Implementing an AGV System

Comparisons in Financial Strength and Technology

AGVS comparisons will yield different results depending on the application. Each AGV company possesses a different set of products, skills and general profile. One company may be a better choice for a given application and a poorer choice for a different application.

Financial – An easy place to begin comparing AGV companies is based on financial strength. The importance of this issue directly relates to the size or complexity of the project under consideration.

If the project is simple and generally less than $500,000, nearly every AGV supplier is financially qualified to be considered. However, AGV suppliers have greatly varying financial resources and business size. Consider the size of the project, the length of the project and project risk when weighing the relative financial strength of different AGV suppliers.

Technology – Most larger AGV companies use their own in-house developed technology. Smaller companies tend to buy the technology in a prepackaged form. There is usually no clear-cut, win/loose situation when it comes to comparing technologies. The best approach is to determine if one technology is a better fit with your application needs or if it really does not matter.

Certainly no two AGV projects or environments are the same. No single AGV technology is best for all situations. There are different AGV navigation technologies, different control system capabilities, and different mechanical designs. Comparisons in each area will identify potential strengths and weaknesses for your environment.

A good way to evaluate these factors is to ask each AGV company to answer the same set of questions. An ‘AGVS Vendor Comparison’ document is included to assist you with these issues.