Intech Group is proud to be a pioneer in the field of automation. We provide solutions for AGV self-driving vehicles, cargo handling robots, and component transport lines, suitable for many different production models, from electronics, mechanics, to logistics and smart warehouses.

What is AGV?

Automated Guided Vehicle AGV is an autonomous vehicle that moves using smart navigation technology, designed to transport goods, components or raw materials to predetermined locations without direct human intervention.

AGV autonomous vehicles are widely used in many fields such as smart warehouses, production lines, assembly plants, hospitals and distribution centers. AGV robots are flexibly programmed to perform many tasks such as transporting materials between stages, arranging goods, picking and placing products at precise locations, helping to minimize waiting time and increase production efficiency.

Classification of AGVs

AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) are designed with many different styles and functions to meet the specific transportation needs in each production environment. Currently, AGVs are divided into 4 main types as follows.

Towing AGVs

Towing AGVs operate similarly to automatic trains, with the task of pulling trailers or cargo containers behind. These trailers are connected to each other by automatic towing hooks, helping to move synchronously and safely. This type of vehicle is often used in automobile, motorcycle, or electronics factories, where frames, car bodies, and components need to be transported between assembly stages.

Load-Carrying AGV

This is a type of autonomous robot with a tray or platform that moves automatically to predetermined points. Load-Carrying AGV is commonly used to transport lightweight goods, small or non-bulky materials, helping to optimize the material distribution process in smart warehouses and electronic component assembly lines.

Forklift AGV

Forklift AGV is designed to lift and lower goods or pallets onto shelves and floors automatically. The mechanical structure of this type of vehicle is more complex than other AGV lines, so the maintenance and operating costs are higher, but in return, it is superior in efficiency in highly automated warehouses that need to handle pallets or heavy objects.

Pushing AGV

Pushing AGV has a simple, flexible structure and low investment cost, suitable for many different production models. The vehicle operates by pushing goods or trays to a predetermined position, commonly used in component assembly factories, electronics manufacturing, packaging, food, etc.

In particular, AGV self-propelled vehicles are equipped with advanced sensor systems and control technology such as lasers, cameras, radars, optical sensors and ultrasonic sensors, helping the vehicle to detect and avoid obstacles on the road, ensuring safety during operation.

Structure of AGV self-propelled vehicle

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is designed with intelligent mechatronic structure, allowing stable, precise and safe operation in production environment. Below is the basic structure of AGV.

Pathfinding Unit

The pathfinding unit helps the AGV determine its location, direction of movement and adjust its route during operation. Depending on the level of automation and application conditions, the AGV can be equipped with different navigation technologies including:

- Free Path Navigation

This type of AGV is highly flexible, operating without a fixed path. The system is positioned and guided by:

• Gyroscope Sensor: helps determine the direction of movement and maintain stability when the vehicle changes direction.

• Laser Sensor (LIDAR): scans the surrounding environment to identify obstacles and avoid collisions.

• Local Positioning System: determines the vehicle's instantaneous coordinates to adjust the moving trajectory.

Thanks to the combination of these sensors, AGV can automatically calculate and select the shortest path, optimizing transportation time and energy consumption for applications in smart factories or flexible production lines that require frequent layout changes.

- Fixed Path Navigation

This type of AGV moves based on a fixed path, pre-set by technologies such as: Magnetic tape, rails, colored lines or magnetic wires when operating, the vehicle follows a predetermined route to reach the correct location on the moving map.

This type of AGV has high stability, low investment cost and easy maintenance. However, the fixed path makes it necessary to readjust the entire navigation system when changing the layout in the factory. The vehicle is often equipped with metal sensors, optical sensors or magnetic sensors to detect signals and maintain the correct direction of movement.

Obstacle Detection Sensor

AGVs are equipped with a variety of modern sensors that help detect and avoid collisions while moving. Common types of sensors include:

• Ultrasonic sensors: Emit sound waves and measure response time to determine the distance to obstacles. Highly effective when detecting hard objects such as walls, columns, or people.

• Infrared sensors: Emit infrared rays and measure reflected signals to identify obstacles. Suitable for indoor environments with little change in light.

• Laser sensors (LIDAR): Scan 2D/3D space, helping AGV accurately locate obstacles and plan a safe route.

Drive and motor

Depending on the load capacity, AGV can be equipped with 1 to 2 motor drivers, which directly affects the capacity, battery capacity and operating speed. This motor system helps the vehicle move flexibly, ensuring stability when transporting goods in factories, warehouses or production areas with limited space.

Data transmission and reception equipment

AGV self-driving vehicles operate effectively thanks to a powerful wireless communication system, including:

• Base Station: Manages and maintains connections between AGV vehicles and the central operating system.

• RF/Wifi transceiver: Allows AGV to communicate wirelessly with the control center, transmitting commands and operating data in real time.

• Processor and microcontroller: Responsible for processing sensor signals, controlling the direction of movement and optimizing the transportation route.

• Interface and connection port (Ethernet, USB, RS232/485): Supports direct connection to computer, warehouse management system (WMS) or ERP software.

Batteries and Charging Systems

• Automatic charging: When the battery capacity drops to the limit, the AGV automatically moves to the charging station without manual intervention.

• Automatic battery replacement: The battery replacement station system helps the vehicle to change energy sources quickly, ensuring no interruption in operations in the chain.

Central Controller

The central controller is programmed to help AGV run independently or connect synchronously with many other vehicles in the production line.

• Coordinate smart travel routes, avoid congestion.

• Manage and optimize energy, control operating progress.

• Connect directly to the operation center or MES/ERP production management software.

