AGV Navigation Systems

A laser-guided AGV is equipped with a laser device that emits a continuous beam of modulated light in a 360-degree pattern. The navigation system also includes reference reflectors installed throughout the facility — typically on walls, pillars, machinery, and other fixed structures along the travel path. The center of each reflector must be positioned at the same height as the navigation laser device and within a maximum range of approximately 30 meters from the AGV.

When the laser beam strikes the target, the reflected light returns to the navigation device, which calculates the AGV’s position based on the beam properties. The positioning process is updated approximately 30–40 times per second, enabling very high accuracy.

This method enables free-range navigation, providing high adaptability within the facility layout while eliminating the need for floor markers, embedded wires, and predefined position IDs.

Magnetic navigation enables AGVs to follow a predefined route using onboard magnetic sensors in combination with the vehicle’s control system. The route is typically based on a preloaded CAD layout within the fleet management system, ensuring accurate and repeatable path tracking. Depending on the application, guidance can be implemented using either continuous magnetic tape or discrete magnetic spots embedded in the floor.

Magnetic tape

Magnetic tape is applied directly to the floor surface. The tape features a strong adhesive backing for straightforward installation and maintains a low profile to minimize impact on the floor environment.

• Typical thickness: approximately 1 mm
• Typical width: approximately 50 mm

Magnetic tape is well suited for applications requiring a simple installation and minimal floor impact.

Magnetic spots

Magnetic spot navigation is based on small cylindrical magnets embedded into the floor surface. Instead of continuously following a line, the AGV travels from one magnetic reference point to the next. Between spots, steering angle deviations are compensated using onboard sensors, encoders, and counters, while the embedded magnets serve as precise reference markers.

• Typical magnet dimensions: approximately 20 × 10 mm
• Typical spacing between magnets: approximately 250–500 mm

Some AGVs utilize floor-mounted QR codes for navigation, using onboard camera systems to read the markers and determine precise position and orientation. The simplicity of installing and modifying QR codes makes this approach highly adaptable to changing facility layouts. QR code–based navigation provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for modern automated operations due to its accurate positioning ability and ease of maintenance.

AGVs navigate by following a painted line on the floor.

An inductive wire is embedded in the floor and carries an alternating current that creates a magnetic field detected by sensors on the AGV. By continuously measuring the signal from the wire, the AGV can follow the path and automatically correct its movement.

Contour-based navigation allows AGVs to determine their position by recognizing and mapping the “contours” or profiles of their surroundings, such as walls, machinery, and racks.