AGV stands for Automated Guided Vehicle, referring to automated transport vehicles that rely on navigation technology and do not require human drivers. AMR stands for Autonomous Mobile Robot, referring to highly autonomous mobile robots.
AGVs primarily refer to vehicles used in industrial logistics to solve the problem of unmanned material handling and transportation. Early AGVs could only move along ground-based guide lines. With the development of navigation technology, the positioning problem has now been solved using high-mounted reflectors and positioning LiDAR, eliminating the need for physical guide lines. These AGVs are now also known as LGVs. Furthermore, improvements in vision-based positioning and navigation have led to the emergence of devices such as VGVs, which can more fully perceive obstacles and map information in the environment.
The concept of AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) originates from the field of robotics. It can actively react to light in its environment and autonomously avoid obstacles while moving. With the development of AI and robotics technology, the most advanced AMR robots can now autonomously recognize their surroundings, locate themselves using sensors, determine routes based on real-time conditions, intelligently avoid obstacles, and reach their destination.
Although AGVs and AMRs are conceptually different, their applications in industrial settings overlap significantly, with both finding extensive use in logistics and transportation. In factory and warehouse logistics, manual labor remains the primary mode of transportation, while both AMRs and AGVs demonstrate effectiveness in various scenarios. Further technological development and widespread adoption are needed to achieve this.
