Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we hear most in heavy-duty AGV projects: applications, configuration, movement, safety, charging and project evaluation.
Applications and customization
Which applications can be evaluated for a heavy-duty AGV?
Heavy-duty AGVs can be evaluated for repeatable, controlled intralogistics movements of heavy, long, or oversized loads between process stations. Suitability is determined by reviewing the load, route, floor, duty cycle, and site traffic together.
Can vehicle dimensions and the load interface be customized?
Standardized platforms may provide a starting point, while body dimensions, lifting or load interface, wheel arrangement, and drive layout can be adapted to the load geometry and site. A suitable standard platform may reduce design time and project complexity; final configuration follows an engineering review.
Load capacity and vehicle configuration
Is an AGV's operating speed fixed?
No. Operating speed is defined against the load, route, floor, visibility, pedestrian and vehicle traffic, stopping distance, indoor or outdoor conditions, and target cycle. Unloaded and loaded speeds may be specified separately for the vehicle configuration.
Navigation, movement and positioning
How is the navigation method selected?
Magnetic guidance, laser or SLAM, visual or QR-based methods, and outdoor positioning suit different conditions. Selection considers indoor or outdoor operation, metal and dust, visibility, route variability, infrastructure needs, and docking precision together.
Are lateral movement and rotation in place possible in tight spaces?
Omnidirectional configurations supporting these movements are available. Exact manoeuvring capability is confirmed after reviewing the drive architecture, vehicle dimensions, loaded sweep envelope, aisle width, and load stability.
Safety
Which safety layers can be used on an AGV?
Depending on configuration, laser or other obstacle-detection sensors, safety edges, audible and visual warnings, and emergency-stop functions may be combined. Scanning zones, speed, and stopping distances are defined through the site risk assessment; these devices do not replace operating traffic rules.
What happens when an obstacle appears in front of the AGV?
For heavy-load applications, the usual approach is to detect the obstacle, slow or stop in a controlled manner, and continue once the route is safe. Free obstacle bypass is not the default in every project; behaviour is defined by the site traffic plan and risk assessment.
Charging and energy
Are manual and automatic charging options available?
The sources include both manual and automatic charging configurations. Automatic charging may require different contact or installation arrangements depending on the vehicle and infrastructure. The suitable method is selected against duty cycle, idle windows, site layout, and power infrastructure.
Factory integration and project evaluation
Will an existing factory require infrastructure changes?
Major renovation is not required in every project. Floor capacity and flatness, gradients and thresholds, aisle and door clearances, turning areas, site traffic, charging location, and network infrastructure are nevertheless checked. Any required changes are identified after the site review.
What information is needed for an initial project evaluation?
Provide a load photo or drawing, normal and maximum weight, dimensions, centre of gravity, support and pickup points, origin and destination stations, route, floor and thresholds, door and turning clearances, cycle frequency, indoor-outdoor conditions, and required system interfaces.
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