AGVs operating across a warehouse may move between multiple wireless access points. The vehicle therefore needs to maintain reliable communication while roaming from one coverage area to another.

A warehouse can have strong Wi-Fi coverage and still experience AGV communication problems if roaming, network configuration, or application behavior has not been properly tested.

Why Is Wi-Fi Roaming Important for AGVs?

An AGV may continuously move through different warehouse zones while communicating with fleet software.

During this movement, the wireless connection may transition between access points.

If the transition is poorly configured, the AGV may experience:

• Temporary communication interruption

• Increased latency

• Packet loss

• Delayed task updates

• Connection drops

• Unexpected vehicle behavior

What Should Be Tested?

The test should focus on actual AGV movement rather than simply checking Wi-Fi signal strength while the vehicle is stationary.

Important test conditions include:

• AGV moving at normal operating speed

• AGV moving between access points

• AGV carrying a load

• Multiple AGVs operating simultaneously

• High network traffic

• Different warehouse zones

• Long travel routes

How Should the Test Route Be Selected?

Choose routes that cross multiple wireless coverage areas.

Priority should be given to locations where AGVs frequently travel, such as:

• High-bay aisles

• Receiving areas

• Shipping areas

• Charging areas

• Long connecting aisles

• Doorways between warehouse zones

Testing only one short route may not expose roaming problems elsewhere in the warehouse.

What Network Data Should Be Recorded?

The test should collect more than a simple Wi-Fi signal-strength value.

Useful measurements can include:

• Connection status

• Roaming events

• Latency

• Packet loss

• Connection interruptions

• Access-point transitions

• Application communication status

The exact network metrics depend on the wireless infrastructure and AGV communication architecture.

Should the Test Include Multiple AGVs?

Yes. A single AGV test may not represent actual operating conditions.

When multiple AGVs communicate simultaneously, network utilization changes. Fleet traffic can also increase the amount of information exchanged between vehicles and control systems.

Therefore, testing should include realistic fleet activity where practical.

What Happens During a Temporary Connection Loss?

The AGV system should have a defined response to communication interruption.

Depending on the system architecture, the vehicle may stop safely, continue a limited operation, or execute another predefined behavior.

The important point is that this behavior should be known and tested rather than discovered during production operation.

How Can Wi-Fi Dead Zones Be Identified?

A warehouse survey should consider the actual AGV operating path.

Potential problem areas include:

• Metal rack aisles

• Cold storage areas

• Large machinery zones

• Dock areas

• High-density storage areas

• Transitions between buildings or rooms

Signal behavior can vary significantly depending on warehouse construction, rack configuration, equipment, and access-point placement.

What Should Be Tested Before Go-Live?

• Normal AGV travel

• Access-point roaming

• High fleet traffic

• Temporary network interruption

• Network recovery

• Controller communication

• WMS communication

• Vehicle restart and reconnection

• Long-duration operation

The test should be repeated after major changes to rack layouts, access-point positions, network configuration, or AGV operating zones.

What Should Be Defined With the AGV Supplier?

Before deployment, clarify:

• AGV wireless requirements

• Supported wireless standards

• Network architecture

• Required communication availability

• Roaming behavior

• Connection-loss behavior

• Network diagnostic tools

• Required IT support during commissioning

This prevents the warehouse IT team and AGV supplier from making different assumptions about wireless communication requirements.