47th AGV Talk: Question of faith: swarm intelligence or master control

AGV stands for ‘Automated Guided Vehicles’ and refers to an automated intralogistics solution for in-house material flow. They essentially consist of one or more automatically controlled, contactless guided vehicles with their own traction drive and, if required, of

• a master control system,
• equipment for determining location and position,
• equipment for data transmission as well as
  infrastructure and peripheral equipment.

In other words, a master control system if required. And it is precisely here that there are two opinions that seem to contradict each other completely: master control – yes or no?

The MHP website states:
“With the FleetExecuter, we offer you a central and manufacturer-independent control system that redefines the control and organisation of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

Thanks to its unique combination of artificial intelligence, cloud integration and modularity, the FleetExecuter is the perfect solution for optimising intralogistics.”(https://www.mhp.com/de/solutions/industrial-cloud-solutions/fleet-executer)

The AGILOX side is completely different:
“With our proven X-SWARM Technology, you have a system that makes a master computer superfluous. Our AMRs are in direct communication, exchange information about their position and current status several times a second and distribute orders intelligently. Automatic supply and disposal, free route finding and simple adaptation to changes in the environment enable an intelligent (intra-)logistics concept.” (https://www.agilox.net)

We want to discuss this with two appointed representatives of these companies:

• What exactly are the differences?
• What are the advantages of both variants? Are there functions or possibilities that are reserved for one variant?
• Are there criteria or areas of application that speak in favour of one or the other?

And of course: We will not settle the ‘question of faith’ in a combative manner – we will exchange views objectively and respectfully so that each participant is smarter afterwards and can perhaps form their own opinion! After all, we all want to successfully advance intralogistics with mobile robotics.