This section provides an overview for automatic guided vehicles as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 20 automatic guided vehicle manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked automatic guided vehicle companies as of November, 2024: 1.JBT., 2.Omron Microscan, 3.Baltimore Aircoil Company.
Table of Contents
Categories Related to Automatic Guided Vehicles
An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) is a cart-type robot that transports goods automatically and unmanned to their destination at factories.
Conventionally, forklifts and other equipment had to be operated by a person, but AGVs can automatically go to the destination, pick up the cargo, and transport it to the designated location. In addition to greatly improving the efficiency of transportation within a factory, this system also greatly reduces labor requirements, making a significant contribution to factory automation.
Since unmanned vehicles do not have operators, they are intended to transport goods such as luggage and are not allowed to be used on roads. In recent years, however, with the advancement of AI and data analysis technologies, an increasing number of AGVs are able to determine their own routes and travel autonomously without the use of magnetic tapes.
AGVs are mainly used at factories and other logistics sites to transport goods efficiently. The first AGVs were introduced around 1990, when magnetic tape was laid down on factory production lines to allow them to travel along a fixed route.
However, this method requires the removal and re-installation of a guideway if the route to be traveled needs to be changed. Although it is possible to change the route, large-scale construction work is required each time.
In recent years, however, autonomous automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) have been gaining popularity because they can set their routes based on image recognition using lasers and cameras, and they do not require a guideway made of magnetic tape. Depending on the product, AI may be able to make independent judgments to ensure that the route is lean and efficient in transporting goods.
The reason that AGVs can reach their destination without human control is that the sensors installed in AGVs can read magnetic tape or magnetic markers that have been pre-installed on the factory floor, allowing them to trace the location accurately and route of the vehicle.
In terms of the principles of AGVs, they are classified into three main types. The characteristics of each are as follows:
This is the most common type of AGV and uses the previously mentioned magnetic tape, magnetic markers, and other guidance devices to guide the vehicle along a specified route. This is the most widespread type of automatic guided vehicle to date, and it offers excellent cost performance due to the low price of the vehicle itself and the low threshold for its introduction.
However, it has the disadvantage that the travel route cannot be easily changed because the magnetic tape of the guideway is embedded in the floor.
Also called an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot), this system transports goods while moving autonomously. With the development of AI technology, this type of vehicle has been rapidly introduced in recent years.
It uses lasers and cameras to measure the distance to surfaces, such as walls and pillars, to determine its own position. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of cost and environmental conditions that do not hinder unmanned vehicles, so the current state-of-the art is that they are being introduced mainly by large companies.
This type of vehicle follows a person or vehicle ahead while maintaining a certain distance. As with the autonomous type, there is no need to install a guideway, but since the vehicle can only simply follow, the person or vehicle ahead must be controlled by a separate person.
Various types of AGVs are available in a variety of cart shapes. Typical shapes are as follows:
The cart type is in the shape of a cart and carries cargo on its own.
The towing type does not directly load cargo on itself, but pulls cargo to the destination by towing a basket cart or pallet behind it. It can also pull multiple carts like a freight train.
The low-floor type goes under the cargo, lifts the cargo up, and transports it to the destination. It can transport basket carts without wheels, pallets, and carts that are difficult to tow.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC), founded in 1906 and headquartered in Milford, Delaware, specializes as a manufacturer and installer of cooling towers, evaporative condensers, and ice thermal storage systems. Employing over 1,000 individuals and active in more than 100 countries, BAC serves a broad spectrum of industries, from power generation to data centers. The company places a strong emphasis on energy-efficient solutions. Its diverse product offerings are designed for optimal performance while aiming to reduce energy consumption.
JBT Corporation, established in 1894 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a manufacturer and designer of automated systems. Its diverse product portfolio includes airport ground support equipment, cargo handling systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), labeling machinery, evaporators, as well as brine-making equipment, and food processing machines. The company also offers comprehensive engineering, maintenance, and repair services, catering to industries such as automotive, food and beverage, healthcare, and paper. Its products are utilized for automating processes, increasing efficiency, ensuring product quality, and reducing manual labor.
Omron Automation was originally established in 1933. Omron Automation is a producer and manufacturer for industrial automation solutions including robotics, sensing, motion, logic, and safety. Industries include automotive automation, electric vehicle manufacturing, food and beverage packaging, semiconductor and manufacturing electronics, life sciences automation, logistics & warehouse automation, machine tool, oil and gas, water and wastewater, entertainment, security and detention, and other industries. Some of Omron Automation’s product categories include machine automated controllers, RFID solutions, safety laser scanners, safety outputs, smart cameras, vision sensors, machine vision software, servo systems, articulated robots, parallel robots, SCARA robots, photoelectric sensors, and rotary encoders along with many software-based solutions.
