AGV- AMR_autonomous mobole robotics in logistic and production

AGVs and AMRs compared: How to find the perfect solution for your operations

Companies are facing the challenge of making material flows more efficient – both in manufacturing and in intralogistics. Traditional transport solutions such as forklifts and conveyor belts often become expensive and inflexible over time: high infrastructure costs and staff shortages reduce their flexibility and slow down the expansion of modern material flows in the warehouse and factory. Autonomous vehicles such as AGVs and AMRs are leading the way here – they adapt to dynamic supply chains, reduce effort and cost, and make logistics fit for the future.

AGV or AMR Automation – Understanding the differences in driverless transport

At first glance, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) appear similar: both systems perform transport tasks autonomously and increase safety and efficiency in material flow. However, they differ significantly in terms of their technology, particularly in navigation, flexibility, and technical architecture. Below, we outline the most important differences, advantages, and areas of application.

What is an AGV?

An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) is a driverless transport system that operates on predefined routes, typically guided by floor markings, magnetic wires, QR codes, or optical lines. AGVs offer easy integration and high process reliability, making them ideal for standardized workflows with clearly defined transport paths. They are a proven, cost-effective solution for environments where processes remain stable and rarely change.

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and AGVS (Automated Guided Vehicle System) are often used synonymously: AGV refers to the individual vehicles, while AGVS refers to the entire system.

What is an AMR?

An Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) is a self-driving system that moves materials or goods in industrial and commercial environments without human intervention. Unlike AGVs, AMRs navigate dynamically using advanced sensors, 3D cameras, and digital maps. They detect obstacles, avoid collisions, and adjust routes in real time, ensuring safe interaction with people. AMRs are best suited for environments with frequently changing processes, reducing risks and improving workplace safety.

Autonomous mobile robot in a dynamic production environment with humans — Mobile Robots AMRs rely on SLAM navigation, precise positioning, 3D cameras, and intelligent charging technology to enable adaptable applications.

Differences between AGVs and AMRs

Feature	Guided Vehicle AGV	Mobile Robot AMR
Navigation	Operates along fixed pathes, guided by magnetic wires, QR codes, or floor markings.	Navigates dynamically using sensors, cameras, and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping).
Flexibility	Limited adaptability to changes in production layouts.	High flexibility, adapts to dynamic environments in real time.
Adaptation of routes & fleet	Difficult to adjust, often requires structural changes.	Flexibly scalable and adaptable via software – no conversion required.
Infrastructure requirements	Higher risk of infrastructure-related downtime and maintenance costs when changes are needed. Physical guidance systems like magnetic tape or wires increase complexity and maintenance effort.	Lower infrastructure costs and minimal physical maintenance, with faster deployment. Maintenance focus shifts to software updates and sensor calibration – ideal for dynamic environments.
Sensors	AGVs use basic sensors, primarily for collision avoidance.	AMRs use advansed sensors (LiDAR, cameras) for environment detection, navigation and dynamic response.
Safety	Basic protection, often reliant on external safety equipment.	Integrated safety mechanisms that detect people and obstacles and actively respond to them.
Applications	Commonly used in automotive assembly lines and warehouses with predictable layouts.	Handle material transport, production supply, and warehouse automation across industries such as automotive, electronics, logistics, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Advantages	Proven, cost-effective solution for standardized processes.	Intelligent, scalable solution for complex and changing requirements.
Disadvantages	AGVs have limited flexibility and are heavily dependent on infrastructure and wires.	AMRs can be more expensive than basic AGVs, but thanks to technological advances they are now comparable in cost and offer greater flexibility and easier integration.

AGV or AMR – which system is the right choice for your company?

Not every system is equally efficient everywhere. We analyze which technology is best for your warehouse or factory environments and which functions are actually necessary. Benefit from personalized management advice and tailor‑made solutions expertise for businesses.

Get personal advice

Technical capabilities and practical benefits of AMRs

High security.

How do AMR robots move efficiently and without conflict in mixed workspaces?

AMRs are specially designed to move autonomously and safely in shared workspaces. Thanks to advanced sensor technology, including a 360-degree laser scanner, they reliably detect all people who are in the same area or working together. In addition, they use the intelligence of 3D cameras to detect other obstacles, thereby increasing machine safety. This combination of sensor technology and intelligent navigation technology enables the robots to perceive people and obstacles in real time and flexibly adjust their routes. This not only minimizes the risk of collisions, but also ensures significantly higher occupational safety in dynamic environments.

AMRs are superior to AGVs because they deliver materials to production lines more efficiently with flexible navigation and autonomous route planning, and can be better integrated into complex process chains.

High flexibility.

How do AMRs enable flexible production lines in industrial operations?

utonomous Mobile Robots create flexible, modular production operations because they are not tied to fixed routes and infrastructure and can be easily expanded thanks to their modular configuration. They perform Tasks such as pick‑and‑place, material handling and Transport, or palletizing, and adapt to changes. In combination with collaborative robots, AMRs become building blocks of dynamic production layouts—ideal for customized products and shorter innovation cycles.

They are particularly interesting for small and medium-sized businesseslooking for a cost‑effective, flexible alternative to conveyor belts or complex robot cells, and for greenfield factory projects that want to rely on modular, scalable Automation from the start.

KUKA offers a broad portfolio of advanced AMRs—combined with intuitive software that significantly simplifies automation for integrators and system partners.

Easy integration.

How does the seamless integration of autonomous mobile robots into existing systems work?

The KUKA. AMR Fleet fleet manager can be easily integrated into existing IT and automation systems thanks to its standard API and VDA 5050 – across manufacturers and flexibly. It supports not only AMRs, but also classic AGVs and industrial trucks. PLC controls, building technology, and peripheral devices can also be connected via the various interfaces. Integration via SECS/GEM is possible for semiconductor, photovoltaic, and electronics production. WMS, ERP, and MES systems can also be seamlessly integrated.

SLAM-based navigation opens up new avenues in automation

Types of AMR for different tasks

Depending on requirements and the application environment, companies can choose from a range of AMR systems – from topload applications and autonomous mobile robots with manipulators to AMR tuggers. These versatile robots perform tasks such as transport of pallets and packages safely and precisely using integrated lifting platforms, move shelves and trolleys through production and warehouse areas, or handle complex applications like machine loading and quality control directly on the production line. In addition, AMRs can be equipped with conveyor belt modules to reliably pick up products at the end of the line and automatically forward them.