Many companies deal with forklift drivers who continuously move orders from A to B within the factory. This may include pallets, boxes or other packaging units. These hidden costs are easy to automate. An AGV is an ideal solution for this. It is often found to be too expensive or unnecessary, but what exactly does an AGV cost?
When we look at the costs of a forklift per year, we have to take several things into account: the operator, the rental of the forklift, maintenance and any damage. All in all, the following calculation can be made:
| Forklift costs per hour (average) incl. driver | € 35 |
| Total per 8-hour workday | € 280 |
| Total per year (1 shift) | € 64.400 |
Now we know a forklift with operator costs approximately €64,400 per year, this can be compared with the costs of a KUMATECH AGV. The costs of a KUMATECH AGV that runs based on floor structure is approximately 50,000 euros (Tractor Tom and Pallet Jack) for the first AGV.
Because a forklift is more flexible in use, it is not assumed that an AGV can take over all the work of a forklift. In practice, the 80/20 rule also appears to apply here. 80% of transport can be automated using AGVs.
So 80% of the 8 hours can be replaced by AGVs, this is 6.4 hours per day. This means that the KUMATECH AGV is earned back in 1 year!
If this investment is amortized over 3 years, this AGV costs only 11.32 euros per hour for a 6.4-hour working day! The aim, of course, is to get more hours out of the day. With 2 shifts these costs are halved.
But even if the AGV can save several forklift hours per day, this is already interesting for many companies. An AGV is never sick, does not make operating errors, does not drink coffee, less wear and tear due to constant movements, no more unsafe situations and works around the clock. An investment in the KUMATECH AGV will be recouped in no time! Especially if you can combine this with the automatic supply and removal of your robotized cells.
Are you curious about our AGV on your company floor? Please feel free to contact us, we would be happy to visit you!
“You can already have a KUMA AGV driving from €5.66 per hour”