Murata Machinery USA, Inc. is based in Charlotte, North Carolina as a subsidiary of Murata Machinery, Ltd., originally founded in 1935 in Japan. The company is a manufacturer of world-class machinery and a provider of automated solutions for companies from many industries. The company manufactures CNC turning, fabrication, and textile machinery, as well as other integrated technologies designed to improve productivity and process automation. The company’s specialized services include automated guided vehicles, machine rebuild programs, and replacement parts of fabricated machinery and CNC turning tools.
Integrated Control Systems, Inc. is a custom equipment manufacturer and systems integrator, established in and headquartered in La Vergne, Tennessee. They offer comprehensive solutions for various industries, ensuring efficient and automated production processes. The company provides turn-key services and technical consultations in electrical and mechanical design, fabrication, and installation. Their specialties lie in controls and programming, encompassing PLC & PC-based programming, barcode tracking systems, AGVs, robotic integration, SCADA, as well as motor and motion controls.
Allegheny Material Handling, Inc. is a Pennsylvania-based designer and manufacturer of specialty products for every material handling requirement. Allegheny Material Handling has various products including Industrial Trailers, Transfer Cars, Buckets, and Hoppers, as well as Scissor Lift Tables. The company's range of Industrial Buckets and Hoppers are designed for the bulk handling of materials in many industrial markets such as the Steel industry. The units are designed to be used both outdoors and indoors and handled with yard cranes and forklift trucks.
H&K Equipment, established in 1983 and headquartered in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, operates as a distributor of material handling equipment. Its offerings include forklifts, lift trucks, industrial cleaning equipment like floor scrubbers, and warehouse and racking products. Representing manufacturers like Taylor Machine Works and UniCarriers, the company serves diverse industries including retail, manufacturing, and logistics. The company also supplies heavy equipment batteries to power various machinery. H&K Equipment serves the entire mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S. through its sales, service, parts, and rental network.
Sinotech is based in Portland, Oregon with offices in China. Sinotech is a distributor for custom-engineered electrical motors, motor components, and mechanical components manufactured in China. Sinotech’s motors include AC motors, DC motors, brushless DC motors, slotless high speed BLDC motors, stepper motors, cordless motors, gear motors, servo motors, and miniature motors. Motor components include laminations, wound coils, armature and field coils, brushes, and communicators. Mechanical components include assemblies, die castings, investment castings, sand castings, shafts, steamed metal parts, tubular metal parts, machined extrusions, plastic parts, rubber parts, and secondary processing.
Savant Automation Inc., established in 2005 and based in Walker, Michigan, United States, is a supplier of automated guided vehicle (AGV) systems. The company’s product lineup includes AGVs for handling industrial materials, automatic guided carts for continuous movement or automated indexes, and virtual pathing systems for designing and testing AGV routes without operational software. It also offers related support systems, such as tow units, pick and deliver systems, and powered roller decks. The company chiefly serves clients in the industrial power generation and automation sectors.
Dematic established in 1819 is a global supplier of advanced integrated supply chain automation and software solutions for warehouse and distribution environments. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The global team at Dematic is available to assist customers in achieving their targets. With their solutions, industry knowledge, and practical experience, Dematic's team is equipped to help businesses overcome any obstacles they may face. With over 20 decades of experience, the organization has demonstrated success in effectively addressing a various of supply chain challenges.
Abel Womack, Inc. is a distinguished distributor and supplier of material handling solutions, established in 1922 and headquartered in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Its extensive range of equipment include the robust Raymond forklifts, Hytrol conveyors, Kardex Remstar carousels, Frazier industrial robots, and self-driving Locus AMRs. Leveraging their comprehensive design, engineering, and installation services, Abel Womack caters to diverse industries, providing tailored material handling solutions to sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and logistics.
Meiden Europe is a German manufacturer of electrical equipment and systems established in 1996 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan’s Meidensha Corporation, which has been in operation since 1897. Headquartered in Unterschleissheim, Bavaria, the company produces various electrical equipment including surge arresters, inverters, and motors, as well as electrical systems for railway power supply and substation automation. These are utilized in a wide range of industrial processes, such as in power transmission or distribution, water treatment and robotics. Meiden Europe has sales offices and facilities across the European Union, including in France, Switzerland, Slovakia, Austria, and the United Kingdom.
Daifuku Co., Ltd., established in 1937, is a Japanese manufacturer headquartered in Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka, specializing in automated material handling solutions. The company’s product lineup encompasses intralogistics solutions, including automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), conveyors and sorters, as well as picking and vehicle systems. The company also offers cleanroom automated material handling systems (AMHSs) for semiconductor and flat panel manufacturing environments. In the automotive sector, it provides automated systems, including chainless conveyor systems, equipment for electric vehicle (EV) battery mounting, and monorail systems. The company also supplies products for applications in airports, car wash facilities, columbaria, and wireless power supply systems.
