Over the years, we’ve seen an increasing number of agile little vehicles—AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles)—roaming around logistics warehouses. Especially when multiple AGVs work together, people quickly realize that relying solely on the intelligence of the vehicles themselves isn’t enough. After all, if the "pallets" they carry don’t adhere to a unified standard, the entire operation could easily devolve into chaotic "every-man-for-himself" scenarios. Today, let’s dive into this seemingly minor yet critically important detail: the standardization and compatibility design of pallet racks. It’s essentially like traffic lights in a set of road rules—ensuring that multiple AGVs can collaborate efficiently without colliding or causing bottlenecks.

1. Why must the bracket be made as a "universal model"?
Previously, when operating a single AGV, companies could still customize dedicated pallets tailored to their specific needs. But once multiple devices started working in coordination, problems emerged. Just imagine: some pallets had screw-hole positions that differed, others featured an extra bottom-mounted baffle, and some even varied in height by several centimeters... As a result, although the AGVs could clearly recognize their assigned tasks, they simply couldn’t "understand" each other’s pallet designs at the handover zones—leading either to jams and shutdowns, or forcing operators to step in manually.

According to the "2023 China Smart Warehouse Industry Development White Paper," AGV scheduling conflicts caused by non-standardized pallets account for as much as 37% of all incidents. This means that roughly one out of every three failures can be traced back to "uncooperative bases." Even more troublesome, when companies later upgrade to new equipment, their existing non-standard pallets often become "hardcore holdouts," forcing businesses either to retire their current assets or invest additional costs in retrofitting them. Simply put, standardization isn’t about restricting freedom—it’s about issuing a "ticket of admission" to all participants, enabling everyone to operate smoothly under the same set of rules.

For example, an e-commerce giant once attempted to introduce a mixed fleet of AGVs from three different brands. Initially, however, chaotic bracket interfaces actually caused sorting efficiency to drop by 15%. Later, after mandating the use of standardized ISO-compatible modular brackets, not only was the original efficiency restored, but the company also achieved a 20% reduction in energy consumption thanks to more flexible scheduling. Clearly, only when the "dialects" of these brackets are unified into a common "standard language" can the entire system truly achieve seamless connectivity and interoperability.

Standardization and Compatibility Design of Pallets in Multi-AGV Collaborative Operations

II. Compatibility Design: It must be both "seamlessly integrated" and allow for a bit of flexibility.
Of course, saying "unification" doesn't mean a one-size-fits-all approach. A good bracket should be like LEGO bricks—its main framework strictly adheres to industry standards, yet allows for minor adjustments in specific areas to accommodate unique scenarios. For example:

Physical layer compatibility: The load-bearing capacity covers the typical weight range of common goods (usually 500 kg to 2 tons), and the positioning pin errors at the four corners are controlled within ±2 mm, ensuring precise gripping by any AGV.
Data layer synchronization: Embed RFID chips or QR code labels to transmit cargo information in real time, preventing mislabeling.
Scalability Reserve: The edge features quick-mount slots for easy installation of accessories such as sensors and anti-collision strips, making it suitable for specialized environments like cold chains and explosion-proof applications.

The German Fraunhofer Institute conducted a comparative experiment: When using a bracket system designed with full compatibility, the AGV cluster achieved a task completion rate of 99.8%, whereas a purely customized solution managed only 86%. Behind this significant gap lies the smart approach of "rigid constraints combined with flexible expansion." It’s akin to high-speed rail tracks—though the track gauge is universally standardized worldwide, the train cars themselves can be fitted with modules serving different functions.

3. Who Sets the Rules? From "Going It Alone" to "Standing Together for Mutual Support"
Currently, the industry is gradually seeing two mainstream approaches emerge: one is to reference international standards such as the ISO 22347 series, while the other involves leading companies spearheading the development of alliance-specific guidelines. The first approach is well-suited for multinational supply chain systems, whereas the second aligns more closely with localized operational needs. However, regardless of the method chosen, the key lies in cross-brand interoperability testing. A domestic automotive parts supplier’s practice is particularly worth learning from: when they established a new three-dimensional warehouse, they mandated that all third-party logistics providers entering the facility must use certified "super pallets." These pallets come in both standard versions for handling conventional materials, as well as reinforced, thickened models designed to safely carry engine cylinder blocks—and even include shock-absorbing variants tailored specifically for fragile items. Half a year after implementation, their AGV dispatch system saw a 40% increase in throughput, and there hasn’t been a single production line stoppage caused by pallet-related issues during that time.

Small bracket, great wisdom
     Back to the original question: Why fixate on the shape of an iron frame? The answer lies in the thousands upon thousands of lifting and moving actions we perform every day. As dozens or even hundreds of AGVs navigate through narrow passageways, each smooth handover depends on the carrier—a "silent coordinator." Its standardization doesn’t mean erasing individuality; instead, it establishes order. And its compatibility isn’t about compromising quality—it’s about unlocking the full potential of the system. In the smart factories of the future, there may be even more cutting-edge technologies making their debut—but only designs that embrace "finding common ground while respecting differences" can enable robots to dance in perfect harmony. After all, true automation isn’t about a single machine performing solo; it’s about a collaborative symphony— and the bracket serves as the most reliable metronome for this very melody.