Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are both main forms of material handling systems that are utilised extensively across a variety of industries for a variety of purposes, from production lines to warehouses and logistics hubs. Although AMRs and AGVs have considerable functional overlap and complementary qualities, their deployment, design, and control strategies are different. In this blog post, we will explore the main differences between AGVs and AMRs and how they impact their suitability for different use cases. 

What is an AGV? 

An AGV is a mobile vehicle that follows a predetermined path, typically defined by wires, magnetic tape, data matrices, etc., embedded on the floor, to move materials or products between different points within a facility. AGVs are typically powered by batteries and are equipped with sensors, such as lasers or cameras, to detect obstacles and navigate the route. AGVs have been around for several decades and are widely used in manufacturing and logistics operations to transport goods from one point to another, such as moving materials from the warehouse to the production line or carrying finished products from the assembly line to the shipping area.

AGVs are designed to handle repetitive tasks and can be programmed to perform specific movements or operations, such as pick-and-place, conveyor loading, or pallet handling. One of the key benefits of AGVs is their ability to operate in a structured environment, where the path and the layout are predefined and there is little or no need for human intervention. AGVs are also reliable and safe, as they can avoid collisions with other vehicles or objects in their path and can be integrated with other systems, such as warehouse management software, to optimize their performance and efficiency. 

What is an AMR? 

An AMR, on the other hand, is a mobile robot that is capable of natural navigation and decision-making, without the need for wires or other physical infrastructure. AMRs are equipped with advanced sensors, such as LIDAR, cameras, or ultrasound, for mapping the environment and enabling them to perceive their surroundings and adapt their path and behaviour accordingly. AMRs are relatively new compared to AGVs, and they have gained popularity in recent years due to their flexibility and versatility. Unlike AGVs, AMRs can navigate through dynamic and unstructured environments, where the layout and obstacles may change over time, such as warehouses, distribution centers, or hospitals.