AMR & Intralogistics

AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) are often confused but differ fundamentally:

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle):

• Follows fixed paths (magnetic strips, induction loops, floor markings)
• Cannot avoid obstacles - stops and waits
• Simpler sensors, lower computing power
• Lower acquisition cost (from ~EUR 20,000 / USD 22,000)
• Requires infrastructure modifications (floor markings, reflectors)

AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot):

• Navigates freely using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
• Dynamically avoids obstacles and plans alternative routes
• Uses LiDAR, cameras, ToF sensors, and AI
• Higher acquisition cost (from ~EUR 25,000-40,000 / USD 27,000-44,000)
• No infrastructure modifications required - immediately deployable

When to Choose Which?

• AGV: Fixed, predictable routes in controlled environments (e.g., production lines)
• AMR: Dynamic environments with changing layouts (e.g., warehouses with varying inventory)

Read our detailed knowledge article on AMR vs. AGV for a comprehensive comparison.

AMR costs in the intralogistics sector comprise several components:

Unit Acquisition Costs:

• Light AMRs (up to 100 kg payload): EUR 25,000-50,000
• Medium AMRs (100-500 kg): EUR 40,000-80,000
• Heavy AMRs/Forklifts (500-1,500 kg): EUR 80,000-180,000
• Pallet AMRs (up to 2,000 kg): EUR 60,000-120,000

Additional Costs:

• Fleet management software: EUR 5,000-20,000/year
• WMS/ERP integration: EUR 10,000-50,000 (one-time)
• Mapping and commissioning: EUR 3,000-10,000
• Annual maintenance: 5-8% of purchase price
• Spare parts and battery replacement: ~3-5% annually

Total Cost of a 5-Unit Fleet Setup (mid-range): Approximately EUR 250,000-450,000 in year one, then ~EUR 30,000-50,000/year in operating costs.

Compare AMR models by payload and price in the Botomix catalog.

Implementation duration depends on complexity:

Typical Project Phases:

1. Consulting & Planning (2-4 weeks):

   • Analysis of current processes and requirements
   • Selection of AMR models and fleet size
   • ROI calculation and project planning

2. Mapping & Configuration (1-2 weeks):

   • Creation of digital environment map
   • Definition of routes, pick-up, and drop-off zones
   • Traffic rule configuration

3. Integration (2-6 weeks):

   • Connection to WMS/ERP system
   • API integration for order handoff
   • Fleet management setup

4. Testing & Optimization (2-4 weeks):

   • Parallel operation with existing processes
   • Route optimization and fine-tuning
   • Staff training

Total Duration:

• Simple setup (1-3 AMRs, no WMS integration): 4-6 weeks
• Medium project (5-10 AMRs, WMS integration): 8-14 weeks
• Large project (10+ AMRs, full ERP integration): 3-6 months

Use the Botomix Robot Finder for an initial needs assessment.

A major advantage of AMRs over AGVs is the minimal infrastructure requirement:

Minimum Requirements:

• WiFi: Stable 5 GHz coverage throughout the deployment area (recommended: dedicated WiFi network for robots)
• Level Floor: Maximum unevenness depending on model 5-15 mm, gradient up to 5-8%
• Charging Stations: One station per 3-5 robots, connected to standard power outlet
• Minimum Aisle Width: 80-150 cm depending on model

Recommended Additional Infrastructure:

• Fleet Management Server: On-premise or cloud (most manufacturers offer cloud solutions)
• Network Redundancy: For production-critical deployments
• Emergency Stop Buttons: At strategic points in the deployment area

What is NOT Required (unlike AGVs):

• No magnetic strips or floor markings
• No wall-mounted reflectors
• No structural modifications
• No special flooring

Find the technical requirements for each AMR model on the Botomix detail pages.

The required fleet size depends on several parameters:

Calculation Factors:

• Transport Volume: Number of transports per hour/day
• Average Travel Distance: Distance between pick-up and drop-off
• Speed: Typically 1.0-2.0 m/s (loaded), 1.5-2.5 m/s (empty)
• Loading/Unloading Time: 15-60 seconds per stop
• Charging vs. Runtime: Typically 6-8h runtime, 2-4h charging

Rule of Thumb Formula:

Robots = (Transports/h x Cycle Time in Min.) / 60 x 1.3 (safety factor)

Example:

• 40 transports per hour
• Average cycle time: 8 minutes (travel + loading/unloading)
• Calculation: (40 x 8) / 60 x 1.3 = 7 AMRs
• Plus 1-2 reserve for charging cycles = 8-9 AMRs total

Recommendation: Start with a smaller fleet and scale as needed. Most AMR systems are modularly expandable.

Filter and compare AMRs by payload and speed on Botomix.

Yes, integration with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is a core feature of modern AMRs:

Common Integration Methods:

• REST API: Most AMR manufacturers offer open REST APIs for order handoff
• MQTT/ROS: For real-time communication and IoT integration
• VDA 5050: Standardized protocol for AMR-to-control system communication (especially prevalent in the DACH region)
• Middleware: Vendors like SAP, Oracle, and Blue Yonder offer robotics connectors

Frequently Supported WMS Systems: SAP EWM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan Associates, Blue Yonder, Koerber, proLogistik, PSIwms, and many more.

Typical Integration Depth:

1. Basic: AMR receives transport orders from WMS (origin/destination)
2. Medium: Bidirectional communication with real-time status updates
3. Full: AMR data feeds into WMS optimization, dynamic prioritization

Find the integration capabilities of each model on the Botomix detail pages under "Connectivity".