Autonomous mobile robotics (AMR)

AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) follow predefined routes using physical guides such as magnetic strips, wires, or markers.

AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robot) operate differently. Using SLAM technology, LiDAR, cameras, and sensor fusion, they create digital maps, determine their position in real time, and dynamically select the most efficient route. When obstacles appear, they can reroute instead of stopping and waiting.

As manufacturing and warehouse environments become more dynamic, many companies are evaluating whether AGVs or AMRs are the better choice for their automation strategy. The right solution depends on factors such as flexibility, facility layout, scalability, traffic complexity, and operational requirements.

SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) is a navigation technology that enables autonomous mobile robots to simultaneously create a digital map of their environment and determine their position within that map in real time.

Using LiDAR, cameras, and advanced sensor fusion, SLAM continuously analyzes the robot’s surroundings to identify landmarks, detect obstacles, and calculate the most efficient route. This allows AMRs to navigate safely and autonomously without relying on fixed infrastructure such as magnetic strips or floor markers.

As layouts change, SLAM-based robots can adapt dynamically, making them ideal for manufacturing, warehouse automation, and other environments with evolving workflows and material flows.

Autonomous mobile robots are widely used across industrial and commercial environments:

• Warehouse automation and distribution centers

• Manufacturing and production supply

• Automotive and electronics assembly

• Cleanroom environments

• Hospitals, healthcare facilities, and medical laboratories

• E-commerce fulfillment centers

• Dynamic production environments with changing layouts

Typical applications include material transport, pallet handling, machine tending, order picking, line-side delivery, and inventory movement.

AMR robots use the SLAM method (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) for autonomous navigation. Using sensor fusion, data from LiDAR sensors, laser scanners, cameras, and onboard navigation systems is combined in real time to determine the robot's position, create digital maps, detect obstacles, and optimize routes.

If required, KUKA AMRs can also use hybrid navigation. In this mode, additional QR codes placed on the floor are scanned by onboard cameras to support navigation and precise positioning. This approach is particularly effective in environments with changing conditions or applications that require high positioning accuracy.

We use high-quality lithium-ion batteries in our mobile robots. These batteries are characterized by an outstanding service life.

• Lithium batteries can go through thousands of charging cycles before their capacity decreases noticeably.

• Beyond this, we use inductive charging technology, which further increases durability and simultaneously ensures high resistance to water and dust.

A further advantage of our mobile robots is their exceptionally short charging time of less than 2 hours and a high charging rate that supports up to 8 hours of operation.

KUKA offers a wide range of training courses in the field of mobile robotics. Here, you can learn more about operating AMR systems, handling navigation software and proper maintenance of the systems. Our training courses are specially tailored to the needs of different user groups:

• Operators and production personnel

• Maintenance personnel and programmers

• Maintenance personnel and service technicians

In addition, training courses are available specifically for system integrators. Beyond product content, these courses cover the planning of an AMR solution – from the creation of the safety concept and fleet calculation to the design of the mechanical, electrical and software interfaces.