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AMR vs. AGV – What's the Difference?
Comparison between AMR and AGV: Navigation concepts, flexibility, costs, and use cases in direct comparison.
The Terms Explained
In intralogistics, you'll encounter two terms repeatedly: AGV and AMR. But what exactly distinguishes them?
| AGV | AMR | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Automated Guided Vehicle | Autonomous Mobile Robot |
| Navigation | Fixed paths (line, magnet, reflector) | Free navigation (SLAM, maps) |
| Flexibility | Low to medium | High |
| Obstacles | Stops and waits | Navigates around |
| Infrastructure | Often required | Minimal |
Navigation Principle
AGV: Guided
Classic AGVs follow physical or virtual guide lines. They know defined routes and don't deviate from them.
- Magnetic tape / induction loop
- Reflector navigation
- Virtual lines (laser navigation)
AMR: Autonomous
AMRs create maps of their environment and navigate freely. They calculate routes dynamically.
- SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
- LiDAR + Camera
- AI-based path planning
When AGV, When AMR?
AGV is better suited for:
- Stable processes with fixed routes
- Heavy loads (several tons)
- Safety-critical areas with defined pathways
- Budget constraints (often cheaper for simple tasks)
AMR is better suited for:
- Dynamic environments with changing layouts
- Human-robot collaboration in shared workspaces
- Quick deployment without infrastructure changes
- Flexible processes with changing destinations
Hybrid Approaches
The strict separation is increasingly dissolving. More important than the label is:
- Which navigation type suits your environment?
- How flexible do routes need to be?
- What loads are being transported?
- What's the infrastructure on site?
Cost Comparison
| Factor | AGV | AMR |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | €€ - €€€ | €€€ - €€€€ |
| Infrastructure | € - €€ | Minimal |
| Deployment time | Longer | Faster |
| Modifications | More complex | Easier |
| Maintenance | Similar | Similar |
Interactive Decision Helper
Find out which system better suits your requirements:
Conclusion
The choice between AGV and AMR depends on your specific requirements. In many cases, an AGV with modern navigation is the more economical solution. In highly dynamic environments, an AMR can leverage its strengths.