Warehouse automation guide

AMR vs AGV: How to Choose a Warehouse Robot

Published: 2026-10-10 Sources reviewed: 2026-10-16 Prepared by Sahin
At a glance

A practical comparison of autonomous mobile robots and automated guided vehicles, including navigation, changes to the site, traffic and safety planning.

Simple model or rule of thumb 
simplified stopping distance = speed² / (2 × deceleration) + speed × response time + margin
Key points
  • AMR and AGV labels vary by supplier, so review the actual navigation method and operating limits rather than relying on the name.
  • Map quality, traffic, floor conditions, load, charging and integration with warehouse software can matter as much as the vehicle itself.
  • A stopping-distance estimate is a planning aid, not proof that a system meets a safety standard.

What the terms mean in practice

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) often follows a defined route or guidance infrastructure. An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) commonly uses onboard sensing and software to localize itself and plan routes through an operating area. These terms are not used identically by every supplier, and product capabilities overlap. Ask vendors to explain how their particular system navigates, handles blocked routes and responds to unexpected people or objects. Locus Origin is one example of a warehouse mobile robot. Its exact workflow and integration options should be checked against the current product documentation and a supplier demonstration.

Compare the whole workflow

Start with the task: goods-to-person movement, tote transport, pallet handling or movement between workstations. Then assess the route length, aisle width, crossing points, ramps, floor transitions, expected traffic and consequences of a stopped robot. Consider charging, fleet management, warehouse management system integration, maintenance access and what happens when a route is blocked. A more flexible route planner may help when workflows change, while a more structured route can suit repeatable movements. Neither choice removes the need to plan traffic and recovery procedures.

Safety and stopping distance

ISO 3691-4 covers safety requirements and verification for driverless industrial trucks and their systems. The relevant standard and current local requirements should be reviewed by the project team and system integrator. A basic physics estimate relates stopping distance to speed and deceleration, but an installed system also depends on sensor response, detection coverage, load, surface friction, braking behavior and the safety configuration. Do not use a simple formula to set protective zones or claim compliance. Request documented safety validation for the complete deployment.

Scope and limitations
  • The simplified stopping-distance expression omits many real-world factors and must not be used by itself to design protective fields or validate a safety system.
  • A robot's suitability depends on the site layout, traffic, load and required workflow; there is no universally best navigation approach.
Sources and further reading
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