How to Choose the Right Heavy-Duty AGV for Multi-Ton Industrial Transport

Selecting a Heavy-Duty AGV is very different from choosing a light-load transport robot. When the job involves multi-ton steel components, oversized molds, large tooling fixtures, or heavy assemblies, the stakes are higher—and so are the requirements for safety, stability, precision, and structural strength. The right AGV can enhance production flow and eliminate hazardous manual handling. The wrong one can become a bottleneck.

This guide explains the key factors manufacturers should consider when choosing a Heavy-Duty AGV for demanding industrial operations.

Technical Specifications (Typical Model Range)

(Values can be customized based on project requirements)

Determine the Real Load Capacity (Not Just the Rated Number)

When evaluating AGVs, most buyers begin with load capacity. But for heavy manufacturing, this number alone isn’t enough. A reliable Heavy-Duty AGV must handle:

• Maximum load

• Offset or uneven loads

• Dynamic load impact during starting and braking

• Long-term structural fatigue

AOTENENG heavy-load AGVs use reinforced welded steel frames and high-torque drive modules to ensure stability even when carrying large molds, steel plates, or components with high center-of-gravity variations.

If your load is 20 tons, selecting a “20-ton” AGV may not be enough—most factories choose a 25–30 ton rated platform for safety, durability, and peak load reserves.

Navigation Type Should Match Your Factory Layout

Different factories require different navigation approaches:

Magnetic Navigation

Best for stable, fixed routes such as steel machining lines or mold transfer paths.

QR / Vision Navigation

Ideal for areas where frequent layout adjustments occur.

Hybrid Navigation

Recommended for complicated routes, multi-station operations, long-distance corridors, or mixed environments.

AOTENENG offers all three, allowing factories to match navigation to production style rather than forcing the facility to adapt to the AGV.

Platform Style Should Fit the Shape of Your Load

Heavy-duty loads come in many shapes and sizes. A standard flat deck isn’t always the ideal choice.

AOTENENG provides multiple options:

• Flatbed deck → For steel plates, assemblies, large parts

• Hydraulic or scissor lift → For die loading, press feeding, and line-side transfer

• Motorized turntable → For mold orientation or multi-direction alignment

• Coil saddles → For round or cylindrical steel materials

• Custom fixtures → For dies, tooling, molds, wind-energy components

Choosing the right platform reduces load shift, improves safety, and shortens handling time.

Power System Determines 24/7 Availability

Heavy-duty applications typically require long operating hours. The AGV’s performance directly depends on its power system.

AOTENENG supports:

• High-capacity lithium packs

• Industrial lead-acid options

• Fast charging

• Automatic docking charging

• Swappable battery drawers for multi-shift factories

If your factory runs continuous machining or casting, a quick-swap or auto-dock system can prevent production delays.

Safety Features Are Essential—Not Optional

Moving a 10-ton or 40-ton load requires strong, layered safety protection. Look for:

• Front & rear LiDAR scanning

• Side ultrasonic detection

• Emergency-stop bumpers

• Auto-speed reduction in narrow zones

• Smooth-start and soft-stop logic to prevent sudden shifts

AOTENENG equips all heavy-load AGVs with multi-level protection to reduce risk in complex industrial environments.

Consider Ease of Integration With Existing Processes

A Heavy-Duty AGV should strengthen your workflow, not disrupt it. Key questions include:

• Can it be routed through your current aisles?

• Does it integrate with your production schedule?

• Can it synchronize with cranes, presses, machining centers, or welding lines?

• Is fleet management available for multi-AGV coordination?

AOTENENG provides integration support to map AGVs into existing workflows with minimal change to infrastructure.

Customization Often Makes the Critical Difference

Factories handling heavy materials rarely use identical load shapes or processes. Off-the-shelf AGVs may not solve every problem.

AOTENENG specializes in custom heavy-duty solutions, including:

• Extended wheelbases

• Special lifting heights

• Extreme load capacities

• Overlength platforms

• Heat-resistant or workshop-specific designs

• Explosion-proof configurations

These customizations allow the AGV to function as a built-for-purpose tool, not just a general transporter.

The Right Heavy-Duty AGV Protects Productivity and People

Choosing the correct Heavy-Duty AGV is a long-term investment in safety, efficiency, and production stability. By considering load characteristics, navigation needs, platform style, power requirements, safety layers, and workflow integration, factories can significantly improve their handling of oversized or high-value materials.

AOTENENG’s Heavy-Duty AGV solutions are engineered specifically for these environments—offering the structural strength, reliability, and customization needed to support today’s industrial demands.