Automating internal logistics with AGV, AMR autonomous vehicles in automobile manufacturing

In the journey of digital transformation and building smart factories, many automobile manufacturing and assembly enterprises in Vietnam have begun to invest heavily in automation technologies. One of the important steps is to apply the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) system to replace the traditional method of transporting materials by human labor and mechanical tractors.

The deployment of hundreds of AGVs at a large-scale automobile manufacturing and assembly plant in Vietnam is a clear demonstration of this trend. The project was carried out by ETEK – a pioneer in the field of automation solutions , with the goal of not only improving operational efficiency, but also helping customers gradually approach the smart factory model according to international standards.

1. The current state of traditional transportation – a bottleneck in the production chain

Before the AGV system was deployed, all the transportation of components, materials, and finished products in the factory was done by humans – through handcarts or tractors. This method has many problems:

• Each production area must have its own staff, increasing costs and reducing operating efficiency.
• Manual transportation is unstable, prone to errors, delays and cannot operate continuously 24/7.
• Factory environments with high traffic density pose a risk of work accidents.
• Not suitable for modern internal logistics model, difficult to integrate with overall management system.

2. Guidance technologies of AGV autonomous vehicles

Modern AGVs incorporate a variety of navigation technologies, depending on the requirements and complexity of the environment:

• Magnetic stripe guidance: Suitable for stable, less changing environments.
• QR/Barcode Navigation: Vehicle recognizes codes at fixed points to determine location and navigate.
• SLAM Navigation: The vehicle uses LiDAR sensors and cameras to map and locate itself in real time. This is the most advanced technology today, allowing AGVs to operate flexibly in open environments with many intersections.
• V-SLAM Navigation: Based on environmental imagery and machine learning to navigate without physical infrastructure.

3. Application of AGV self-propelled vehicles in automobile manufacturing

In automobile assembly plants, AGVs often take on tasks such as:

• Supply components from warehouse to production line (GA, SEQ, KIT areas…)
• Collect finished products and bring them to the warehouse
• Transport chassis, engines, and bodywork between assembly stations
• Pull the component trolley assembly to the correct installation location.

Thanks to its precise, continuous and safe operation, AGVs help maintain a steady flow of materials , limiting bottlenecks and delays in the internal supply chain.

4. Integrating AGV autonomous vehicles in smart warehouse systems

One of the outstanding applications of AGV self-propelled vehicles is integration with smart warehouse systems :

• Communicate with WMS (Warehouse Management System) to receive pick and delivery orders automatically.
• Connect to RFID or barcode systems for real-time traceability and tracking of goods.
• Automatically arrange, store and transport materials/pallets in high-rise warehouses, cold storage, component warehouses…

AGVs serve as the “backbone” of smart warehouse transportation operations, contributing to the construction of a modern, flexible and scalable logistics system.

5. Benefits of applying AGV self-driving vehicles in the automotive industry

• Increase productivity and accuracy in shipping
• Reduce operating and labor costs
• Ensure labor safety and limit accident risks
• 24/7 operation – no human interruptions
• Optimize warehouse – production – delivery process
• Easy integration with MES, ERP, WMS systems

See more about ETEK’s projects HERE