AGV vs. AMR – What’s the Difference? - Precision Tool Services

Expert Industrial

Automation Solutions

812-342-1234

AGV vs. AMR – What’s the Difference? (And Which One Is Better for You?)

If you’re looking for a new way to move products, transport materials, increase manufacturing efficiency, automate your facility, and improve workforce efficiency, you may be wondering how to deploy AGVs or AMRs, and what is the difference between the two?

Both of these systems have their pros and cons, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for your business. In this piece, we will discuss the differences between AGVs and AMRs, as well as help you decide which one is better for you.

The use of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in manufacturing has been one of the only options for automating internal transportation tasks until recently. However, this is being challenged by Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) which offer more sophisticated technology, with shorter ROIs and lower initial costs than their AGV counterparts; while both types can be used to deliver materials from one place to the next – they do so without interchangeable function or capabilities. Therefore it is important to decide which will be right for your plant floor and process.

1) Static vs. Dynamic

AGVs have minimal on-board intelligence and can only obey simple programming instructions. To navigate, it needs to be guided by wires or magnetic tape which typically require periodical extensive facility updates in order to maintain functionality. However this creates an additional cost where there was once none, due to their inability to deviate from their fixed path.

Intelligent navigation is one of the key features that set Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) apart from traditional Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). AMRs are equipped with sensors and software that allow them to map their surroundings and create optimized routes to their destination. This not only makes them more efficient than AGVs, but also allows them to navigate around obstacles and adapt to changes in the environment. As a result, AMRs are well-suited for environments where there is a lot of foot traffic or other potential hazards. Moreover, the use of intelligent navigation can help to reduce wear and tear on the robots, as well as the need for regular robot and facility maintenance.

2) Flexibility

The flexibility of the AMR is much higher than that of the AGV. Not only can it perform different tasks at various locations, but this can be done or changed through simple software adjustments. Because of this key feature, these robots are more cost-effective over time as they do not require extensive changes to their operation or environment, in comparison to those needed by AGVs following strict routed paths throughout their service life.

For example, an AMR can be programmed to perform a specific task one day and a completely different task the next day without needing to have its software entirely rewritten. In contrast, an AGV would require new software each time its task changes, even slightly, resulting in much higher costs over time. Therefore, the flexibility of AMRs makes them a more cost-effective option for many businesses.

3) Traditional vs. Agile Business

In a rapidly changing world, businesses must be able to adapt quickly to stay competitive. This is especially true in the manufacturing sector, where the ability to respond quickly to customer demands can make the difference between success and failure. Traditional manufacturing business models are often no longer able to keep up with the pace of change.

In contrast, AMRs offer a more flexible solution. Their design and software flexibility allows them to be easily reconfigured to meet the ever changing demands of today’s manufacturing environment. This makes AMRs an ideal choice for businesses that require agility and quick response times.

4) Expense

AGVs tend to be more expensive than AMRs, both in the short term and long term. This is partially due to the AGVs requiring special infrastructure, which includes magnetic tape or wire guidance to operate, while AMRs use the existing environment in a facility, and adapts as that changes over time. In addition, AGVs typically have a fixed route that they follow, while AMRs have the ability to adapt their route as needed. As a result, AGVs may not be able to keep up with changes in your operation and facility as easily as an AMR system.

That being said, it is possible that AGVs could handle higher volumes of traffic than AMRs in a one to one comparison in certain applications. Ultimately, the best way to determine which system is right for your business is to carefully consider your specific needs, budget, environment, workforce, and ever changing demands.

5) Multitasking Capabilities

AMRs are not only more efficient and faster than AGVs, but they can also be programmed to carry out multiple tasks. This means that they can be used for a variety of different applications, such as picking and placing products, loading and unloading vehicles, and even assembling products with the appropriate accompanying piece of automation. In contrast, AGVs are typically limited to a single task and can only be used for one specific application. This makes them much less versatile than AMRs and means that they are less likely to be able to meet the needs of an ever changing marketplace.

As you can see, there are many advantages that AMRs have over AGVs. So if you’re looking for a more flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solution for your business, then an AMR could be your perfect choice.

Ready to Learn More?

Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you to implement the PTS AMR solution into your manufacturing process. We look forward to hearing from you!