guided by a fixed rail system.
The rail system consists of either or either one rail or two parallel rails.
Monorails in factories and warehouses are typically suspended overhead from ceiling.
In rail guicled vehicle systems using parallel fixed rails the tracks generally protrude up from the floor.
In either case, the presencs of a fixed rail pathway distinguishes these systems from automated guided vehicle systems.
As with AGV the vehicles operate asynchronously and are driven by an on-board electric motor
But unlike AGV which are powered by their own on-board batteries,rail guided vehicles pick up electrical power from an electrified rail (similar to an urban rapid transit rail system).
This relieves the vehicle from periodic recharging of its battery; however, the electrified rail system introduces a safety hazard not present in an AGVS