There are several types of AGVs. These include:

• Automated carts - The simplest kind of AGV with minimal features for lowest cost implementation.
• Unit load AGVs - Individual vehicles that transport loads (typically pallets, bins, carts or bundles) on forks or on the AGV’s deck. Roll-handling AGVs specifically handle heavy rolls of steel or paper.
• Tugger AGVs – Powered units pulling a series of non-motorized trailers that each carries a load.
• Automated forklift AGVs - An existing forklift truck whose controls have been converted to allow unmanned operation

Typically battery powered, AGV systems consist of multiple vehicles that navigate along pre-defined guide paths. Vehicles navigate in the facility using several guidance technologies including floor-surface mounted magnetic tape or bars, lasers, optical sensors, and magnet/gyroscope based inertial guidance. These guidance technologies make it easy to change the routes and expand the AGV system in response to facility changes for a flexible and scalable material handling solution.

For real-time control and monitoring of multiple AGVs, computer-based software uses wireless connections to collect data about each unit’s current location, then interfaces with software for destination and routing logic. The software directs the vehicles’ travel by wirelessly communicating specific tasks to the AGVs via radio frequency (RF). Instructions include stops, starts, changing speed, lifting, lowering, multi-point turns, reverses, diverging from the guide path, and interfacing with other material handling equipment and systems—both automated and static.