Shuttle and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) are widely used automation equipment in logistics, warehousing and other fields, but there are many differences between them:
1、 Running track and navigation mode
Shuttle:
Shuttle cars usually run on fixed tracks, such as the track system laid between shelves. It reciprocates along these established tracks to realize the transportation of goods between different cargo locations.
Its navigation mode is relatively simple and direct, and the driving direction is determined according to the laying path of the track. Generally, it does not need a complex positioning and navigation system to plan the route in real time.
AGV：
AGV's running track is more flexible. It can travel freely in a relatively open plane space, and can independently plan driving routes and bypass obstacles according to preset procedures and real-time task requirements.
There are many navigation methods, such as electromagnetic navigation, laser navigation, visual navigation, etc. For example, the laser guided AGV scans the surrounding environment through the laser sensor installed on the vehicle body, obtains the environmental information and compares it with the preset map, so as to determine its own position and plan the next driving route.
2、 Application scenarios
Shuttle:
It is mainly used in shelf systems with intensive storage, such as automated warehouse Shuttle Rack . It can shuttle in the aisle of the shelf to complete the storage and retrieval of goods, especially suitable for scenes where the goods are relatively fixed and the storage density is high.
It is commonly used in the storage area of the warehouse, directly serving the storage and extraction of goods, and improving the space utilization rate of the warehouse and the efficiency of goods access.
AGV：
AGV has more extensive application scenarios. In addition to participating in cargo handling in the warehouse, it can also play a role in the production workshop and other links.
For example, in the production workshop, AGV can move raw materials from the warehouse to the production line, and then move finished products from the production line to the packaging or temporary storage area; AGV can be responsible for transporting goods of different orders from the sorting area to the shipping area.
3、 Bearing capacity and speed
Shuttle:
Generally speaking, the carrying capacity of the shuttle car is relatively fixed, which mainly depends on its design specifications and the carrying capacity of the rail system. Usually, it can carry goods within a certain weight range, and the common carrying capacity ranges from several hundred kilograms to several tons.
Its running speed is also relatively stable. There is a certain speed limit when running on the track, which is generally not too fast, mainly to ensure the safety and stability of running on the track and avoid derailment.
AGV：
The carrying capacity of AGV varies greatly with different models. There are small AGVs that can only carry dozens of kilograms of light goods, which are used to carry some small parts, etc; There are also large AGVs that can carry several tons or even more of goods, and can handle large equipment, heavy raw materials, etc.
In terms of speed, AGV can be fast or slow according to different task requirements and operating environments. In the open area with good safety conditions, AGV can drive at a higher speed to improve work efficiency; However, in densely populated areas with many obstacles, the speed will be appropriately reduced to ensure safe operation.
4、 System complexity and cost
Shuttle:
Shuttle system is relatively simple, mainly composed of shuttle body, track system, shelf, etc. Its control system is mainly designed around the shuttle car running on the track, with relatively single function.
From the perspective of cost, the cost of shuttle bus and its supporting system is generally relatively low. Because its track system is fixed and does not need complex navigation and path planning equipment, the cost of equipment procurement, installation and maintenance is relatively controllable.
AGV：
AGV systems are much more complex. In addition to the AGV vehicle itself, it also needs to be equipped with complex navigation system, control system, dispatching system, etc. These systems need to cooperate with each other to realize the functions of AGV such as autonomous operation, task allocation and path planning.
In terms of cost, because of its high automation and complex system composition, AGV's procurement, installation and maintenance costs are usually much higher than shuttle cars. In particular, some AGVs using advanced navigation technologies such as visual navigation, their equipment and supporting software systems are relatively expensive.
Shuttle and AGV have their own characteristics and can play an important role in different logistics, warehousing and production environments. Enterprises can choose appropriate automation equipment according to their specific needs and application scenarios.
