AGVHub
AGV Solutions Guide
Expert knowledge about AGV and Automated Guided Vehicle systems
Basics
What is an AGV?
Everything about Automated Guided Vehicles: Definition, how they work, applications, and benefits of AGVs in intralogistics.
AMR vs. AGV – What's the Difference?
Comparison between AMR and AGV: Navigation concepts, flexibility, costs, and use cases in direct comparison.
AGV Vehicle Types: Which One Fits Your Application?
From forklift AGVs to underride vehicles: Overview of all AGV vehicle types, their payloads, applications, and how to choose the right one.
Mixed Fleet Operations: AGVs and Manual Forklifts
How to run AGVs alongside manual forklifts: Traffic management, success factors, human factors, and performance expectations for mixed operations.
Planning & Decision
Is an AGV System Right for You?
Checklist and decision guide: When investing in Automated Guided Vehicles pays off and what prerequisites should be met.
How Much Does an AGV System Cost?
Realistic cost overview for AGV projects: Vehicle prices, infrastructure, software, and ongoing costs transparently explained.
AGV Implementation Process
Step-by-step guide for AGV projects: From the first idea to productive operation – phases, milestones, and typical timeframes.
Common AGV Implementation Mistakes
The 10 most common mistakes in AGV projects and how to avoid them. Learn from others' experiences.
What Goes into an AGV Specification?
Complete guide to creating an AGV specification document: All important contents, structure, and tips for a successful RFQ.
AGV Projects: Between Technology, Processes, and Organization
AGV implementations are not just technology projects. They fundamentally change processes, responsibilities, and collaboration within an organization.
Buy, Lease, or RaaS: How to Fund Your AGV Fleet
Three commercial models for acquiring AGVs and AMRs compared: outright purchase, leasing, and Robot-as-a-Service. When each option makes sense, with pricing benchmarks and a worked example.
Technical
How Does AGV Navigation Work?
Overview of navigation technologies for AGVs: Laser navigation, contour navigation, magnetic tape, SLAM, and more compared.
Floor and Facility Requirements
What floor and building requirements must be met for AGVs? Flatness, load capacity, joints, and other critical factors.
VDA 5050: The Standard for AGV Communication
What is VDA 5050? How does the standard for communication between fleet control and AGVs work? Benefits, structure, and practical significance.
AGV System Architecture and Infrastructure
How is an AGV system structured? Overview of components, communication, and integration – from simple setups to enterprise solutions.
Fleet Manager as SaaS: Cloud Deployment for AGV Systems
How does a cloud-based fleet manager work? Architectures with on-premise MQTT broker, VPN connectivity, MQTT bridge, and the benefits of SaaS deployment for AGV fleets.
AGV Safety: Standards, Sensors, and Risk Assessment
How AGV safety works in practice: EU regulations, safety sensors, risk assessment process, and personnel protection concepts.
Battery and Energy Systems for AGVs
Lead-acid vs. lithium-ion, charging strategies, and battery management: Everything about AGV energy systems and their impact on operations and total cost.
What Does Connecting SAP to Your AGV System Actually Mean?
How SAP integrates with AGV fleet managers: data flows, integration patterns, cost expectations, and who does what in a typical project.
VDA 5050 Message Flow: Fleet Manager to AGV via MQTT
How VDA 5050 telegrams travel from a fleet manager through an MQTT broker to the vehicles. Topics, payloads, QoS, and the connectivity your IT team needs to prepare.