Home Knowledge Warehouse & Distribution Glossary Glossary – Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)

Glossary - Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)

WHAT IS AN AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOT?

An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is a self-navigating robot designed to transport goods within warehouses, factories, and distribution centres. Where traditional automated guided vehicles (AGVs) follow fixed routes, such as magnetic strips or tracks, AMRs use sensors, cameras, and onboard intelligence to move dynamically and adapt to their environment in real time.

AMRs are part of a broader category often referred to as mobile robotics, which includes technologies such as AGVs and other autonomous transport systems used in intralogistics and warehouse automation.

Also known as:

Self-guided warehouse robot
Mobile warehouse robot
Autonomous warehouse robot

HOW DO AMRs WORK?

AMRs use technologies such as LiDAR (laser-based mapping), cameras, sensors, and onboard software to understand their surroundings and navigate safely through warehouse environments. They receive tasks from systems such as a Warehouse Management System (WMS) [link to term] or Warehouse Control System (WCS) [link to term], then calculate the most efficient route independently.

Typical AMR applications include:

Transporting totes, cartons, or pallets across warehouse zones.
Supplying picking and packing stations with goods.
Supporting “follow-me” picking operations.
Dynamically rerouting around obstacles or congestion.
Assisting wider mobile robotics fleets in automated fulfilment environments.

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BENEFITS OF AMRs

Flexibility: Dynamic navigation without fixed infrastructure.
Scalability: Easy expansion with additional robots as demand increases.
Efficiency: Reduced walking distances and repetitive manual transport tasks.
Safety: Sensors and obstacle detection help avoid collisions with people and equipment.
Faster deployment: Can be implemented more quickly than fixed systems.
Integration-ready: Connects with WMS/WCS platforms for intelligent task orchestration.

TYPES OF AMRs IN WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can support a wide range of warehouse and intralogistics functions depending on operational needs, payload requirements, and automation goals.

Common types of AMRs and their uses include:


AMR Type	Main Function
Goods-to-Person AMR	Delivers inventory directly to picking or packing operators.
Picking AMR	Assists warehouse staff during order picking operations.
Inventory AMR	Scans, monitors, and tracks inventory.
Autonomous Forklift AMR	Automates pallet transport and pallet handling.
Mobile Manipulator	Autonomous handling with robotic arms.
Sortation AMR	Supports automated parcel and item sorting processes.
Transport AMR	Moves totes, cartons, pallets, or materials across facilities.
Follow-Me AMR	Navigates alongside operators during picking workflows.

HOW BEUMER GROUP SUPPORTS MOBILE ROBOTICS OPERATIONS

While BEUMER Group does not manufacture AMRs directly, we help integrate AMRs and other mobile robotic technologies into wider warehouse automation solutions. This ensures smooth interaction between mobile robots and fixed automation systems such as conveyors, loop sorters, pouch systems and ASRS solutions.

Our expertise includes:

WMS/WCS connectivity: Aligning mobile robots tasks with warehouse management priorities.
Hybrid automation flows: Coordinating mobile robots with fixed systems like conveyors and sortation systems.
Simulation and testing: Ensuring mobile robots work reliably before deployment.
Scalable solutions: Enabling phased adoption, from a few robots to fleet-wide integration.

FAQ ABOUT AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOTS (AMRs)

What are some examples of AMRs?

AMRs can be small warehouse robots that transport totes or cartons between picking stations, “follow-me” robots assisting warehouse staff, or larger autonomous vehicles moving pallets across a fulfilment centre. One of the most recognised AMR providers is Amazon Robotics, formerly known as Kiva Systems.

How much do AMRs cost?

The cost of an AMR can range from $10,000 to over $100,000 per robot, depending on its size, load capacity, and technology. On top of the purchase price, companies must also consider costs such as installation, fleet management software, staff training, and ongoing maintenance.

What is the difference between AMRs and AGVs?

The main difference between AMRs and AGVs is how they navigate: AGVs follow fixed routes using predefined paths or physical guides, AMRs navigate dynamically using sensors, cameras, and onboard intelligence.
AMRs can independently adjust their routes and avoid obstacles, meaning they are often better suited for fast-changing warehouse environments where flexibility and scalability are important.

Which industries use mobile robot AMRs?

Retail, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing all use mobile robots, including AMRs, to improve flexibility, speed, and safety in internal material handling.

Can AMRs integrate with existing warehouse automation?

Yes. AMRs can be integrated with existing warehouse automation technologies such as conveyors, loop sorter systems, pouch systems, ASRS, and WMS/WCS platforms to create coordinated intralogistics operations.