AMR vs. AGV

AMR stands for Autonomous Mobile Robot, while AGV stands for Automated Guided Vehicle. Both technologies are used to automate internal transport, but they typically differ in how they plan routes and respond to changes in their surroundings.

What Is the Difference Between AMRs & AGVs?

Route Logic

An AGV typically operates within a predefined route network and performs transport tasks according to controlled system logic. An AMR generally has greater freedom to calculate and adapt its own route within an approved area.

Shared Technology

This does not mean that an AGV necessarily follows magnetic strips or that an AMR can move freely everywhere. Both technologies can use advanced sensors, digital maps and laser scanning.

The Key Difference

The most relevant difference is therefore not simply how the robot determines its position, but how independently it can plan and adapt its movements.

Comparison of AMR & AGV

The table below shows the typical differences. Specific capabilities vary between manufacturers and models, and some modern AGVs offer features that were previously primarily associated with AMRs.

FEATURE

• AMR

• AGV

Term:

Route planning:

Navigation:

Obstacles:

Physical infrastructure:

Layout changes:

Typical strengths:

System integration:

Autonomous Mobile Robot

Calculates its own route within approved areas

Uses digital maps, LiDAR, laser scanning, sensors and SLAM

Can calculate an alternative route if conditions allow

Usually does not require physical route infrastructure

Can often be adapted by updating the digital map

Flexible flows, changing destinations and dynamic environments

Can be integrated with WMS, MES, ERP, PLC and production equipment

Automated Guided Vehicle

Typically follows a defined and controlled route

Can use laser scanning, natural contours, lines, magnets, reflectors and SLAM

Often stops and waits or selects another predefined route

Depends on the navigation method, but may be limited in modern systems

May require changes to the route network and system configuration

Controlled flows, customised load handling and stable processes

Can be integrated with WMS, MES, ERP, PLC and production equipment

What Is an AMR?

An AMR is an autonomous mobile robot that uses sensors and a digital map to understand its surroundings and plan its movements.

The robot is typically assigned a destination and then calculates a suitable route. If a passage is blocked, the robot can calculate an alternative route within the areas and traffic rules defined in the system.

AMRs often use a combination of LiDAR, laser scanners, cameras, odometry and SLAM.

SLAM stands for Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping. It enables the robot to compare information from its sensors with a digital map.

Typical Strengths of an AMR

Can adapt its route to changes in the surroundings
Suitable for areas with changing activities
Can often be implemented without physical route infrastructure

Can be adapted when stations or layouts change
Suitable for applications with many destinations and varying transport requirements
Can coordinate tasks with other robots in a fleet

However, an AMR cannot necessarily travel everywhere. The map still defines permitted areas, speed zones, traffic rules and areas the robot is not allowed to enter.

What Is an AGV?

An AGV is a driverless vehicle that automates the transport of materials between defined locations. The vehicles are often part of a centrally controlled system that assigns transport tasks and coordinates traffic between multiple robots.

Early AGVs often followed inductive wires, magnetic strips or optical lines. This has created the widespread perception that all AGVs are restricted to a physical route on the floor. This is no longer the case.

Modern AGVs can also navigate using laser scanners, reflectors and natural contours. Some use SLAM technology to calculate their position without magnetic strips or other physical markings along the route.

However, an AGV typically operates within a defined and controlled route network. The main distinction between an AGV and an AMR is therefore usually the degree of autonomous route planning, rather than the type of sensors used.

Typical Strengths of an AGV

Suitable for stable and repetitive transport tasks
Can be designed for specialised lifting and load handling
Supports controlled and predictable material flows

Can be integrated with gates, lifts, roller conveyors and production equipment
Can be used for transport, stacking and rack storage
Can be adapted for heavy and custom designed loads

An AGV is not necessarily a simple or outdated solution. The category also includes advanced vehicles, extensive system integration and load handling customised for specific projects.

When Is an AMR or AGV Relevant?

Flexibility for Changing Transport Requirements

An AMR may be particularly suitable if:

The layout or destinations change
The robot needs to operate among people and other vehicles
Several routes to the destination are available
Temporary obstacles frequently occur
The company wants to begin with a small number of robots and expand the fleet later
New stations need to be added easily through the software
Flexible transport between multiple floors is required

Controlled Flows & Specialised Handling

An AGV may be particularly suitable if:

The transport tasks are stable and highly repetitive
The pickup and delivery points are clearly defined
Specialised lifting, stacking or load handling is required
The load is heavy or has a special design
The material flow needs to be controlled and predictable
The layout and transport pattern change relatively infrequently

We Work With Both Technologies

We provide both AMR and AGV solutions. Our recommendation is therefore based on the transport task rather than a specific technology or manufacturer.

AMR's

AGV's

What Needs to Be Clarified?

What you need to know before selecting a robot.

Load Carrier

Are you handling Euro pallets, closed pallets or a special load carrier?

Weight

What is the weight of the heaviest pallet, including its load?

Pickup Height

Will the pallet be picked up from the floor, a station, a roller conveyor or a rack?

Operating Environment

What are the floor conditions, space constraints and traffic levels involving people and forklift trucks?

Should You Choose an AMR or AGV?

Tell us what needs to be transported, how often the task is performed and how your operating environment is organised. We will help determine which technology and robot models are best suited to the task.