What is an AGF (Automated Guided Forklift)? Explaining its Principles, Challenges, and Benefits of Implementation

"One of the solutions for achieving logistics automation is the AGF (Automated Guided Forklift), which has become increasingly necessary to enhance safety, reduce labor, and improve efficiency in logistics operations. In this article, we will provide an explanation of AGF, including its principles, implementation challenges, and benefits, targeting those who are interested in learning about AGF.

What is an AGF (Automated Guided Forklift)?

AGF, which stands for Automated Guided Forklift, is also referred to as an unmanned guided forklift. It is a forklift that achieves autonomous operation without human intervention. By utilizing system control and radar-based detection of its surroundings, AGF autonomously carries out material handling tasks. Its applications include pallet loading and unloading, inbound and outbound operations, storage, and inter-process transportation. AGF enables the automation of various work processes.

Difference Between AGF (Automated Guided Forklift) and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle)

AGF (Automated Guided Forklift) is a type of AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle). AGV is a collective term for various robotic devices that automatically transport goods, excluding forklift-type devices. AGV includes types such as towing AGVs, which carry loads on top, and low-profile AGVs, which enter under shelves or pallets. Both AGF and AGV are utilized as equipment to achieve unmanned operations and logistics automation.

For more information on AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), please refer to the following article

Reasons for the Demand for AGF (Automated Guided Forklift)

Risk of accidents with traditional forklifts

Conventional forklifts pose a constant risk of accidents due to human-operated controls and inadequate awareness of the surroundings. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Occupational Accident Statistics for 2021, there were 28,605 injuries in the manufacturing industry, accounting for approximately 20% of all industries. Similarly, the transportation industry (including transportation, land freight, and port transportation) recorded 20,112 injuries, equivalent to the manufacturing industry.

The manufacturing and transportation industries face a high risk of occupational accidents, and ensuring safety is an urgent challenge. By utilizing automated equipment such as AGV (Automated Guided Forklift), it is possible to reduce human-involved work processes and enhance safety.

Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, ""2021 Occupational Accident Statistics (Confirmed Figures)""

Lack of forklift operators

The manufacturing and logistics industries are facing a serious labor shortage. As a result, securing forklift operators has become difficult, and many companies are actively recruiting. Moreover, concentrating forklift operations on a limited number of operators can lead to accumulated fatigue and increased risk of accidents due to long working hours. Therefore, the need for automation and unmanned operations using AGF (Automated Guided Forklift) is becoming even more critical.

Principles and Mechanisms of AGF (Automated Guided Forklift)

AGF (Automated Guided Forklift) operates based on the following principles and mechanisms

Position Recognition Using Laser Technology

AGF utilizes a device that emits lasers attached to the forklift and reflective plates (reflective poles) installed in the surrounding area to estimate its position. This enables highly autonomous movement.

Surroundings Detection Using 3D Camera Sensors

By incorporating 3D camera sensors, AGF can detect obstacles in a 360-degree range and accurately and autonomously recognize the position and orientation of pallets. It can also determine the availability of pickup stations.

Integration with AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots)

AGVs can operate by following magnetic tapes installed on the floor or following predetermined routes using QR codes. AMRs, like AGVs, are autonomous robots used for transporting goods. They can estimate their own position using onboard sensors, enabling autonomous movement. By coordinating AGVs, AMRs, and AGF, further automation of logistics can be achieved.

Centralized Management Through Software

There are also methods for centrally managing multiple AGFs using software. This allows for simultaneous operation of multiple AGFs while ensuring that they are aware of each other's positions and can operate without colliding.

Benefits of AGF (Automated Guided Forklift) Implementation

Prevention of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents, such as dropped loads or collisions during transportation, are common. By introducing AGF, where robots perform tasks instead of humans, the risk of personal accidents can be reduced.

Operational Capability During Night Shifts with Fewer Personnel

AGF enables operations with a reduced number of staff even during night shifts when it is difficult to gather workers. Since unmanned forklifts are operated by systems and programs, they can operate 24/7. Moreover, depending on the coordination with AGVs and AMRs, automation of inter-process transportation, beyond forklift operations, can also be achieved.

Common Challenges and Considerations in AGF (Automated Guided Forklift) Implementation

One common challenge in AGF implementation is ""pallet misplacement,"" where the pallet is not properly positioned in the designated location.

In forklift operations, the forks need to be inserted into the forklift pockets of the pallets, and only a few centimeters of deviation are allowed in all directions. Therefore, high precision is required for the operation and movement of AGF.

Introduction to LOGITO's AGF (Automated Guided Forklift)

LOGITO offers AGF solutions that address the challenges mentioned above.

LOGITO's AGF is equipped with a 360-degree laser, enabling high-precision autonomous movement. With the combination of multi-sensors, including alarms using sound and light, and an emergency stop switch, it ensures safe and reliable operations. This helps mitigate potential risks associated with human-operated forklift transportation.


In the following material, we provide guidance on avoiding failures in logistics automation, including AGF. If you are interested, please have a look.