor without an operator. The robot can move around with the help of computers, onboard sensors and maps. It can understand and interpret its environment, thus offering asynchronous transportation.

AMRs offer increased flexibility by creating their routes within a facility or warehouse. They can identify obstacles and reroute when necessary without the intervention of an operator. They are therefore best suited for dynamic environments because of their independence and flexibility.

Industries use AMRs for a variety of operations, which include:

• Transporting materials and finished goods within a warehouse or facility.
• Facilitating the sorting process.
• Facilitating the picking process.
• Increased inventory visibility, ie, viewing and tracking inventory in real time.

What are the differences between AGVs and AMRs?

Both AGVs and AMRs are used to automate industrial operations mostly to transport heavy materials across facilities — warehouses, distribution centres, factories, etc.

However, they are different in the following ways.

Navigation

AGVs are programmed to follow fixed routes. They use wire, sensors, magnetic strips or laser guidance technology for navigation. Laser guidance technology is popular because it is easy to use and accurate. Because it uses a fixed route, an AGV will stop when it encounters obstacles.

On the other hand, AMRs use maps that the AMR software constructs onsite or pre-loaded facility drawings to navigate. These robots can therefore learn their surroundings and choose the most effective route. AMRs can go round obstacles using intelligent navigation.

As much as this ability can be seen as an advanced option, users have to be aware of it when transporting materials within a facility. For example, with very heavy materials, the fact that an AMR can go off course without any decision from a human element can be troubling.

Flexibility

AGVs follow strict routes, which are integrated into the facility. An AGV will perform the same task throughout its life. Rerouting an AGV will require making changes to the facility’s floor.

In contrast, AMRs are flexible and need a simple software adjustment to perform a different task. An AMR will automatically make the necessary adjustment to meet the changing production needs and environment.

Installation and commissioning

AGVs require complex infrastructures such as magnetic tapes and wires, which are installed into the facility. The process will therefore take time and may lead to disruption of the production process.

AMRs do not need any physical infrastructure to be set up during installation. AMRs can be deployed easily and quickly; hence don’t disrupt the production process during their installation.

Price

AGVs are simpler thus more affordable than AMRs. The navigation system in an AGV is less complex and does not have a lot of sensors.

AMRs use more complex and sophisticated software, which makes them more expensive. AMRs require more performance sensors and a more advanced control panel to manage all the information received from the sensors.

Choosing the right option

AMRs and AGVs have different applications and are suitable for various facilities based on the facility’s needs. AGVs are more suitable for less complex operations. If a robot is needed to move materials, work in progress or finished goods around the facility or warehouse, then AGVs are ideal for the facility.

For example, the facility may need an AGV to transport raw materials to the production line from the warehouse. Additionally, the AGV will transport the finished goods to the warehouse for distribution.

In contrast, AMRs are suitable for a more dynamic work environment. If the facility doesn’t have fixed routes for moving materials or needs a robot that can be used for other operations, then AMRs are suitable. For example, an AMR can be used for transporting, loading, retrieving and stacking materials in a warehouse. Its flexibility makes it ideal for such dynamic activities.