AMRs vs. AGVs: Which Warehouse Robot is Right for You?

Warehouse managers have more robotics options than ever for automating their warehouse’s product transport and order fulfillment. With labor shortages and the need for faster throughput, technologies like autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) both aim to drive efficiency and productivity. How can you determine the difference between AMRs and AGVs and choose the right robotics solution for your facility? This blog should help!

The Definition and Use of AGVs for Warehouses

AGVs have been used in warehouses since the 1950s at Barrett Electronics of Northbrook, Illinois in the form of a tow truck that followed a wire on the floor. Today’s AGVs aren’t all that different from their predecessors. They follow designated paths marked out on facility floors using magnetic strips, wires or reflective tape. AGVs rely on these fixed guides that are akin to train tracks to navigate predetermined routes around the warehouse. 

By following these routes, AGVs autonomously move products from point A to point B. However, AGVs don’t have the ability to alter paths or react to obstructions in their routes. If an AGV’s fixed path becomes blocked, it will stop moving until the route is completely cleared.

While AGVs can be cost-effective and reliable for repetitive transport in structured environments, they lack flexibility. Even small changes in warehouse layouts or workflows require re-installing floor path markers and re-programming AGV routes. This makes AGVs best suited for stable, predictable environments with minimal variability.

The Definition and Use of AMRs for Warehouses

In contrast to single-purpose AGVs, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are highly dynamic, can move themselves around obstructions, and respond to necessary changes in paths. AMRs navigate using an array of sensors like Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology and onboard software instead of relying on floor magnets or wires. This allows them to self-navigate and avoid obstacles using their own version of sight and environmental awareness.

Rather than following fixed paths, AMRs can intelligently map out optimal routes between pick-up and drop-off points as conditions change. They seamlessly adapt to layout modifications, human associates moving around in the aisles, shifting inventory, and more. If a shortcut opens up or their path becomes blocked, AMRs can dynamically reroute themselves.

The flexible autonomy of AMRs maximizes your warehouses’ ability to handle unpredictable workflows and peak volumes, which is a struggle for any warehouse. AMRs also get smarter over time by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. They continually optimize routing and traffic management based on real-world data and experience.

Another benefit of AMRs is that they require little to no facility renovation, which enables warehouse optimization as your needs change. You can reset pick-up and drop-off points on the fly to reconfigure AMRs for new transportation tasks or workflows.

How to Choose Between AGVs and AMRs

When evaluating whether AMRs or AGVs are the best fit, consider these key factors:

• How variable are your workflows? Highly dynamic environments benefit most from AMR flexibility, while stable, predictable processes favor AGVs.
• How often does your layout change? Frequent reconfigurations are easier with AMRs than AGVs. 
• Do you have special navigation requirements like tight spaces? AMRs excel at very narrow aisles and congestion avoidance.
• What are your peak season volume surges? AMR fleets are easily scalable to handle peak demands.
• How quickly do you need to deploy automation? AMRs can be operational in a matter of hours or days, while AGVs require lengthier installation.

Carefully weighing your warehouse’s unique needs and challenges will determine whether AGV fixed solutions or flexible AMRs are the best fit. 

Ready to Find the Right Solution for Your Facility?

Warehouse robotics offer tremendous potential to boost reliability, increase throughput, and lower operating costs. But choosing the wrong solution can waste budgets and frustrate workers. By thoroughly understanding your requirements, you can determine if AGVs, AMRs, or a blended approach tailored specifically for your operations is what’s best for your warehouse. 

Let’s talk to find the perfect automation solution to drive your warehouse productivity and growth.