Benefits of AGVs in reducing operational costs in warehouses

Against the backdrop of sustained pressure across global manufacturing, logistics and e-commerce sectors, warehouse operational costs have become a critical factor in corporate competitiveness. How to effectively reduce operational expenditure while enhancing efficiency has emerged as a central concern for businesses.

Labour shortages, rising employment costs, and ever-increasing demands for safety and efficiency are driving enterprises to accelerate the automation upgrade of their internal logistics.

As a globally leading provider of unmanned forklift trucks and internal logistics automation solutions, AiTEN Robotics helps enterprises systematically reduce warehouse operational costs through its comprehensive AGV product portfolio, thereby achieving long-term, sustainable cost reductions and efficiency gains.

1. Lower Labour Costs and Mitigate Workforce Shortages

In traditional warehousing operations, labour costs typically account for over 40% of total operational expenditure, particularly in repetitive tasks such as pallet handling, production line distribution and internal warehouse transfers. The introduction of AGV systems has enabled the automation of material handling.

AiTEN AGVs enable:

• Automated handling of high-frequency and repetitive transport tasks
• Reduced dependence on forklift drivers and manual labour
• 24/7 continuous operation without overtime expenses
• Shifting employees from repetitive manual labour to technical supervisory roles

By deploying autonomous forklifts, companies convert variable labour costs into predictable automation investments.

2. Improve Operational Efficiency and Reduce Cost per Unit

Traditional warehouse management relies on manual record-keeping and scheduling, which is prone to data errors, inefficient task allocation, and inaccurate inventory counts. This can trigger a chain reaction of order delays and stockpiling, thereby increasing management costs.

AiTEN AGVs leverage intelligent fleet management and multi-vehicle coordination to ensure consistent and efficient material flow:

• Optimised routing to minimise idle time and empty travel
• Seamless integration with WMS, MES, and ERP systems, achieve automated task allocation and execution
• Stable throughput unaffected by labour availability

Higher efficiency directly translates into lower logistics cost per pallet, per order, and per output unit.

3. Minimise Damage and Errors to Reduce Hidden Costs

Manual handling often leads to pallet damage, product loss, and operational errors.

AiTEN AGVs combine:

• 3D Laser SLAM navigation
• High-precision pallet detection and docking technology
• Multi-layer safety and obstacle avoidance systems

This significantly reduces human error, lowers damage rates, and minimises rework and exception-handling costs.

4. Maximise Space Utilisation and Reduce Fixed Costs

Traditional warehouse layouts require consideration of manual operation space, whereas AGV systems enable more compact storage designs. AiTEN autonomous forklifts support narrow-aisle operations and high-bay storage, enabling higher warehouse density:

• Reduced aisle width and increased storage capacity
• Compatibility with various load carriers
• Deferred or avoided warehouse expansion investments
• Rapidly adjust the routing system in response to business changes without requiring extensive modifications.

Improved space utilisation directly reduces long-term facility and rental costs.

5. Scalable Automation with Lower Investment Risk

Modern AGV systems possess outstanding adaptability, enabling flexible adjustments in response to changing operational requirements. Compared with fixed conveyor systems, AiTEN AGVs offer superior flexibility:

• Gradual fleet expansion aligned with business growth
• Minimal infrastructure modification
• Integrating the new AGV into the existing system requires only a few days and does not disrupt normal operations.
• Suitable for manufacturing, automotive, food & beverage, 3C electronics, and home appliance industries

This scalable approach reduces upfront investment risks while ensuring long-term adaptability.

6. AiTEN Robotics: Driving Sustainable Cost Reduction with AGVs

The true value of AGVs lies not only in labour replacement but in reshaping warehouse operations across efficiency, safety, space utilisation, and management.

With increasing technological maturity and declining costs, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have become a core driver for the transformation and upgrading of modern warehousing. For enterprises seeking sustained competitive advantage, the rational planning and implementation of AGV systems represent not only an effective means of reducing operational costs but also a crucial step towards establishing intelligent, flexible supply chain systems.

With a comprehensive product lineup, proven delivery capabilities, and in-house core technologies, AiTEN Robotics empowers global customers to build safer, smarter, and more cost-efficient intralogistics systems.

Our team stands ready to assist you. We begin by understanding your facilities, requirements and operational processes to identify your unique needs, subsequently providing bespoke solutions.

Should you wish to enquire, you may contact our team by emailing info@aiten.com or submitting a message via our website https://www.aitenrobot.com/get-in-touch.