PRODUCT DETAILS

In modern automated material handling, AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle) are the two primary types of equipment used for the horizontal transfer and conveying of goods. While they may look similar, their navigation methods and operational roles differ significantly.

1. RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle)

An RGV is a shuttle that travels along a fixed track (rail). It is typically used for high-speed, point-to-point transportation within a warehouse or production line.

Navigation: It follows a physical rail system (either floor-mounted or overhead). Because its path is fixed, its movement is highly predictable and extremely fast.

Speed & Efficiency: Since it doesn't need to "find" its way, it can accelerate and decelerate quickly, making it ideal for simple, high-frequency transport tasks.

Operational Role: Usually used to connect different parts of a production line or as a feeder for an AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System).

Advantage: Higher speed and lower cost per unit compared to AGVs, but with zero flexibility—it can only go where the rails are laid.

2. AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle)

An AGV is a mobile robot that navigates freely across the warehouse floor without the need for physical rails. It uses onboard sensors and software to determine its path.

Navigation: AGVs use various methods such as Magnetic Strip (following a tape), Laser SLAM (mapping the environment with LiDAR), or QR Code navigation (scanning codes on the floor).

Flexibility: The biggest advantage of an AGV is that its path can be changed via software. If you reorganize your warehouse, you simply update the digital map rather than tearing up rails.

Operational Role: Frequently used for "Goods-to-Person" picking, moving heavy pallets across large open areas, or delivering raw materials to multiple workstations.

Advantage: High flexibility and the ability to navigate around obstacles or people.

Key Comparison: AGV vs. RGV

Feature	RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle)	AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle)
Path	Fixed (Physical Rails)	Flexible (Digital Map/Tape)
Speed	Very High	Moderate
Complexity	Simple Mechanical Structure	Complex Sensors & Software
Installation	Requires rail construction	Faster setup (software-based)
Best Use Case	Fast, repetitive straight lines	Complex paths, multiple destinations
Cost	Lower initial machine cost	Higher machine cost due to sensors

3. Hybrid Systems (AGV + Conveyor)

In many advanced facilities, transfer equipment isn't just a vehicle. It often features a conveyor top (roller or belt) mounted on the AGV or RGV. This allows the vehicle to dock with a stationary conveyor, automatically transfer the load, and move to the next station without any human intervention.

Tranfer And Conveying Equipment

Related Plans

GET A SOLUTION

Fill in the information to obtain a free proposal quotation, and we will contact you as soon as possible