Position Sensor

The position sensor helps the AGV determine the pick-up and drop-off points, the battery charging position or the emergency stop area. The location information is sent to the control center, supporting the system to track and optimize the route in real time.

Cargo Connection Unit

This unit can operate automatically or semi-automatically, helping the AGV connect, lift or pull the cart depending on the factory's transportation model. This is the mechanical part that helps the robot be flexible when transporting components, pallets or containers of goods in the warehouse.

User Interface

AGV is designed with a friendly control interface, including:

• Display screen: Provides information on operating status, current position, battery level and error warning.

• Control buttons & indicator lights: Help the operator easily start, stop the vehicle or handle problems quickly.

• Mechanical handles or buttons: Support manual control when needed.

AGV Autonomous Vehicle Overall Control System

The entire AGV system is intelligently integrated, including:

• Vehicle (Mechanical body): Sturdy structure, high load capacity.

• Software (Management software): Route control, communication between AGVs, ensuring smooth operation.

• Wireless communication: Connect to warehouse management system (WMS), ERP system, and production control center.

• User Interface: Manage reports, warnings and analyze operational data.

• RF/Wifi data transmission device: Helps AGV communicate in real time with the control center for flexible monitoring, supervision and processing.

How AGVs work

AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) operate based on advanced automation systems, combining control technologies, sensors and artificial intelligence to move, navigate and perform tasks in industrial environments. Below is an overview of the working principle of AGVs:

Programming and mapping the environment

Before operating, AGVs need to be programmed and mapped out in the work area. This process determines the required locations, travel routes, restricted areas and delivery points. Mapping helps the system navigate and move accurately in the production space or warehouse.

Detecting and recognizing the environment

AGVs are equipped with modern sensor systems such as ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors, optical sensors, force sensors, proximity sensors... to help the vehicle detect obstacles, identify paths and measure distances to surrounding objects.

Data processing and decision making

All data collected from sensors will be sent to the central processing unit (CPU) of the AGV. Here, the system will analyze the data, determine the current location and calculate the optimal travel route. The AGV can automatically adjust the direction or speed when detecting obstacles to ensure efficiency and safety.

Movement control and operation

After determining the path, the AGV uses the motor and transmission control system to execute the movement command. Control algorithms such as PID, linear control or optimal control help the vehicle maintain a stable speed, steering angle and precise travel trajectory.

Interaction and communication with the management system

The AGV is capable of connecting to the internal network or central management system via wireless connection (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or industrial network). This allows AGVs to send status data, receive dispatch commands, and synchronize operations with other devices in the production line or smart warehouse system.

Automatically perform tasks

After receiving commands, AGVs perform pre-programmed tasks, such as transporting components, raw materials, or finished products to designated locations. During this process, the system continuously monitors, updates, and optimizes the route, ensuring high productivity and accuracy.

Benefits of AGV autonomous vehicles in modern production

The application of AGV not only helps improve productivity but is also an important step in the digital transformation roadmap and building smart factories.

24/7 operation, improving labor productivity

Benefits of AGV autonomous vehicles in modern production
The application of AGV not only helps improve productivity but is also an important step in the digital transformation roadmap and building smart factories.

24/7 operation, improving labor productivity

AGV robots only need to stop when charging the battery or performing technical maintenance, thereby helping to maintain stable productivity 24/7. Compared to manual labor, AGV is not affected by fatigue or human error, ensuring that production progress is always maintained at the maximum level.

Reduce labor costs, optimize operating costs

Using AGV helps businesses significantly reduce personnel costs such as salaries, allowances, insurance or training costs. With only an initial investment in equipment and control systems, AGV can operate stably for a long time without incurring large costs.

According to Intech Group's customers, the payback period when investing in AGV is quite fast and then the entire value created from the robot is calculated directly into net profit, bringing clear financial efficiency.

Ensuring labor safety and reducing production risks

AGV self-driving vehicles are equipped with many advanced sensors such as laser sensors, optical sensors, force sensors to help detect obstacles and automatically avoid collisions.

In addition, AGV can operate in harsh environments such as areas with high or low temperatures, or containing hazardous materials where it is difficult for humans to work for a long time.

Improving the quality and stability of the production process

Using AGV helps businesses eliminate errors due to human factors, ensuring that operations are performed accurately according to programming. All processes of moving and transporting materials and goods are controlled by specific technical parameters, minimizing manufacturing errors or damage to goods.

In addition, integrating AGV with the manufacturing management system (MES/ERP) helps businesses optimize transportation flows, control inventory and supply materials more accurately.

Prestigious supplier of AGV self-propelled vehicles in Vietnam

As a leading unit in the field of automation in Vietnam, Intech Group is proud to provide AGV self-propelled vehicle solutions for transporting components and materials suitable for many different industries.

AGV vehicles researched and developed by Intech Group are used in transporting goods and transferring materials between production stages completely automatically, without human intervention. The system has the ability to flexibly integrate with production lines, warehouses and other automatic equipment, helping businesses to automate comprehensively.

Intech's AGV lines are equipped with advanced technology such as:

• Laser Scanner helps to locate accurately and move safely;

• Smart sensors detect obstacles, automatically navigate;

• RFID & Big Data system support management, information retrieval in real time;

• Wireless communication and image recognition help to optimize connection, control and operation of the entire system.

Intech Group's smart sorting system, AGV self-driving vehicles and automatic warehouses are currently widely used in manufacturing plants, industrial enterprises, express delivery industry (CEP) and e-commerce companies. Contact Intech Group now for detailed advice on AGV self-driving vehicle solutions to transport components & raw materials suitable for your factory via Hotline: 0966.966.032 - 0983.113.387