The vehicles move material, but software is what connects people, processes, and automation across your operation. In Episode 3 of Getting Traction with Mobile Robots, host Emily Pallikan sits down with Terri Blasius, Co-Owner and Executive Vice President of America In Motion, to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of AGV deployments: software integration. From simple call-button applications to complex ERP and WMS integrations, Terri explains how software serves as the coordination layer that helps conveyors, robot cells, warehouse systems, and mobile robots work together. The discussion also covers open versus closed software, the risks of vendor lock-in, and why involving IT early can help set automation projects up for long-term success. Whether you're evaluating your first AGV system or planning for future growth, this episode will help you better understand the software decisions that can impact flexibility, scalability, and ownership for years to come. Key Takeaways: ✅ AGV software acts as the coordination layer between equipment, systems, and workflows. ✅ Understanding the difference between open software, closed software, and open-source software is critical when evaluating automation providers. ✅ Vendor lock-in can limit flexibility and create challenges as operations evolve. ✅ Integration requirements can range from simple vehicle controls to complex ERP and WMS communication. ✅ More manufacturers are building internal automation expertise and taking greater ownership of their systems. ✅ Involving IT early helps avoid integration headaches later in the project. ✅ Data visibility, dashboards, and system insights are becoming increasingly valuable for operations teams. ✅ Scalable software creates a foundation that can support future growth and changing business needs. Timestamps: 02:03 —The role software plays in AGV integration 03:01 — What is “open” software and the benefits 03:56 — Limitations of closed software 05:06 — Why most AGV users don't need source code 06:20 — Three levels of integration ownership 07:01 — Creating automation teams for AGV success 08:31 — Examples of integration roles 10:59 — Having control over your AGV system 11:54 — IT and software support 14:24 — Scalability of software for future growth 18:25 — Picking a vendor for best AGV software 13:42 — Bring IT in early 15:00 — Supporting AGV systems over time 17:30 — A full workflow example from order to execution 20:42 — What teams often overlook 20:28 — Final insights: AGV software should adapt to you and your operations Interested in AGVs for your operation? 🎙️ Explore More Podcast Episodes: https://www.weareaim.com/getting-traction 📊 Start Planning Your AGV System Estimate fleet size, pricing, and ROI with our AGV Planning Tool: https://www.weareaim.com/plan-agv-system 🤝 Talk to an AGV Expert Get answers to your questions and discuss your application: https://www.weareaim.com/agv-consultation Listen to the full episode! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-traction-with-mobile-robots/id6790501808 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OTi8LIsYJ25spt9mByj Follow America In Motion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/america-in-motion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMAGVs/ #MobileRobots #AGV #Automation #SystemIntegration #Interoperability #Manufacturing #IndustrialAutomation #Industry40 #WarehouseAutomation #DigitalTransformation

When companies evaluate automation, labor savings usually get all the attention. But some of the most significant costs in an operation come from somewhere else entirely: damages. In this episode of Getting Traction with Mobile Robots, host Emily Pallikan sits down with Tommy Hessler, CEO and cofounder of @americainmotion to discuss the hidden costs associated with manual material handling and why many manufacturers underestimate their impact. From damaged products and pallets to facility repairs, rework, safety incidents, and operational disruptions, damage often becomes accepted as "the cost of doing business." Tommy explains how AGVs change that mindset by bringing consistency, predictability, and greater visibility to material handling operations. If you're evaluating automation solely through the lens of labor reduction, you may be missing a major part of the ROI equation. Key Topics Covered: - The often-overlooked costs associated with damages in manual versus automated material handling - How damages accumulate over time and impact overall ROI - The role of automation in reducing damage variability and improving safety - The importance of comprehensive cost analysis beyond labor savings - Practical methods for quantifying damages through throughput analysis and presumptive calculations - Industry-specific examples, including textiles and packaging, illustrating damage mitigation - The future of AGVs in enhancing environmental and safety standards - Tips for engaging financial decision-makers with damage-related data Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to damages in AGV systems and why it matters 01:36 - Set the stage: Costs of damages in manual vs. automated handling 05:04 - The significant value of transported loads and damage impact 06:17 - The difficulty of measuring damages in practice 04:52 - Visualizing total cost breakdown and payback periods 07:14 - Lessons from textile industry leak detection and measurement 08:28 - The role of automation in handling damages more consistently 09:29 - Damage variability caused by human drivers and how automation reduces it 10:56 - Environmental benefits: Noise reduction and pollution considerations 12:19 - Enhancing safety with programmed speed controls and pedestrian gates 13:00 - The misconception that AGVs will replace human jobs; instead, they free workers for smarter tasks 13:34 - Complete control over AGV behavior and operational safety protocols 13:54 - Innovative approaches: Flexible plant layouts with non-linear AGV operations 14:41 - Industry pioneers: Volvo’s early autonomous vehicle experiments 16:10 - Practical advice for quantifying damages and assessing ROI 17:07 - Simple calculations to estimate damage costs over time 18:01 - Risks of ignoring damages: Misjudged payback and missed improvement opportunities 18:51 - Final insights: Talking to financial decision-makers and making data-driven choices Interested in AGVs for your operation? 🎙️ Explore More Podcast Episodes: https://www.weareaim.com/getting-traction 📊 Start Planning Your AGV System Estimate fleet size, pricing, and ROI with our AGV Planning Tool: https://www.weareaim.com/plan-agv-system 🤝 Talk to an AGV Expert Get answers to your questions and discuss your application: https://www.weareaim.com/agv-consultation Listen to the full episode! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-traction-with-mobile-robots/id6790501808 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OTi8LIsYJ25spt9mByj Follow America In Motion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/america-in-motion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMAGVs/