KUKA AG was founded in 1898 in Augsburg, Germany. The company is a subsidiary of GD Midea Holding Co., Ltd. and is an automation developer, designing and manufacturing robot-based automation solutions for medical, automotive, warehousing, and distribution industries. The company’s product segments include robot systems, production machines, and systems, mobility as a driver of Industry 4.0, and process technologies that provide special welding processes to factories. The company’s services include repair and servicing for robots and machines and engineering services for designing and programming robotic systems.
AGEV Group, established in 1985, is a manufacturer of the industrial automation and material handling sector, based in the United States. The company specializes in providing advanced and tailored solutions for automating material handling processes across various industries. It offers a wide range of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and material handling equipment designed to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve safety. With a global network and a history of over two decades, it continues to excel in delivering first-in-class automation solutions. Its strong partnerships and client-centric approach reinforce its position as a major player in the field.
Konecranes, founded in 1994 and based in Hyvinkää, Finland, is a manufacturer and supplier of material handling solutions, including industrial cranes, hoists and lifting equipment. The company offers a wide range of products, including electric chain hoist cranes, wall-mounted console cranes, air balancers, and container handling equipment such as automated RTG (ARTG) systems and sprinter carriers. The company also offers various industrial services and parts, including crane inspections & preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance & retrofits as well as consultations.
Toyota Material Handling is a manufacturer and distributor of forklifts and other material-handling equipment. It is headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, and was established in 1956. The company's products include electric forklifts, gas forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and pallet jacks. It also offers services, such as parts and services, financing, and training. The company also offers other material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks, order pickers, and automated guided vehicles. Toyota Material Handling products are used in multiple industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. Toyota Material Handling is a subsidiary of Toyota Industries Corporation, a Japanese multinational conglomerate.
R. P. Crawfard Co., Inc. began in 1962 in Pittsburgh, PA. RPC primarily develops and sells industrial products but also sells and promotional and consumer products. Industrial product lines include pallet racks and other material handling equipment, warehouse equipment including platforms and production tables, and storage shelving. Promotional and consumer products include apparel with and without logos, technology-related products, backpacks, bags, and coolers, pens and markers, drinkware, flags, and umbrellas.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | JBT. |
13.1%
|
2 | Omron Microscan |
9.0%
|
3 | Baltimore Aircoil Company |
7.6%
|
4 | H&K Equipment |
6.6%
|
5 | Murata Machinery USA, Inc. | Muratec USA |
6.2%
|
6 | Integrated Control Systems, Inc. |
6.1%
|
7 | AGVE Group |
5.8%
|
8 | Allegheny Material Handling Inc. |
4.6%
|
9 | Meiden Europe |
4.6%
|
10 | KUKA AG |
4.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the automatic guided vehicle page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 11 | 78.6% |
Japan | 2 | 14.3% |
Germany | 1 | 7.1% |
17 products are listed.
Heds
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 16 hours ago
AGV for outdoor outdoor AGV. It is the same as the conventional AGV, and can be used in a wide range of zones from the building to the premises. * ...
Industry Alpha
70+ people viewing
overview AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot), the easiest to use flexible. Because it is a thin and low aircraft, it is possible to pull a basket car. In...
Heds
50+ people viewing
It is possible to drive outdoors from the building to the building. It is also a great advantage that you can drive even without asphalt or roof, a...
Heds
60+ people viewing
A type that dive under a dolly loaded with supplies. I will hook up and down the bogie and transport it. It can be used even if the transportation ...
Heds
40+ people viewing
A type that dive under the basket truck with a height of 195mm. It can be used even if the transportation is special and cannot be changed in the u...
Heds
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 22 hours ago
AGV equipped with conveyor. It is a type that automates transportation between conveyors. There is also an all -way running type, and the loading w...
Heds
50+ people viewing
Automation of transportation in factories, such as parts pick and spaces. Compatible not only on transport but also on diversified needs, it can be...
Yon System Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
It is a towing AGV. Lead the trailer behind and transport it. It has a waterproof function and is excellent in rough road running, so it supports n...
Shinano Kenshi
30+ people viewing
ASPINAAMR is a collaborative robot (AMR) for in -factory transport, which is easy to introduce and is expanded and works with workers on site. ■ A...
Yon System Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Transport is loaded on the tray at the top of AGV. It is also suitable for cooperation with other devices, such as loading conveyors.
Heds
50+ people viewing
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is attracting attention as the next -generation AGV, can run without the guide required when introducing AGV, and is ...
Heds
50+ people viewing
If the height of the ground position is different, you can adjust the height with a lifter. It is also possible to take the work hooked with a hook...
Heds
60+ people viewing
With the entry model of the unmanned carrier, you can transport from the start to the goal and transport it. Automatic and automatic pins can be au...
Yon System Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
It is a low -floor AGV. You can dive under a basket truck, lift it with a bogie and carry it.