Managing an AGV installation can feel like a massive puzzle, but once you break down the "site prep" and the "brain setup," it’s actually pretty straightforward. Here is how you can handle the rollout like a pro.
Not necessarily. While the manufacturers are often based in China, you don’t always need them on-site.
Most AGV companies now have local certified partners or distributors in major regions. If you are comfortable with tech, a lot of the heavy lifting can be done by your own maintenance team or local contractors. The "hardware" part—unboxing and positioning—is just mechanical work. The "software" part is where the experts come in, and that can often be handled via the cloud.
2. How long does commissioning take?
For a standard small-to-medium fleet (say, 3 to 5 units), you should budget 2 to 4 weeks.
Week 1: Mapping. The AGV drives around (usually via manual remote control) to "see" your warehouse and build a digital map using its LiDAR.
Week 2: Mission Logic. This is where we tell it, "When you’re at Point A, wait for a pallet, then go to Point B."
Week 3: Testing & Safety. Running the units at full speed, checking if they stop for obstacles, and fine-tuning the traffic control so they don't "handshake" (get stuck) in narrow aisles.
This is the most overlooked part! Your AGVs are only as good as the ground they roll on.
Flatness is King: If your floor has "waves" or deep cracks, the AGV's safety sensors might mistake a bump for an obstacle and emergency stop. You want a Level FF 25/FL 20 or better for high-speed operation.
Surface Material: Shiny, polished concrete is great, but it can be slippery. If you’re using laser navigation, the floor needs to be clean—dust and debris can cause the wheels to slip, throwing off the AGV's internal "odometry" (its sense of how far it has traveled).
Navigation Markers: Depending on the tech, you might need to stick small Reflector Strips on your rack pillars or walls. No digging or wires in the floor required!
Yes, and it’s becoming the industry standard.
As long as you have a stable Wi-Fi connection in your warehouse, the manufacturer's engineers can log in remotely to the AGV's onboard computer.
The "Eyes": You’ll use a tablet or AR glasses to show them the physical environment.
The "Brain": They will upload the maps and scripts from their office.
The Requirement: You’ll need one person on your end who is "handy"—someone who knows how to use a basic toolkit and isn't afraid of a laptop.
Quick Tip: Before the AGVs arrive, do a "Wi-Fi Heatmap" of your floor. If there are "dead zones" behind your racking, the AGVs will lose contact with the dispatch system and just sit there waiting for a signal.
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