What Does an AGV System Really Cost? The price of an AGV is only part of the story. In this first episode of Getting Traction with Mobile Robots host Emily Pallikan sits down with Tommy Hessler, CEO and co-founder of @americainmotion to break down the real costs behind a successful AGV deployment. Learn the difference between vehicle cost and system cost, the major cost categories buyers should expect, why quotes can vary dramatically from one supplier to another, and how to evaluate long-term value beyond the initial purchase price. Whether you're exploring automation for the first time or planning your next project, this episode will help you make more informed AGV investment decisions. Key Topics Covered: - The difference between AGVs and AGV systems, including infrastructure needs - The major cost drivers: hardware, intelligence, safety, and safety systems - The importance of scalability and flexibility for future growth - Cost implications of choosing Chinese-made vs. American-made AGVs - Total cost of ownership including maintenance, support, and battery systems - Critical role of planning, flow analysis, and simulation to avoid overinvesting - The value of an AGV champion in your organization to ensure successful adoption - Long-term benefits: efficiency gains, damage reduction, and safety improvements Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:20 - Welcome Tommy Hessler 02:00 - Why understanding AGV costs is crucial for automation success 02:55 - Differentiating between AGVs and AGV systems 05:53 - Various infrastructure components of AGV system (fleet manager, tracking, etc.) 07:31 - Cost ranges for simple vs. complex, highly integrated AGV systems 09:34 - Battery types, management, and their effect on ownership costs 12:15 - Considering Chinese-made vs. U.S.-made AGVs in your purchasing decision 13:55 - The importance of support, software, and system flexibility 14:40 - Planning for growth, retrofit potential, and long-term adaptability 18:47 - The differences in buying an AGV system versus a car and the buying experience 19:26 - The importance of virtual planning and simulation before implementation 22:04 - Total cost of ownership, including maintenance and IT support 24:32 - What companies should be thinking about financially when investing in AGVs 27:42 - Differences between AGVs and forklifts, why simulation matters and proper training 30:07 - Key questions for financial planning and ROI estimation 30:54 - Final remarks Ready to take the next step? 🎙️ Explore More Podcast Episodes: https://www.weareaim.com/getting-traction 📊 Start Planning Your AGV System Estimate fleet size, pricing, and ROI with our AGV Planning Tool: https://www.weareaim.com/plan-agv-system 🤝 Talk to an AGV Expert Get answers to your questions and discuss your application: https://www.weareaim.com/agv-consultation 🔔 Subscribe for more great content: @americainmotion Listen to this episode on the go! 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-traction-with-mobile-robots/id6790501808 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OTi8LIsYJ25spt9mByj Follow America In Motion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/america-in-motion/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMAGVs/

Introducing Getting Traction with Mobile Robots, a new podcast from America In Motion designed to help manufacturers navigate the world of AGV and mobile robot automation with confidence. Each episode features practical conversations with AGV experts who share real-world lessons, implementation strategies, best practices, and emerging trends shaping the future of manufacturing. Whether you're exploring automation for the first time or looking to optimize an existing system, this podcast delivers actionable insights to help you make more informed decisions. Official Launch: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 New episodes every other Tuesday Subscribe now so you don't miss the first episode. 🔗 Learn more about America In Motion: https://www.weareaim.com/ 🔗 Learn more about Getting Traction: https://www.weareaim.com/getting-traction Listen & Follow ✅ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwtZWaJOw-9YWzkuC0T048w ✅ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OTi8LIsYJ25spt9mByj ✅ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-traction-with-mobile-robots/id6790501808 What automation topics would you like us to cover on future episodes? Leave a comment below and subscribe to stay up to date on the latest conversations in AGVs, mobile robotics, and manufacturing automation. #GettingTractionPodcast #MobileRobots #AGV #ManufacturingAutomation #IndustrialAutomation