Application > AGV & AMR Mobile Robots

AGVs and AMRs are used across manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and automated material handling. Although their functions may differ, the performance of the mobile platform ultimately depends on the drive system, steering method, navigation technology, and control architecture working together.

Plutools provides drive wheels, servo motors, motor controllers, navigation components, and AGV control devices for different types of autonomous mobile robots. Instead of offering only a single drive component, we can help customers build a complete motion solution around the structure and requirements of the vehicle.

From vertical drive wheels and horizontal drive wheels to differential drive wheels, Plutools supports different AGV and AMR configurations and can integrate them with laser navigation, magnetic navigation, control handles, and other vehicle control components.

There is no single drive wheel configuration that fits every AGV or AMR. Vehicle dimensions, payload, turning requirements, installation space, floor conditions, and control methods all affect the choice of drive system.

Vertical Drive Wheels
Vertical drive wheels are suitable for AGVs where the drive assembly is installed vertically within the vehicle structure. They provide a compact driving solution and can be configured according to the required load, speed, and installation dimensions.
They are commonly considered for material handling vehicles, warehouse robots, and other mobile platforms where the vehicle structure has sufficient vertical installation space.

Horizontal Drive Wheels
Horizontal drive wheels are designed for vehicle structures where the drive assembly needs to be arranged horizontally. This configuration can help make better use of available installation space and is suitable for different AGV platform designs.
Depending on the application, horizontal drive wheels can be combined with steering mechanisms or other motion components to achieve the required vehicle movement.

Differential Drive Wheels

Differential drive wheels use independently controlled left and right drive wheels to achieve forward, reverse, and turning movements. The vehicle can change direction by controlling the speed difference between the two sides.

This configuration is widely used in compact AGVs and AMRs because of its simple structure, small turning radius, and flexible movement. It is particularly suitable for mobile robots working in narrow aisles and confined spaces.

Plutools provides different differential drive wheel solutions for mobile robots with different load and installation requirements.

The drive wheel is only one part of the mobile robot's motion system. The motor and controller determine how accurately the vehicle can respond to speed, torque, acceleration, and positioning commands.

Plutools provides PLT servo motors for AGV and AMR drive systems. Servo motors can be matched with different drive wheel configurations according to the required torque, speed, acceleration, and operating cycle.

Motor controllers provide the interface between the motor and the vehicle control system. They manage speed, torque, direction, acceleration, deceleration, and other motion parameters, allowing the drive system to respond consistently to vehicle commands.

A typical Plutools AGV drive system can include:

• Drive wheels
• PLT servo motors
• Motor controllers
• Steering components
• Vehicle control system
• Navigation system

The drive system determines how the vehicle moves, while the navigation and control system determines where it should move and how it should respond to its surroundings.

Plutools can provide supporting components and solutions for different AGV control architectures, including laser navigation and magnetic navigation.

Laser Navigation

Laser navigation can be used for AGVs and AMRs that need flexible path planning and positioning without relying on fixed magnetic tracks. It is suitable for applications where routes may change as the production or warehouse layout develops.

The navigation system works together with the vehicle controller and drive system to provide accurate path following and movement control.

Magnetic Navigation

Magnetic navigation uses magnetic tape or other magnetic guidance methods to define vehicle routes. It is a practical option for applications with relatively fixed transportation paths and clear route requirements.

When combined with an appropriate drive wheel and motor control system, magnetic navigation can provide stable and repeatable AGV movement.

AGV Control Handles

For some AGVs and industrial mobile platforms, an operator still needs a convenient way to control or move the vehicle during commissioning, maintenance, positioning, or special operating conditions.

Plutools can provide AGV control handles as part of the overall vehicle control solution, allowing operators to interact directly with the mobile platform when manual control is required.

AGV manufacturers often need to coordinate multiple components from the beginning of a vehicle development project. Selecting the drive wheel separately from the motor, controller, and navigation system can create compatibility issues later in the development process.

Plutools can provide a coordinated solution covering the main motion and control components of the mobile robot.

Depending on the project, the solution can include:

• Vertical drive wheels
• Horizontal drive wheels
• Differential drive wheels
• PLT servo motors
• Motor controllers
• Laser navigation systems
• Magnetic navigation systems
• AGV control handles
• Other motion control components

The exact configuration is selected according to the vehicle structure, payload, speed, operating environment, navigation method, and control architecture.

Different AGV and AMR projects have different mechanical and control requirements. Plutools can work with customers to select or customize the drive system according to the complete vehicle design.

Key requirements may include:

• Vehicle weight and payload
• Travel speed
• Wheel diameter
• Drive configuration
• Turning radius
• Installation dimensions
• Motor power and torque
• Navigation method
• Control interface
• Operating environment
• Duty cycle

The goal is not simply to supply a drive wheel. It is to provide a drive and motion system that can be integrated into the customer's AGV or AMR platform and operate reliably in the intended application.

Plutools focuses on the core motion and control components used in mobile robots and automated equipment.

Our AGV and AMR solution portfolio includes:

• Vertical Drive Wheels
• Horizontal Drive Wheels
• Differential Drive Wheels
• PLT Servo Motors
• Motor Controllers
• Laser Navigation
• Magnetic Navigation
• AGV Control Handles
• Customized Motion Solutions

With more than 22 years of industrial R&D and manufacturing experience, Plutools works with AGV and AMR manufacturers, system integrators, and equipment developers to develop practical drive and motion solutions.

Whether you are developing a warehouse AMR, a production logistics AGV, a heavy-duty mobile robot, or a customized autonomous vehicle, the drive system needs to match the mechanical structure and control architecture from the beginning.

 

Plutools can provide the drive wheels, PLT servo motors, motor controllers, navigation components, and AGV control devices needed to build a complete mobile robot solution.

 

Looking for a complete AGV or AMR drive solution? Contact Plutools to discuss your vehicle structure, load requirements, movement requirements, and control system.