Get AGVs and AMRs connected!

Communication solutions for AGVs, AMRs

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) need to navigate safely, stay clear of obstacles and be accessed remotely. HMS communication solutions allow them to do just that.

Communication and safety solutions for AGVs and AMRs
Implement functional safety for AGVs / AMRs

AMR / AGV Remote Stop

Your mobile robot needs to communicate on safety networks such as PROFIsafe, CIP Safety or FSoE to enable a safe remote stop and operation. Ixxat Safe solutions from HMS Networks get you connected. 

Empower your AGV/AMR with safety stacks, safe IO modules, and decades of safety expertise to ensure seamless implementation of safe PLC functions.

Robust wireless AGV communication on the factory floor
Solid wireless communication for AGVs/AMRs

Connect via Wi-Fi, cellular or Bluetooth

Robust, industrial-strength wireless communication of safe and non-safe fieldbuses with fast roaming support and seamless integration.

Communicate via Wi-Fi, cellular 3G/4G/5G or Bluetooth. Always with support for various industrial protocols, courtesy of Anybus Wireless Bolt.

Visualize the operations of AGVs and ARMs with Ewon remote access solutions
Remote access to mobile robots

Monitor and visualize data from AGVs/AMRs

Visualize the operations of mobile robots – where they have been, current status, performance levels. All available in online dashboards.

Get alarms whenever something is wrong and make sure you have 24/7 data from your machines.

With Ewon remote solutions you get instant access to machine data and can also connect and troubleshoot remotely via remote access.

CAN communication and networking inside AGVs/AMRs
Controller Area Network within AGVs/AMRs

CAN communication

There are many devices within an AGV/AMR that rely on standard CAN communication, like batteries and drives. To make sure that these components can be interconnected with other devices and the central control system, HMS offers a broad portfolio of CAN infrastructure products, like bridges, repeaters and gateways.

Interconnection of different fieldbus communication standards and systems
Network communication

Connect to any industrial network

Enable mobile robots to communicate on any industrial network – fieldbus or industrial network Ethernet. 

HMS TechTalk:

Communication for Automated Guided Vehicles — AGVs

Should I choose Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or 5G? What about Safety? Or galvanic isolation?  

Communication experts Thomas Conz and Martin Falkman talk about communication issues that AGV manufacturers and users need to solve. 

...and present a couple of examples of how to solve them. 

What's inside?

Examples of HMS communication products used inside an AGV. 

Product categories

Products used for mobile robots (AGVs, AMRs)

What users say

Case studies and testimonials

Anybus_case_study_customer_image_Löfqvist_Engineering_1
Wireless infrastructure products Anybus

Wireless technology enables AGVs to increase production efficiency

Fast roaming and seamless data communications, enabled by Anybus. Wireless networking technology is ensuring the reliable operation of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for a Swedish manufacturer of heavy vehicle components - helping increase their production efficiency and throughput.
Ixxat Safe T100 - Safety implementation: Safe remote Stop for AMRs / AGVs
Embedded network interfaces Ixxat

Safe remote Stop for AMRs / AGVs – Safety implementation

A comprehensive look at the challenges, solutions, and successes in implementing essential safety features for the European market, facilitated by a partnership with HMS Networks.

Q&A

AGVs and AMRs. What's the difference?

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) use guiding infrastructure to follow predetermined routes. If an object blocks an AGV’s path, the AGV stops and waits until the object is removed.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are more dynamic. They navigate via maps and use data from cameras, built-in sensors, or laser scanners to detect their surroundings and choose the most efficient route. If an object blocks an AMR’s planned route, it chooses another route.

As AMRs are not reliant on guiding infrastructure, they’re cheaper and quicker to install and can adapt to logistical changes. Although Mobile Robots is an umbrella name, the most widely used term for driverless vehicles in general is "AGVs."

Does the new EU Machine Directive apply for AGVs/AMRs?

Yes, The EU Machinery Directive (Directive 2006/42/EC)  extends the definition of "machinery" and addresses new technologies, software-based safety features, and self-learning systems. Mobile robots such as AGVs and AMRs produced in, or operating in Europe need to abide the directive.

What is the new EU machine directive?

The EU Machinery Directive (Directive 2006/42/EC) ensures the safety of machinery sold or marketed in the EU and forms the basis for the CE marking, indicating mechanical and electrical safety.

Standards such as ISO 12100 and ISO 13849-1 aid manufacturers in conforming to this directive. In 2023, a new version of this directive, known as the Machinery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1230), was published, which will be mandatory by January 14, 2027.

What are the effects of the EU machine directive?

It will mean that AGVs will need to communicate with industrial safety standards such as ProfiSafe, CIP Safety etc. in order to be used on the European market.


Additional resources

Do you want to find out more?

Webinar recording

In our webinar, HMS safety expert Daniel Heinzler, will give you an introduction to current safety standards relevant for mobile robots. He will examine the effects of the new machinery directive and the use of safety in future regulations.

White paper

Stay ahead of the new EU machinery regulation coming in 2027 with HMS Network. Read more about the new machinery regulation and how it affects your business.

Is 5G the future?

A look into the wireless standards and challenges for AGV communication.

Talk to an expert about Mobile robots

Have a communication expert from HMS contact you to discuss your specific requirements.