WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION & MOVEMENT
Automated guided vehicle (AGV)
An automated guided vehicle moves material through an industrial operation using automated guidance and control. Load handling, navigation, traffic management and safety behavior depend on the system.
AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE IN PRACTICE
- Define the movementSpecify the load and pickup/drop-off conditions.
- Integrate the routeCoordinate navigation, people and work instructions.
- Test disruptionsValidate blocked paths and recovery procedures.
Use the agreed units, actual records and approved procedures for your operation.
A WORKED EXAMPLE
Six minutes per cycle. Ten cycles per hour.
Assume a complete transport cycle takes six minutes, including pickup, loaded travel, drop-off and return. That gives ten cycles per hour before breaks, charging, congestion or failures. If each cycle moves one pallet, the simplified capacity is ten pallet moves per hour. Using loaded travel time alone would overstate throughput and could leave receiving work waiting for unavailable vehicles.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR QUOTE
Agree the requirement before comparing quotes
Use the actual shipment, stock and service requirements. Record the billing unit, included work and responsibility for exceptions.
A LITTLE MORE CONTEXT
Questions about Automated guided vehicle
Do all AGVs follow fixed floor markings?
No. Guidance and navigation technologies vary by system.
Can every pallet be moved by an AGV?
No. The vehicle and transfer equipment must suit the pallet, load, environment and required movement.
Is travel speed the same as operating throughput?
No. Transfers, return travel, congestion, charging and recovery affect completed moves.
Source & example notes
MHI: mobile automation technologies.
Sources provide background on the linked topic. Product documentation describes a particular implementation; confirm the rules, contract and procedures that apply to your operation.
Quantities, costs and scenarios are illustrative, not operating targets, approved handling instructions or guarantees. Source guidance reviewed 22 October 2026.
Last updated: · 3PL Hub
