Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)

An automated guided vehicle is a mobile robot used in warehouses and factories to transport materials without human drivers.

Examples: AGVs move pallets across Amazon fulfillment centers or deliver raw materials in auto manufacturing plants.

Advantages: Reduces labor costs, improves safety by lowering forklift incidents, and increases efficiency.

Challenges: High upfront investment, reliance on technology, and less flexibility compared to human labor in complex environments.

Real-world example: Tesla uses AGVs in its Gigafactories to move heavy battery packs safely across production floors.

Explain like I’m five: It’s like a robot car in a warehouse that carries boxes around all by itself.

FAQ: What’s the difference between AGVs and AMRs? AGVs follow fixed paths (tracks or wires), while AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) navigate dynamically.

Bottom line: AGVs bring efficiency and safety to repetitive transport tasks, but they are costly and best suited for large-scale operations.