Technical Support

With the rapid advancement of intelligent manufacturing and logistics automation, AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) technology is being increasingly adopted across industrial applications. Among the emerging innovations, multi-AGV coordination has become a key solution for handling oversized and heavy materials in complex scenarios. By enabling multiple AGVs to work collaboratively through intelligent scheduling, high-precision positioning, and real-time communication, this technology significantly improves operational efficiency and production flexibility, underscoring its strategic value in the era of smart manufacturing.

01. Technical Principles and Key Advantages

Intelligent Coordination Architecture

A multi-AGV system typically comprises a master AGV (central controller) and multiple slave AGVs (execution units). Through a scheduling system, communication modules (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi), and collaborative control algorithms, the system dynamically distributes tasks and plans routes. The master vehicle decomposes the tasks and issues commands, while slave vehicles adjust speed and orientation in real-time, achieving millimeter-level synchronization accuracy.

High Precision and Flexible Design

• Advanced Positioning: Technologies such as laser ranging, visual recognition, and encoder feedback ensure real-time alignment and calibration of AGV positions.

• Flexible Coupling Mechanisms: Hydraulic docking systems and air cushion nozzles adapt to varying load shapes and industrial environments, enabling dynamic adjustments.

• Redundancy and Safety: Each unit can operate independently and is equipped with multiple safety sensors and fail-safes to ensure system stability and production safety.

Efficient Resource Utilization

The system supports on-demand scaling, allowing AGVs to be added or removed as needed to match production capacity. Additionally, hybrid scheduling allows coordination between AGVs of different brands and types, eliminating "information silos" and enabling true system interoperability.

02. Addressing Key Industrial Challenges

Limitations of Traditional Handling Methods

• Low Efficiency: Traditional cranes and rail-guided carts have limited flexibility, require fixed infrastructure, and often result in long switching times.

• Lack of Flexibility: They struggle to accommodate mixed-model production or dynamic production schedules, leading to high adjustment costs.

Evolving Industrial Needs

• Oversized Material Handling: Industries such as aerospace and rail transportation often require precise, reliable transportation of massive components like satellite modules or vehicle bodies.

• Adaptability to Complex Scenarios: Multi-AGV systems can operate across indoor and outdoor environments, between workshops, and over long distances—tasks that conventional equipment cannot easily handle.

03. Application Scenarios and Use Cases

Rail Transit

• Chassis and Body Transfer: In mixed-model production lines, dual-AGV coordination enables fast switching and transfer of rail vehicle bodies and chassis, significantly reducing downtime.

• Cross-Area Handling: Multi-AGV systems enable efficient transfer of materials between separate workshops or production zones within large manufacturing facilities.

Aerospace

• Transport of Large Components: Items such as satellite cabins or aircraft wings—often over 20 meters in length—are unstable and prone to tipping. Multi-AGV coordination provides the required stability and precision for safe transport.

• Flexible Production: Multi-AGV systems can adapt to changing task requirements, enabling flexible reconfiguration of production and logistics strategies.

Heavy Industry and Manufacturing

• Heavy Load Handling: In industries such as heavy equipment manufacturing, multi-AGV systems can transport parts weighing tens or even hundreds of tons with ease.

• Mixed-Model Production: In commercial vehicle manufacturing, dual-AGV solutions support mixed-model assembly on shared production lines, improving production agility.

04. Future Outlook: A Core Engine for Smart Logistics

With its high efficiency, precision, and flexibility, multi-AGV coordination is redefining intelligent logistics in modern manufacturing. Whether in mixed-model assembly, heavy-duty transport, or cross-brand interoperability, this technology is helping enterprises enhance competitiveness and build scalable, responsive supply chains. Looking ahead, advancements in AI-based scheduling, heterogeneous AGV control, and V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication will further expand the application boundaries of multi-AGV systems, making them a cornerstone of Industry 4.0 smart logistics infrastructure.