Issue 17 | 14.05.2024

When it comes to logistics automation, the age-old debate between AGVs and Conveyor Belts is as lively as ever. AGVs offer flexibility, while Conveyor Belts excel in reliability. In this article, we dive into their pros and cons of each technology to help you decide which solution is the better option for your use case.

1. AGV

Pros:

• Flexibility: AGVs do not require fixed structures, optimizing space utilization by only occupying it during transportation tasks.
  
   
• Customization: AGVs are easily adaptable and scalable, allowing for adjustments in routing and system size to match evolving demands.
  
   
• Resilience: AGVs offer redundancy in operations, with the ability for other vehicles to take over tasks in case of breakdowns, ensuring continuous operation.

Cons:

• Higher Initial Cost: AGVs may have a higher upfront investment compared to conveyor belts due to customization and adaptability features.
  
   
• Lower Availability: AGVs require charging time and may face downtime for maintenance, potentially impacting availability for continuous operation.
  
   
• Limited Throughput: AGVs may not match the high throughput capacity of conveyor belts, especially in scenarios with extremely high volume requirements.

2. Conveyor Belt: 

Pros:

• High Throughput Rate: Conveyor belts offer an exceptionally high throughput capacity, efficiently transporting large volumes of goods continuously.
  
   
• Reliability: Conveyor belts are a mature technology with proven reliability and low maintenance requirements, ensuring consistent operation over long periods.
  
   
• Availability: Conveyor belts operate 24/7 without the need for charging, providing uninterrupted service for continuous production or logistics tasks.

Cons:

• Lack of Flexibility: Conveyor belts are fixed systems, limiting adaptability to changes in layout or demand, potentially leading to underutilization or inefficiency.
  
   
• Space Requirement: Conveyor belts occupy permanent space, which may restrict future layout changes or utilization of the floor space for other purposes.
  
   
• Dependency on Infrastructure: Conveyor belts rely on fixed structures and can lead to complete disruption in operations if breakdowns occur, requiring emergency plans for backup transportation methods.

3. Conclusion:

For scenarios requiring short distances and high volumes, where space is not a constraint and a stable operation is maintained, conveyor belts are the preferred choice due to their high throughput and reliability. Conversely, in situations with longer distances, lower volumes, and a need for adaptability to changing layouts or demands, AGVs offer a more flexible and cost-effective solution. Both technologies outperform manual transports, providing efficiency and reliability in logistics automation.