How to Choose the Right Conveyor AGV | Load Capacity & Conveyor Type Guide

How to Choose the Right Conveyor AGV | Load Capacity & Conveyor Type Guide

Choosing the correct Conveyor AGV is a critical step for manufacturers looking to automate material handling. Every production environment has different needs—some require fast transport of small trays, while others handle heavy components that demand high stability. Selecting the right system helps avoid inefficiency, downtime, and unnecessary cost.

Load Capacity: The Foundation of Proper AGV Selection

Load capacity determines how safely and efficiently the AGV can operate.
Selecting the right level prevents mechanical stress and premature wear.

Light-duty AGVs (≤ 300 kg / 660 lbs) are ideal for electronics, totes, and lightweight products. They offer quick movement and excellent maneuverability.

Medium-duty AGVs (300–1500 kg / 660–3300 lbs) fit most industrial workflows, such as automotive parts and appliance manufacturing. They provide stable performance and strong conveyor drive.

Heavy-duty AGVs (1500 kg+) are necessary for metal parts, tooling, and large assemblies. They feature reinforced chassis, high-torque motors, and industrial conveyor structures.

Technical Specifications (Typical Series)

(Specs can be customized based on workflow requirements)

ItemSpecification
Product TypeConveyor Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)
Primary FunctionAutomated material transport with built-in conveyor
Conveyor TypesRoller conveyor / Belt conveyor / Chain conveyor
Load CapacityFrom bins & cartons to pallet-level loads
Transfer MethodAutomatic loading & unloading (hands-free)
Docking Accuracy±10 mm
Navigation OptionsLaser SLAM / QR-guided / Hybrid
Travel SpeedAdjustable to match production takt time
Operation ModeFully automated, multi-shift capable
Power SupplyBattery powered
Charging OptionsFast charging / Automatic docking / Battery swap
Control SystemIndustrial PLC-based control
System IntegrationMES / WMS / PLC / Robotic cells
Safety System360° LiDAR, obstacle detection, speed zoning
Warning DevicesAudible alarms & LED indicators
Operating EnvironmentProduction lines, warehouses, cleanrooms
CustomizationConveyor type, size, layers, load handling
Typical ApplicationsAssembly, packaging, sorting, line-side transfer

Conveyor Type: Roller, Belt, Chain, or Multi-Level

The conveyor type determines how materials are loaded and unloaded.

Roller conveyors are the most common and work well with boxes, trays, and totes. They provide fast, reliable transfer.

Belt conveyors are better for soft bags, irregular items, or fragile goods. They offer smooth and gentle handling.

Chain conveyors carry pallets, metal frames, and heavy-duty loads with high stability.

Multi-layer conveyors boost capacity by stacking loading and unloading levels, ideal for high-throughput lines.

Navigation Method: Choosing the Right Movement System

Navigation affects accuracy, layout flexibility, and deployment cost.

Laser SLAM supports dynamic environments and layout changes.
QR/magnetic navigation is great for fixed routes and cost-sensitive projects.
Hybrid navigation combines both, offering precision for machine docking and flexibility for routing.

Custom Options: Tailoring the AGV to Your Process

AOTENENG offers extensive customization to fit your exact workflow.

You can modify chassis dimensions, conveyor length, and working height.
Add fixtures such as guide rails or anti-slip pads.
Include sensors or cameras for barcode/QR scanning.
Integrate with MES/WMS/PLC systems for automated job assignment.
Choose battery options like long-endurance lithium or fast charging.

Customization ensures the AGV fits your line perfectly—not the other way around.

Environmental Considerations: Ensuring Long-Term Reliability

Different industries have different environmental challenges.

AOTENENG AGVs can be configured for dusty areas, oily floors, cleanrooms, cold storage, ESD-sensitive zones, or narrow aisles.
This ensures stable and durable operation in real-world conditions.

Total Cost of Ownership: Maximize ROI

A properly selected Conveyor AGV boosts throughput, cuts labor costs, reduces handling mistakes, and lowers downtime.
The right combination of load capacity, conveyor type, navigation, and customization leads to long-term savings and predictable performance.

Why Manufacturers Choose AOTENENG

AOTENENG provides industrial-grade Conveyor AGV solutions backed by over 10 years of automation experience.
We support full customization, deliver precise docking (±10 mm), and integrate seamlessly with MES/WMS.
Our systems operate reliably in 48+ countries, supported by strong engineering and after-sales service.

Feedback Form Contact with Us

You have questions, comments or general inquiries? We value your suggestions. Drop us a line! Fill the form below just to say hi or to send us any questions or comments you might have.