AGV Types and Specifications

Vehicle Classes

Automated Guided Carts (AGC)

Simplest class. Floor-level transport only, no lifting.

Spec	Value
Payload	~1 ton (2,200 lbs) standard
Navigation	Magnetic tape (typical)
Engagement	Under-ride with pin hook
Unit cost	$16,000-$20,000
Applications	Automotive, light industrial

Tow / Tugger AGVs

Pull one or more carts in a train. High throughput for point-to-point runs.

Spec	Value
Payload (tow capacity)	1 ton standard; up to 20 tons (44,000 lbs) available
Train capacity	Multiple carts per mission
Hybrid option	Some models allow manual operation
Applications	Automotive assembly line supply, finished goods to warehouse

Automated Pallet Jack / Low-Level Stacker

Floor-to-floor movement with limited lift.

Spec	Value
Payload	Up to 3 tons (6,600 lbs)
Lift height	Max 2m
Applications	Production line feeding, warehouse horizontal transport

Reach Truck AGV

Narrow-aisle lifting. Smaller and faster than VNA.

Spec	Value
Payload	~1,500 kg
Lift height	Up to 8m
Aisle width required	~3m
Applications	Pallet storage in standard selective racking

Counterbalanced Forklift AGV

Most versatile lifting class. Equivalent to a manned Class I/IV/V forklift.

Spec	Value
Payload	Up to 4 tons (8,800 lbs)
Lift height	~8m (26 ft)
Applications	Cross-dock, staging, rack loading

Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) AGV

Highest-density storage. Requires wire or rail guidance in aisle.

Spec	Value
Lift height	Up to 11m (36 ft)
Aisle width	<2m (6.5 ft)
Unit cost	$180,000-$200,000
Floor requirement	F50 flatness (same as manned VNA)
Applications	High-density cold storage, pharmaceutical

Unit Load AGV

Carries discrete loads (pallets, totes). Equipped with roller or chain conveyors for auto-transfer.

Spec	Value
Payload	Up to 20 tons; heavy industrial custom systems exceed this
Transfer interface	Roll conveyors, chain conveyors, lift tables
Applications	Food and beverage, warehouse pallet lanes, production buffer

Speed Reference

• Standard operating speed: up to 2 m/s (6.5 ft/s) for laser-guided vehicles
• Restricted/hazard zones: 1.2 m/s maximum with active scanner
• Bumper contact zones: 0.3 m/s maximum (safety requirement)

Selection Logic

Condition	Vehicle Class
No lifting needed, simple routes	AGC
High-volume point-to-point with carts	Tugger
Floor-to-floor pallet movement	Pallet jack / stacker
Standard rack storage to 8m	Reach truck AGV
Heavy loads, dock/staging	Counterbalanced forklift AGV
Density-first, rack >8m	VNA AGV
High-volume pallet lanes, auto-transfer	Unit load AGV

Cost Benchmark

VNA AGVs are the highest-cost class at $180k-$200k per vehicle. AGCs are the entry point at $16k-$20k. Forklift and reach truck AGVs are not publicly benchmarked but typically fall between $60k-$150k depending on lift height and navigation type.