AGV Steering Wheel vs Differential Drive: Technical Comparison

In AGV and AMR chassis design, steering wheel drive systems and differential drive systems are the two most commonly used motion solutions.
Each structure differs significantly in maneuverability, control accuracy, system complexity, and application suitability.

Choosing the appropriate drive method is a key factor in overall AGV performance.

1. Basic Working Principles

AGV Steering Wheel
A steering wheel integrates driving and steering functions. Servo motors control both wheel speed and steering angle, allowing flexible motion control. Configurations may include single, dual, or multi-steering wheel layouts.

Differential Drive
Differential drive systems use two independently driven wheels. Steering is achieved by varying the speed of each wheel. This structure is mechanically simple and widely used in basic AGV platforms.

2. Motion Capability Comparison

Aspect	AGV Steering Wheel	Differential Drive
Steering Method	Servo-controlled steering angle	Speed difference
Pivot Rotation	Supported	Supported
Lateral Movement	Supported (multi-wheel)	Not supported
Maneuverability	High	Medium
Path Adaptability	Strong	Suitable for fixed paths

3. Control Accuracy and Stability

Steering Wheel Systems
- Precise steering angle feedback
- Better positioning and docking accuracy
- Suitable for applications requiring repeatable motion
Differential Drive Systems
- Simple control logic
- More sensitive to load and floor conditions
- Position error may accumulate over long distances

4. Mechanical and System Complexity

Item	AGV Steering Wheel	Differential Drive
Mechanical Structure	More complex	Simple
Control System	Multi-axis coordination	Basic motion control
Cost Level	Medium to high	Lower
System Integration	High flexibility	Easy integration

5. Typical Application Scenarios

Steering wheel systems are preferred for:

Warehouse AGVs requiring frequent turning and accurate docking
Manufacturing lines with high positioning accuracy
Space-constrained environments
Medium to heavy-load AGVs and AMRs

Differential drive systems are suitable for:

AGVs with simple and fixed routes
Light-load or low-speed applications
Cost-sensitive and standardized projects

6. Selection Guidelines

Key factors to consider include:

Route complexity and motion requirements
Positioning and docking accuracy
Vehicle payload and operating speed
Control system capability
Cost and scalability requirements

Steering wheel drive systems are increasingly adopted in modern warehouse and industrial AGVs.

Conclusion

Both AGV steering wheel and differential drive systems have their own advantages.
Differential drive focuses on simplicity and cost efficiency, while steering wheel systems offer greater flexibility, precision, and scalability.
Selecting the right solution ensures optimal AGV performance for the intended application.