Motor Applications in AGV Handling Vehicles

1. Component Overview

AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) are essential to smart warehousing and flexible manufacturing systems, offering navigation, obstacle avoidance, path planning, and automatic loading/unloading. The compact, integrated design includes:

Drive System: Comprising motors, drive wheels, reducers, and brakes. Most use differential drive structures, while some adopt omnidirectional or steering wheels.

Steering System: Controls direction using servo motors for agile turning in narrow paths.

Navigation System: Includes LiDAR, magnetic sensors, and visual modules for path recognition and obstacle avoidance.

Control System: Embedded MCU or industrial controller that performs task scheduling, speed control, and motion coordination.

Power System: Uses lithium batteries with BMS for stable energy supply and monitoring.

Execution Mechanism: Includes forks, lifting platforms, or conveyors for handling and docking materials.

2. Working Principle

AGVs autonomously complete tasks through path planning and smart navigation. The process works as follows:

The system receives a task from the dispatch center. Navigation and positioning modules plan the route, and motors execute movement and steering as per controller commands.

For example, differential drives adjust the left/right motor speeds to turn. Navigation detects magnetic strips or QR codes for location; LiDAR or IR sensors avoid obstacles. Once goods arrive at the destination, lifting or docking mechanisms take over for accurate handover.

The entire operation relies on motor systems delivering smooth torque and high-precision motion control under load.

3. Role of Motors in the System

Motors are the AGV’s core component for movement and action control. Their performance defines the system’s efficiency and stability. Key roles include:

Driving Force: Hub or servo motors deliver straight-line travel, acceleration, deceleration, and turning. Must offer high torque, fast response, and smooth transitions.

Precise Positioning: Paired with magnetic or optical encoders for sub-millimeter accuracy and sub-degree turning precision.

Structural Integration: Compact size, high protection rating (e.g. IP65), and lightweight design to support modular AGV construction.

Lifting Control: Motors for fork/platform lifting require soft start/stop and shock resistance for smooth material handling.

Environmental Tolerance: Motors must withstand harsh industrial conditions like dust, vibration, and humidity.

4. Custom Motor Solutions

To meet AGVs’ demands for integration, high performance, and environmental adaptation, we offer complete motor+controller+feedback systems for smart warehouses, manufacturing, and cold chain applications.

GPG-WM90: A hub BLDC motor with outer rotor structure, delivering high torque at low speed, high energy efficiency, and quiet operation. Dual feedback via Hall + magnetic encoder ensures stability under high load and frequent start-stop cycles.

GPG-BL86H: A servo-class BLDC motor for heavy-load and long-distance AGVs. Supports CANopen/RS485 protocols and closed-loop path correction. Peak torque up to 25Nm suits loads above 500kg.

GPG-PG52: A planetary geared motor with electromagnetic brake. Offers excellent anti-backdrive and holding ability, ideal for loading stations and precise vertical motion.

We also provide customizable shaft options, corner mount structures, IP65 sealing, and wide-temperature versions (–20℃ to +60℃), ensuring long-term reliability in all working conditions.