AUTOMATION FOR ADVANCED WAREHOUSE LOGISTICS: THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN INTELLIMAG WMS AND AGV/AMR SOLUTIONS
In a high-demand context where intralogistics plays a strategic role in the development of many markets, the introduction of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 in the warehouse is essential. One aspect on which AGVs (Automatic Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) have much to say.
Robotics is no longer a futuristic element in the logistics environment, so an increasing number of sectors are using automated machinery and “goods to person” solutions to enhance the efficiency of their operations, taking advantage of technology and of the significant added value they provide in terms of results.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at AGV and AMR solutions to automate your company and employ advanced warehouse logistics.
Is there a difference between AGV and AMR solutions?
The primary difference between AGV and AMR lies in the navigation systems they use. AGVs follow predefined paths detected by laser guidance or wire-guided systems, while autonomous AMR robots adapt their paths based on real-time environmental information.
DIFFERENCES | AGV/LGV | AMR |
Navigation System | Guided | Autonomous |
Adaptability | Closed Loop | Open Loop |
Load Capacity | Heavy Goods | Light Loads |
Predefined Paths vs. Intelligent Navigation
AGVs (Automatic Guided Vehicles) can follow fixed transport paths guided by cables, magnetic strips, or sensors. These systems are advantageous for industries with a high degree of internal transport standardization, where transport routes remain constant.
However, they have limitations as they can detect obstacles but not avoid them.
AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) navigate using maps generated by local software or preloaded site plans. Their operation is similar to GPS used in cars, with sets of preloaded maps to reach the desired destination. These systems are optimal solutions to meet ever-expanding activities, as they can be assigned new tasks without the need for physical infrastructure construction, offering greater flexibility for potential warehouse layout changes.
Speed and Load Capacity: Heavy Goods vs. Light Loads
Compared to AMRs, AGVs have higher load-carrying capacity. Initially, AMRs were primarily used for transporting lighter loads (for example boxes), while AGVs were responsible for the automatic handling of pallets. Over time, AMRs have been revised and adapted, so today major AMR manufacturers offer vehicles designed for pallet transportation, although AGVs remain more efficient in this task.
Both automated transport systems can be customized to meet the specific needs of each customer.
Regarding movement speed, this characteristic is similar in both transport systems, reaching speeds of up to 6.5’/s. Speed also depends on the specific needs, the load and the space in which the vehicles are used.
AGV or AMR: Which should I choose for my company?
The discussion over whether to choose AMR or AGV does not have a clear and definitive answer. The choice depends on the specific factors of each company and its working environment. For example, the type of activity to be automated, the presence or absence of operators in the environment, available budget, and other technical-economic aspects.
A concrete example: in the food industry, there are companies that use both technologies in synchrony. They use AGVs to move pallets, unload raw materials, store them in refrigerated cells, etc., while AMRs perform packaging and quality control activities on the final product. Remember that one of them uses a guided navigation system while the other uses autonomous navigation.
In summary, the choice between AMR and AGV depends on the specific needs of each company, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution that works for all cases.
The Dialogue between Intellimag WMS and AGV/AMR Solutions
Both AGVs and AMRs connect with Intellimag, the WMS (Warehouse Management System) by Infolog which allows the warehouse logistics management without constraints.
Intellimag WMS and AGVs: due to the nature of these vehicles, which move along predefined paths, Intellimag connects to AGVs by transmitting missions and tracking their movements.
Intellimag WMS and AMRs: Intellimag generates a message indicating the items to be picked according to the management system’s instructions. AMRs determine where to place the goods within the warehouse and communicate this information to Intellimag WMS; in this case the communication is bidirectional.
Infolog has collaborated with a significant company in the home care sector which, by using Intellimag WMS to manage its AMRs, transitioned from entirely manual picking based on a “man-to-goods” logic to a fully automated “goods-to-man” approach. This transformation also involved a complete redesign of the facility layout to meet project-specific requirements.
Completely independent from platforms, databases, servers, and networks, Intellimag WMS simplifies work organization and optimizes the logistics flows of every company, adapting to their specific business needs.
Would you like to delve deeper into Intellimag and its features?
Write to us at marketing@infolog.it and ask for a software demo.