AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift)" refers to what ?

As one of the solutions for realizing logistics automation, AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift) has become increasingly necessary in recent years to improve safety, reduce manpower, and enhance efficiency in logistics operations. In this article, we will explain the benefits and challenges of introducing AGF for those who want to learn more about it.

"AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift)" is what?

AGF, short for Automated Guided Forklift, is also known as an Autonomous Guided Forklift. It refers to a forklift that can carry out transportation tasks autonomously through system control and radar-based environmental detection. Its applications include tasks such as loading, unloading, shipping, storage, and inter-process transportation, where it autonomously transports and stores pallets or racks, enabling automation of operations.

The difference between AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift) and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle)

AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift) is a type of AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), with AGV being a general term for entities other than forklifts. AGV refers to robots that autonomously transport goods instead of humans, including tow-type AGVs, which tow objects, and low-floor AGVs, which travel underneath shelves or pallets. All of them are utilized as equipment to achieve automation and unmanned operation in logistics.

We explain more about AGV in the following article:

The reasons for the demand for the introduction of AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift)

The risk of accidents caused by forklifts

Conventional forklifts, operated by humans, constantly carry the risk of accidents due to operational errors and insufficient awareness of the surroundings. According to the labor accident statistics of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of injured or killed individuals in the manufacturing industry in 2021 was 28,605, accounting for approximately 20% of all industries. Additionally, it is evident that the transportation industry (including transportation, freight transport, and port transport) has similar rates of injuries and fatalities, with 20,112 individuals affected.

Manufacturing and transportation industries are thus at high risk of occupational accidents, making safety assurance an urgent priority. Utilizing equipment that enables automation, such as AGV (Autonomous Guided Vehicle), can reduce human involvement in operations and enhance safety.

There are no operators available to drive the forklift.

Furthermore, in the manufacturing and logistics industries, there is a worsening shortage of manpower. As a result, it is difficult to secure workers who can operate forklifts, leading many companies to advertise job openings. Moreover, the concentration of work on forklift operators can result in accumulated fatigue due to long working hours, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, the necessity for automation and unmanned operation with AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift) is increasingly evident.

The benefits of introducing AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift)

Leads to accident prevention by forklifts.

It is often said that accidents involving forklifts, such as the dropping of lifted loads or collisions during transportation, are frequent. Introducing AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift) can reduce the risk of personal accidents by having robots perform tasks that humans would typically undertake.

Operable even during nighttime when it is difficult for people to gather.

Even during nighttime shifts when it's difficult for people to gather, it enables operation with a small number of personnel. The autonomous forklift operates through systems and programs, allowing for 24-hour operation. Furthermore, depending on the integration with AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) or AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot), it's possible to automate inter-process transportation beyond forklift operations.

Leads to cost reduction.

The introduction of AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift) also leads to cost reduction. As mentioned earlier, achieving 24-hour operation can lead to improved productivity through reduced labor costs compared to conventional methods. Additionally, by realizing savings in labor costs, it is possible to reduce secondary costs such as employee training expenses. Therefore, automating tasks with AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift) can lead to various cost savings.

Effective utilization of space.

For example, when introducing conveyors as equipment for transporting goods, not only is the installation space fixed, but also a sufficient amount of space needs to be secured. On the other hand, with AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklifts), there is no need for fixed installation space, and the layout of the site can be optimized, allowing for effective utilization of space.

The principles and mechanisms of AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift)

AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift) operates mainly based on the following principles and mechanisms.

Position recognition using laser technology

This is a method that achieves advanced autonomous movement by estimating the position through equipment that emits lasers attached to the AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift) body and reflectors (reflective poles) installed in the surroundings.

Detection of the surroundings using 3D camera sensors

By incorporating 3D camera sensors, it can detect obstacles in a 360-degree field of view and accurately and autonomously recognize the position and orientation of pallets. It is also capable of determining whether the pickup station is vacant.

Integration with AGV and AMR

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) includes types that move along magnetic tapes installed on the floor and types that follow routes determined by QR codes. AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is also a robot that transports goods autonomously, like AGV, but it is capable of autonomous movement by estimating its own position using onboard sensors. By coordinating these AGV and AMR with AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift), further automation of logistics can be achieved.

Centralized management through software

There is also a method of centrally managing multiple AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklifts) using software. This allows for simultaneous operation of multiple AGF units while ensuring awareness of each other's positions to prevent collisions.

Common challenges and considerations in the introduction of AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift)

A common challenge in the introduction of AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklifts) is the misalignment of pallet positions, where items are not properly placed in the designated location.

In the operation of forklifts, it is necessary to insert the forks into the fork pockets of the pallet, with only a few centimeters of tolerance allowed in all directions. Therefore, the operation and operation of AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklifts) require high precision.

Introducing LOGITO's AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklift)

At LOGITO, we handle AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklifts) that address the challenges mentioned above.

The AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklifts) handled by LOGITO are equipped with 360° lasers, Senabling highly precise autonomous navigation. With a combination of multi-sensors including alarms for sound and light, as well as emergency stop switches, they promote automation while ensuring safe and reliable operation. This helps reduce the potential risks associated with human-operated forklift transportation.



The following document explains key points to ensure success in logistics automation, including AGF (Autonomous Guided Forklifts). If you are interested, please take a look.