Fixed Path: This means that the route that the AGV travels along is pre-determined by paint, tape or wire on the floor. Since the path must be physically marked out, this makes the fixed path slightly inflexible.
Free-Ranging: Free-Ranging AGVs do not require physical paths, making it easier to change the paths that the vehicle travels along, thus increasing its flexibility.
There are, of course, several different types of AGVs used in the industry today, below are some common examples.
1. Tow AGV
(This type of AGV is used to pull a train of trailers)
2. Unit Load AGV
(The above AGV measures 4 by 4 feet, and can carry up to 1-2000 lbs. These vehicles have decks that can be loaded manually or automatically. There are usually less than 10 of such vehicles in an AGV system.)
3. Assembly AGV
(The above AGV is used in Automobile Production lines. Unlike the Unit Load AGV, a typical AGV system can consist of up to 100 of such Assembly Vehicles.)
4. Light Load AGV
(The above AGV is commonly used for light loads, they work best in quiet environments)
