AGV vs. AMR

Today, I’d like to talk about the difference between AGVs and AMRs. Both are types of automated vehicles used in logistics and manufacturing environments, but there are some key distinctions.

AGV, which stands for Automated Guided Vehicle, requires external physical markers such as QR codes, barcodes, magnetic tapes, or RFID tags to navigate. These markers help the AGV recognize its location and follow predefined paths.

In contrast, an AMR, or Autonomous Mobile Robot, does not rely on physical markers. Instead, it uses technologies like LiDAR, cameras, and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to autonomously detect and adapt to its surroundings.

This is a major advantage because AMRs do not require site modifications or the installation of physical guides, significantly reducing both deployment time and initial costs. Typically, it takes just a few weeks to map out the environment and begin operations. On the other hand, deploying an AGV system can take several months, especially if floor leveling or complex marker installation is needed.

Additionally, the cost of installation for AGVs tends to be higher—not only in terms of equipment and setup but also due to potential downtime during installation.

It’s worth noting that while many companies claim to offer AMRs, some of these are closer to traditional AGVs in functionality, relying heavily on predefined paths and lacking true autonomous navigation.