In the field of intelligent logistics and automated manufacturing, AGV has become the core equipment of modern factories and warehousing systems with its effective and accurate transportation capabilities. In the design of AGV, the steering wheel has become the preferred driving solution for most manufacturers due to its unique structural advantages. Why does the steering wheel stand out? This is closely related to its flexibility, efficiency, and industrial adaptability.
Trackless transfer cart can rotate 360 degrees, which meets your customized needs, with a load capacity of 1-500 tons, table size, and wheel options (polyurethane wheel\rubber wheel\Mecanum wheel).
The core advantage of the steering wheel lies in its integrated design of independent steering and drive. By controlling the steering angle and travel speed of the wheel through the motor, automated guided vehicle can move forward, backward, diagonally, and even rotate on the spot, greatly improving the maneuverability in narrow aisles or dense shelves.
In contrast, traditional differential wheels can only turn by the speed difference between the left and right wheels, and the path adjustment efficiency is low; while the Mecanum wheel can move omnidirectionally, it has a complex structure, high cost, and is easy to wear. The steering wheel finds a balance between flexibility and cost, and is particularly suitable for industrial scenarios that require frequent obstacle avoidance and complex path planning.
The steering wheel adopts a modular design, integrating the drive motor, steering mechanism, and load-bearing wheels in a compact space, reducing the space occupied by transfer cart body. This design not only allows automatic guided vehicle to carry larger batteries or sensors but also improves the load-bearing capacity through high-precision bearings and reinforced materials. For example, a dual-steering wheel AGV can easily carry several tons of cargo while maintaining stable operation, while the Mecanum wheel has a small contact surface and dispersed force, making it difficult to support heavy-load scenarios. In addition, the independent suspension system of the steering wheel can adapt to uneven ground, further enhancing reliability in industrial environments.
From the perspective of the entire life cycle, the maintenance cost of electric trolley steering wheel is significantly lower than other solutions. Its modular structure supports quick replacement, and the sealing design reduces failures caused by dust intrusion. At the same time, the standardized interface of the steering wheel is easy to integrate with mainstream navigation systems (such as laser SLAM, and QR code navigation), shortening the development cycle.
In contrast, the oblique rollers of electric trolley Mecanum wheel are easily stuck with debris and have a high maintenance frequency; the differential wheel requires complex algorithms to compensate for steering errors, which increases software costs. With its “plug and play” characteristics, the steering wheel has become the preferred choice for electric trolley manufacturers to reduce overall costs.
The steering wheel is not an emerging technology. It has been used for many years in traditional forklifts and aviation ground equipment. The mature supply chain and continuously optimized control algorithms enable it to adapt to the automation needs of AGV quickly. Industry data shows that about 70% of the world’s heavy duty AGV use steering wheel solutions. This large-scale application further promotes the iteration of steering wheel technology, forming a positive cycle of “technology optimization-cost reduction-market expansion”.
Overall, the reason why the steering wheel has become the mainstream choice of AGV is essentially the result of a comprehensive trade-off between efficiency, reliability, and economy in industrial scenarios. With the development of flexible manufacturing and intelligent warehousing, the design of the steering wheel may further integrate sensors and AI algorithms, but its core position as the “legs” of AGV will still be difficult to subvert in the short term. In the future, lighter and more intelligent steering wheels are expected to unlock more application scenarios for transfer cart on wheel.
