The three most common systems are laser, wire and tape guidance described below.

The laser technique provides the customer with extensive freedom because the automated guided vehicle does not need any tracks, wires or rails, but can be easily programmed for both indoor and outdoor driving. The driving routes can easily be changed within the software. This up-to-date technology uses the optical triangulation principle; a rotating laser beam detects reflectors that are placed in the building, and based on these locations the hardware installed in the AGV continuously calculates its route in real time. Information is transferred via radio.

Wire guidance is a well-proven navigation system where the vehicle follows a wire laid in the floor. Information is transferred via the wire, radio or defined information points to a host computer. Wire guidance can be applied to both indoor and outdoor use.

The vehicle follows a taped or painted line on the floor via a camera. Information is transferred via radio communication. Tape guidance is only suitable for indoor use.