Why do AGVs use line-following sensors in industrial settings?

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Why do AGVs use line-following sensors in industrial settings?

Asked on Oct 29, 2025

Answer

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) use line-following sensors in industrial settings to navigate predefined paths efficiently and accurately. These sensors detect lines or tracks on the floor, allowing AGVs to follow specific routes without the need for complex navigation systems, making them ideal for environments where fixed paths are sufficient for material transport.

Example Concept: Line-following sensors, typically optical or magnetic, are used in AGVs to detect and track lines marked on the floor. These sensors provide real-time feedback to the AGV's control system, enabling precise path following. This method is cost-effective and reliable for environments where routes are consistent and do not require dynamic path planning.

Additional Comment:

Line-following systems are simple to implement and maintain, reducing overall operational costs.
They are suitable for environments with fixed and repetitive transport tasks.
AGVs with line-following sensors can be quickly deployed and reconfigured by altering the floor markings.
These systems are less flexible compared to those using SLAM or vision-based navigation, which are better for dynamic environments.

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