AGV unmanned forklifts can be classified into several types. According to forklift type, unmanned forklifts can be classified into counterbalance forklifts, reach forklifts, pallet stacking forklifts, straddle forklifts, pallet handling forklifts, and side-mounted forklifts. Among them, pallet handling forklifts (or pallet forklifts) account for the highest proportion (39.5%), followed by stacking forklifts (29.6%), reach forklifts (14.7%), and counterbalance forklifts (7.7%). According to navigation method, AGV forklifts can be classified into magnetic navigation, laser navigation, visual navigation, QR code navigation, and electromagnetic navigation. Magnetic navigation technology is mature and low-cost, but it has poor flexibility and high maintenance costs. Laser navigation has high accuracy and flexible path planning, but the system cost is high.
Visual navigation has a high degree of intelligence and is easy to construct, but it has high requirements for algorithms and environment. QR code navigation has accurate positioning and simple installation, but it has high maintenance costs and strong path dependence.
Electromagnetic navigation has concealed guide lines and low investment costs, but path changes are difficult. In terms of market share in 2023, AMR unmanned forklifts using SLAM natural navigation (laser, vision) have taken the lead (market share of approximately 75%), while the proportion of AGV unmanned forklifts using traditional laser reflector navigation has decreased (approximately 23%).