If you’ve been investigating robotic material handling equipment, you inevitably have come across the terms AMR and AGV. So what is the difference?
- AGV – Automated Guided Vehicle
- AMR – Autonomous Mobile Robot
AGV vs. AMR: Key Difference in Navigation
AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) are both robotic vehicles that automate material transport, but they differ fundamentally in navigation and flexibility.
AGV: Fixed-Path Navigation
An AGV follows a fixed, predetermined path and cannot deviate from its route. AGVs rely on physical infrastructure like magnetic tape, embedded wires, or reflective sensors, or they follow digital paths programmed into their navigation software. When an AGV encounters an obstacle in its path, it stops and waits until the obstruction is removed, which can cause workflow delays.
AMR: Autonomous Navigation
An AMR navigates autonomously using onboard sensors, cameras, and real-time mapping technology. AMRs continuously analyze their environment and dynamically calculate the most efficient route from point A to point B. When an AMR encounters an obstacle, it instantly reroutes around the obstruction without stopping, maintaining continuous operation. This autonomous navigation makes AMRs ideal for dynamic environments where layouts change frequently or where human workers share the space.
The main benefit of an AMR is that it will have the ability to avoid obstacles and maintain its path. This vastly decreases stoppages and increases overall efficiency and throughput. An AGV will detect obstacles but will come to a complete stop until they are removed.
AMR software has design capabilities of creating traffic rules in your facility, such as stopping at intersections, use of one-way traffic lanes, or adherence to slow down areas, etc. AMRs represent highly flexible technology and may be safely and easily integrated into nearly any facility.
If you’re interested in automating your material handling application, make sure you reach out to ELT Systems Group and see how we can help.
