Testing Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) is a high-stakes phase of automation. You aren't just buying a machine; you’re integrating a new "employee" into your workflow.
Here is a guide designed to answer your specific logistical questions while providing a roadmap for a successful pre-deployment phase.
The Short Answer: Yes, but with caveats.
Most top-tier AGV manufacturers offer Proof of Concept (PoC) programs. However, because AGVs require environment mapping and infrastructure (like charging stations or reflectors), they rarely just "drop off" a unit for a week.
On-site PoC: The vendor brings 1–2 units to a designated "test zone" in your facility to prove they can handle your specific floor conditions and loads.
The Cost: Be prepared for a service fee. While the hardware might be "on loan," you are often paying for the engineering hours required for setup.
In a post-travel-heavy world, remote FATs have become the gold standard. To do it right, you need more than just a Zoom call:
The Script: Follow a pre-approved test protocol. This includes load capacity tests, emergency stop triggers, and battery life cycles.
Multi-Angle Feed: Demand at least three camera views: a wide shot of the path, a close-up of the HMI/Software screen, and a "chase cam" (often a GoPro or 360° camera) following the unit.
Data Logs: Ask for real-time telemetry data during the livestream so you can see the "brain" of the AGV as it navigates.
Absolutely. Most vendors have Experience Centers or Showrooms.
Don't watch a canned demo. Ask the engineer to place an unexpected obstacle (like a cardboard box) in the AGV’s path in real-time to see how the sensors react (Slowdown vs. Stop vs. Reroute).
Performance guarantees are usually tied to KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) agreed upon in the contract. Common metrics include:
Uptime/Availability: (e.g., 98.5% uptime).
Cycle Time: Completing a specific loop within a set number of seconds.
Positioning Accuracy: (e.g., $\pm 10$ mm stopping precision).
Safety Compliance: Adherence to standards like ISO 3691-4.
Digital Twin Simulation: Before touching physical hardware, ask for a software simulation of your entire floor plan. This predicts bottlenecks that a single "trial unit" can't show.
Software Integration Test: Test how the AGV's Fleet Manager talks to your existing WMS (Warehouse Management System) or ERP via API. Hardware is easy; data is hard.
The "Dirty Floor" Test: If your warehouse has dust, oil, or cracks, ask the vendor how their specific navigation (Lidar vs. SLAM) handles "noisy" environments.
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