Frequently Asked Questions
What does an AGV System consist of?
An AGV System is a total combination of vehicles, guidance system, battery charging system, traffic control system, communications system and the control software which tells the vehicles what to do and when.
How much will my initial investment be?
An AGV System's price is based on the vehicle's design, number of vehicles needed and the system's complexity or level of intelligence required. A general rule of thumb for pricing on a forklift style vehicle system is $75k per vehicle and $150k for the system (includes engineering, installation and system control software and hardware.) Typically, you can expect a payback period of 2 to 5 years, with a system life expectancy of 10 to 20 years.
Are AGVs safe to operate around pedestrians and fork truck traffic?
Yes. AGVs efficiently share aisles and work areas with people and fork truck traffic. Numerous safety features such as infrared slowdown sensors, mechanical front and rear bumpers and optional laser bumpers make AGVs ideal solutions for applications where heavy fork truck traffic and pedestrian safety must be taken into account.
Can AGVs help my facility efficiently deliver needed parts for our assembly operation?
Yes. AGVs can be the best solution when scheduled material flow is required into and out of manufacturing areas. The scheduling of load movement can be processed into the AGV control system in an efficient pre-established manner such as FIFO or prioritization.
My operation requires product to be transported long distances to the shipping area. Can AGVs help us cut the cost and manpower used in this process?
Yes. AGVs are ideally suited for this type of operation. In applications where material delivery requirements are continuous, repetitive and steady for multiple shifts, AGVs can be your best solution. AGVs can respond precisely to steady continuous flow because they operate at fixed operating cycles and at fixed speeds.
What are the benefits of using AGVs as opposed to conveyor?
AGV systems allow for open aisles with no fixed obstructions required. For applications where material must be transported long distances or with multiple entry locations and destinations, AGVs can free your facility from costly fixed conveyor. When changes occur in your operation, AGVs can quickly be adapted to the new layout without the need to make expensive changes to a conveyor system.
My plant is in a constant state of growth. How easy is it to change an AGV system once it is installed?
An AGV system may be your best solution if system expansion and system changes are anticipated. AGV systems will be more adaptable to change compared to other horizontal transportation methods such as towline, conveyor or monorail. With new technologies such as laser guidance, changing your system can most often be performed with no interruption to the system's normal service.
What kind of maintenance is required on AGVs? Will I need specially trained maintenance personnel?
If you currently have maintenance personnel who work on traditional forklift trucks, in most cases they will be able to perform any maintenance work required on an AGV. All AMERDEN systems include specialized training, tailored to meet the systems needs. All replacement parts are available through Amerden and a parts list is supplied with the vehicles.
What is the best vehicle design and guidance method for my application?
Every system is different, so no one particular vehicle design or guidance method is perfect for every application. AMERDEN first gets to know your operation and what its special needs are. Then we tailor the AGV system solution to meet or exceed your requirements. We have the widest variety of vehicle designs available in the market and we can supply them with any of the guidance methods including laser guidance. Contact us to see what Automatic Guided Vehicles can do for your company.
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