How to Optimize Intra Logistics to Streamline and Speed Industry 4.0 Supply Chains
sensing and avoiding personnel in their paths. Early models of AGVs had limited obstacle avoidance capabilities, and the areas where they were used were designed to be devoid of people. Newer AGVs include a larger variety of sensors, making them safer for use around people. However, while AVGs can identify obstacles, they can’t navigate around them like AMRs can. Instead, AVGs stop until the obstacle is removed. Some models can automatically resume their travel if an obstacle is moved out of the way. Flexibility. AMRs can provide more flexibility and can be reprogrammed for deployment into new environments without physical modifications. When an AGV is introduced into a new environment, the guide tracks must be installed or modified to support the needed travel routes. AGVs are also limited to a single task involving the movement of material from one predetermined point to another and can be disrupted by changes in the environment, like the addition of new equipment that requires changes to the travel route. Safety. Because of their greater ability to avoid obstacles, AMRs are generally considered safer than AGVs. But it’s not a simple question. Both can be equipped with emergency stop switches and sensors to identify obstacles and avoid hitting
The automated movement of material throughout the facility is key to maximizing the benefits of intra logistics. Material handling options AMRs and AGVs are designed to move material from place to place, enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, productivity, and safety of intra logistics operations. These systems can be differentiated based on their load-carrying configurations. There are several configurations of AMRs and AGVs suited for specific intra logistics functions: n Carts are also called under load or under ride vehicles and move beneath the item to be moved, lift it vertically, and carry it to its destination. These vehicles can be designed to lift and transport 1 ton or more.
n Tow tractors or tugs connect with one or more automated or unautomated carts loaded with material and take them from place to place. Most are rated for about 1 ton, but models are available rated for 20-ton loads. In addition, models are available that can operate autonomously or be manually driven by an operator. n Robotic forklifts are available in several configurations, including pallet movers, counterbalanced fork trucks, and narrow aisle vehicles. Depending on the design, they can handle several tons and lift the load over 10 meters high. n Load carriers are automated mobile platforms that can pick up materials from the end of a conveyor line, from robotic loading stations and other automated systems. Their load capacities tend to be lower than the other types of AMRs and AGVs.
them — including people. AMRs are designed for use around people and include numerous safety measures. However, AGVs travel predetermined routes, and personnel know in advance where they will be and can more easily avoid contact with them. Both technologies support high levels of safety. Deployment challenges. AGVs and AMRs require specific infrastructure to support their deployments. In general, AMR deployments can be completed faster and are less disruptive compared to AGVs. AGVs require the installation of guide tracks to support point-to-point navigation. AMRs depend on various sensors installed throughout the facility and
help provide detailed situational awareness and navigation support. AMRs are suitable for use in more complex environments and applications. For example, an AMR can be programmed to work collaboratively with a human order picker in a “follow-me” application. Those differences generally make AMRs more suitable for use in Industry 4.0 environments where changes are expected and must be efficiently supported (Figure 2). Maintenance. This is a mixed situation. AGVs are simpler machines with fewer sensors and can require less maintenance than AMRs. However, the support infrastructure needed by AGVs can be subject to damage requiring additional maintenance. In the
AGV vs. AMR, what’s the difference? AGVs and AMRs can have similar configurations, but they don’t have the same capabilities. The basic differences include: n AGVs navigate using external tracks made with magnetic strips, tapes/paint on the floor, or wires in the floor to move from place to place; they cannot go anywhere without those external tracks. n AMRs use a combination of internal sensors, wirelessly connected external sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to plan
the most efficient route and avoid obstacles dynamically.
AGVs were developed before the introduction of Industry 4.0 warehouses and factories and have recently evolved somewhat to accommodate Industry 4.0 applications, so the differences are not as clear-cut as they once were. Similarities and differences include: Navigation and obstacle avoidance. Navigation is the biggest differentiator. AGVs can only travel on predefined paths, while AMRs can travel variable routes throughout a predefined area or environment. Since they move autonomously, AMRs have extensive obstacle avoidance capabilities, including identifying new obstacles like a pallet placed in a previously clear aisle and
Figure 2: AGVs travel fixed routes making them less suitable for many Industry 4.0 applications. (Image source: Getty Images)
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