As factories and warehouses look for smarter ways to move materials, two technologies are leading the way: AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots).
Both are part of the broader trend toward intelligent material handling, but they work in very different ways.
If you’re exploring automation options, you need to understand the key differences. Knowing the differences is especially key if you want to invest in systems that will support your team, protect your workflow, and grow with your operation.
Core Difference: Navigation and Mobility
One of the biggest distinctions between AGVs and AMRs lies in how they move through space.
AGVs Follow Fixed Paths
AGVs are vehicles that move along predetermined routes, relying on external infrastructure such as magnetic strips, wires embedded in the floor, or beacons to know where to go. Once programmed, the vehicles stick to that path, every time.
However, if the layout changes or you need to reroute, it takes physical modifications and downtime to update an AGV’s path.
AMRs Navigate Autonomously
AMRs, on the other hand, don’t need external guidance systems. Instead, they rely on onboard sensors like LiDAR, cameras, and depth sensors to create maps and navigate independently.
AMRs can move freely within your facility, adjust to changes in real time, and reroute themselves if a path is blocked. For this reason, AMRs are a better fit for environments where flexibility and layout changes are expected.
Flexibility and Deployment
How easily a system can adjust to new layouts or shifting production needs will affect its usefulness over time. Here’s how AGVs and AMRs differ when it comes to adapting and scaling within your operation.
AGVs Are Rigid
If you install AGVs in your facility, you’re committing to a fixed route system. Any change to the process, like shifting a workstation or adding a new storage zone, requires adjustments to the infrastructure. These changes can be time-consuming and expensive.
For this reason, AGVs are often used in high-volume environments with minimal change, such as automotive assembly lines or standardized warehouse layouts.
AMRs Offer Adaptability
AMRs operate using software-defined maps and route logic. If your production flow changes, you can reprogram an AMR without digging up the floor or installing new beacons.
This flexibility gives AMRs a significant edge when used in smart factories, mixed-use spaces, or any environment where workflows evolve. This is one reason why many automation engineering company clients are moving toward AMRs for more responsive material handling.
Obstacle Handling and Safety
In real-world environments, robots work side-by-side with people and equipment amidst changing conditions. Hence, obstacle management and safety are key factors in any automation strategy.
AGVs Stop and Wait
If an AGV encounters something in its path, it stops. Most models can’t determine a way around the obstacle, so the system waits until the path is cleared. As a result, there may be delays and workflow disruptions, especially in busy areas.
AMRs Detect and Avoid
AMRs are equipped with advanced sensors that help them detect, interpret, and avoid obstacles in real time. They can plan new paths around obstructions without human intervention.
Because of this, AMRs tend to operate more smoothly in active, shared spaces. They’re also safer when working near people, making them suitable for mixed-use production floors where safety is critical.
If your facility prioritizes close human-robot interaction, AMRs are likely to offer the safest, most efficient option.
Task Suitability and Use Cases
Different facilities have different goals. Some need to move the same product across the same path all day long. Others need flexible systems that can switch tasks or destinations on demand. Here’s how AGVs and AMRs stack up depending on your operational needs.
AGVs Excel at Repetitive Tasks
AGVs are best when the task is predictable and never changes. Think: moving pallets from a loading dock to a fixed storage zone, or transporting bins between two consistent points.
If your workflow is simple and repeatable, AGVs can handle it efficiently – with minimal maintenance or oversight.
AMRs Thrive in Dynamic Environments
If your operation requires the robot to perform different tasks based on inventory level, production schedules, or location availability, an AMR is the better tool.
AMRs are often used for:
- Order picking
- Smart sorting
- Multi-point deliveries
- Inspection routes
- Assisting human workers in hybrid workflows
AMRs are also a great choice when integrating custom automation solutions that involve multiple work cells, departments, or environments.
Choosing Between AGV and AMR
So, which one is right for you?
AGVs work well if:
- Your process is fixed and unchanging
- You have the budget and time for infrastructure setup
- You don’t need obstacle avoidance or autonomous rerouting
AMRs are a better choice if:
- Your facility layout changes regularly
- You need flexibility in routing and task assignments
- You want real-time obstacle handling and safe human interaction
- You’re looking for long-term scalability and quick deployment
If you’re not sure which direction to go, experienced robotic automation companies like us can help you analyze your workflow and determine the right fit.
How McIver Engineering & Controls Can Help
McIver Engineering & Controls has been designing and delivering custom automation solutions since 1978. Whether your project involves AGVs, AMRs, or a combination of systems, we approach every challenge with the same focus: reliability, safety, and long-term performance.
As a full-service automation engineering company, we supply the solutions and engineer your automation system to fit your needs. We cover everything, from system layout and programming to control panel integration and safety logic.
If you’re exploring mobile robot solutions, we’re here to help you make the right call.
Contact us today and let’s talk about getting you an automation system that’s built for your operations, now and into the future.