48 V AGV Motion Control with Servo Drives
From line-following to sensor-driven AGVs: why servo control matters
Automated Guided Vehicles aren’t new, but floor-line guidance is giving way to sensor-driven navigation (LiDAR/camera + software maps). That raises the bar for AGV motion control: smooth crawl speeds, repeatable docking, and efficient power use on a 48 V battery bus—exactly where a compact 48V AGV servo drive shines.
SANMOTION G 48 VDC: an AGV servo drive for traction, steer, and lift
SANMOTION G 48 VDC — servo amplifiers and compact motors designed for battery AGVs and AMRs. New 48 VDC models bring high responsiveness with effective vibration suppression, enabling fast, precise control for traction, steering, and lift axes; they commission cleanly over EtherCAT or analog/pulse per your controller standards.
Optional feedback: a battery-less absolute encoder (up to 27-bit) for lower maintenance. It is highly electrical noise resistant, do not need back up battery for tracking of rotation count. Additionally, cumulative rotation count of the servo motor is equipped to support remaining life estimation.
(up to 27-bit): for lower maintenance.
Support remaining life estimation.
Why SANMOTION G 48V fits battery-powered AGVs
- Strong low-speed instant torque, up to 6,500 MAX RPM on a 48 V bus for fast transits (vs. basic DC drives).
- Stable, low-speed performance and shorter settling time with high-speed frequency response.
- Built for the floor: vibration resistance 6 m/s² and shock resistance 20 m/s². Amplifier operating range 0–60 °C for harsh factory environments.
- Efficient control on a 48 V bus to extend runtime, with motors and amplifiers made lighter and lower loss to help payload and battery life.
48V DC SANMOTION G specs: amplifiers, motors, encoders, EtherCAT
- Amplifier uses battery-ready DC inputs: main 48 VDC ±10% and control 24 VDC ±10%, matching typical AGV power architecture.
- Amplifier capacities and motors: 40 A (to ~200 W) and 80 A (to ~400 W) amplifier options; motors now up to 400 W with compact frames.
- Interfaces and tools: EtherCAT and analog/pulse supported for integration flexibility and straightforward diagnostics/commissioning.
- Feedback options: Incremental and absolute encoders; the battery-less absolute encoder option removes backup batteries and cuts maintenance. See the blog “Selecting Encoders for your SANMOTION Servo Motor” for selecting encoders.
- For functional safety rated feedback system, please contact us for solution offering.
AGV servo system (48V): what we need to size it right
- Battery and energy: 48 V pack details, allowable peak current, and regen policy
- Mechanics: Wheel diameter, gear ratio, max grade, target speed, duty cycle, motion profile.
- Controls and safety: Network choice (EtherCAT/analog-pulse), update rates, e-stop/STO approach (safety torque off)
Share these and we’ll size a matched SANMOTION G motor/drive set—with realistic thermal and runtime headroom for real-world loading.
Planning an AGV refresh or new build? Send the three quick-start items above and we’ll propose a right-sized SANMOTION G 48 VDC AGV servo package with options to match your runtime and throughput targets.
System integration support for SANMOTION G 48V AGV builds
SANYO DENKI supports projects end-to-end—from concept through validation and ramp. We assist with system integration and how to move motors in practice (command profiles, starts/stops, homing, gearing/synchronization), align controls and safety with your architecture, and provide practical guidance on power, wiring, and reliability. The goal is simple: reduce risk, shorten commissioning, and make scaling predictable.
