When importing AGVs from China, a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is one of the most important risk-control steps before shipment.

Unlike standard machinery, AGVs require both mechanical verification and software-level validation before acceptance.

How to Hire a Third-Party PSI Agency in China

Hiring a PSI agency for AGVs is similar to other industrial equipment inspections, but you should be more selective due to software complexity.

Step 1: Choose an Inspection Company with Industrial Experience

• Must have experience in automation equipment or robotics

• Prefer agencies with warehouse or logistics equipment background

• International certification (e.g., SGS, BV, TUV) is preferred

Step 2: Define Inspection Scope in Advance

You should clearly define:

• Mechanical inspection requirements

• Electrical safety checks

• Software and navigation testing

• Battery and charging performance

• Load capacity verification

Important: PSI for AGVs is not just a visual inspection — it must include live system operation testing.

Top 5 PSI Checkpoints for AGVs

A professional AGV inspection should include both hardware and software validation.

Does the PSI Inspector Need Robotics Expertise?

For AGVs, the answer is:

Yes — basic industrial inspection is not enough.

Why Specialized Knowledge Matters

AGV systems include both hardware and software layers, such as:

• SLAM navigation algorithms

• Fleet scheduling systems

• Sensor fusion (LiDAR + vision)

• Real-time task dispatching

• API integration with WMS/ERP systems

Risk Warning: A general inspector may verify physical movement, but miss software-level failures that only appear under real warehouse logic conditions.

Best Practice

• Use inspectors with automation or robotics background

• Or require manufacturer + inspector joint testing

• Involve your own technical team remotely if possible

Can I Request a Live Stream of Final Testing?

Yes — and this is now a common requirement for international buyers.

What Can Be Live Streamed

• Final system commissioning tests

• Multi-AGV coordination demonstrations

• Load handling tests

• Navigation accuracy runs

• Emergency stop safety tests

Many suppliers now provide live video via WeChat, Zoom, or Teams during PSI to support overseas buyers.

Best Practice for Live Inspection

• Request multiple camera angles (not just handheld video)

• Ask for timestamped test sequences

• Require inspector narration or checklist confirmation

• Record the session for internal QA review

How Much Does AGV PSI Cost in Nanjing?

The cost depends on inspector type, scope, and system complexity.

Typical Cost Range (Reference Only)

Basic Industrial PSI (non-robotic focus)
       Standard AGV Inspection (with functional tests)
       Advanced Robotics Inspection (multi-AGV + software testing)

Cost Factors

• Number of AGVs being tested

• Software complexity (FMS / WMS integration)

• Duration of inspection

• Requirement for robotics specialist

• Video/live-stream requirements

Insight: For AGV systems, inspection cost is usually less than 1% of total project value — but can prevent 100% of deployment failure risk.

What Experienced Buyers Usually Require in PSI

• Factory pre-shipment testing report

• Independent third-party inspection report

• Live video validation of system tests

• Software version verification

• Load and endurance test documentation

• Final acceptance checklist signed by inspector

Before You Ship Your AGVs

Ensure your PSI covers:

• Mechanical safety and load testing

• Navigation and positioning accuracy

• Fleet management system logic

• Software integration stability

• Battery and charging performance

• Real warehouse scenario simulation

If you are planning an AGV import from China, you can request a structured PSI checklist tailored to your warehouse layout, software integration needs, and deployment environment.