A comprehensive, human-written guide to the most common questions about Autonomous Mobile Robots and Automated Guided Vehicles.
✅ 1. What is an AGV?
An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is a driverless vehicle that follows fixed paths using magnetic tape, wires, QR codes, or reflectors for predetermined movement inside factories and warehouses.
✅ 2. What is an AMR?
An AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is an intelligent robot that uses LiDAR, cameras, and AI to navigate dynamically without fixed routes — it adapts to obstacles and layout changes in real time.
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✅ 3. What is the difference between AGV and AMR?
AGVs follow fixed paths and stop when blocked; AMRs navigate freely, reroute around obstacles, and operate flexibly in dynamic environments.
✅ 4. Which is better — AGV or AMR?
AMRs are better for dynamic, mixed environments requiring flexibility; AGVs are better for repetitive, fixed, heavy-load routes.
✅ 5. When should a factory choose AGVs?
Choose AGVs when workflows are stable for years, routes never change, and heavy loads (5–50 tons) must be transported repeatedly.
✅ 6. When should a warehouse choose AMRs?
Choose AMRs when SKUs, demand, or layouts change frequently, and when human–robot interaction, safety, and flexibility are priorities.
AMRs use SLAM, 3D LiDAR, cameras, IMUs, and AI-based algorithms to map, localize, and move autonomously inside facilities.
✅ 8. Do AGVs need floor infrastructure?
Yes. AGVs require magnetic tape, reflectors, QR codes, or wires to follow fixed routes — any route change needs physical modification.
✅ 9. Do AMRs need infrastructure?
No. AMRs require zero floor infrastructure and operate on existing floors using natural feature navigation.
✅ 10. How much does an AGV cost?
AGVs typically cost ₹15–35 lakhs depending on type, payload, and navigation system.
✅ 11. How much does an AMR cost?
AMRs generally cost ₹25–70 lakhs, with forklift AMRs on the higher side due to advanced sensors and AI navigation.
✅ 12. Which is cheaper: AGV or AMR?
AGVs are cheaper upfront; AMRs deliver higher long-term ROI due to lower maintenance, no infrastructure, and better scalability.
✅ 13. What is SLAM in robotics?
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) is a technique that allows AMRs to build a map of their environment and locate themselves in real time.
✅ 14. Can AGVs avoid obstacles?
No. AGVs stop when blocked and wait for the path to clear — they cannot reroute autonomously.
✅ 15. Can AMRs avoid obstacles?
Yes. AMRs dynamically slow down, reroute, or find alternative paths based on real-time sensor data.
✅ 16. What payloads can AMRs carry?
Standard AMRs carry 300–2,000 kg; heavy-duty AMRs can move 5–50 tons.
✅ 17. Do AMRs work with forklifts and people?
Yes. AMRs are designed for safe operation around humans, forklifts, and trolleys in mixed environments.
✅ 18. How accurate are AMRs in pallet pickup?
Forklift AMRs achieve ±5 mm fork insertion accuracy using 3D vision and AI-guided alignment.
✅ 19. How safe are AMRs?
AMRs follow ISO 3691-4 safety standards, use 360° LiDAR, emergency brakes, and multi-layer safety zones.
✅ 20. What safety certifications matter for AGVs/AMRs?
Key standards include ISO 3691-4, ANSI B56.5, ISO 13849, CE, and UL.
✅ 21. How many AMRs does a facility need?
It depends on cycle times, distance, payload, and demand volume — typically 1 AMR replaces 1.5–2.5 human operators.
✅ 22. What is a fleet management system (FMS)?
FMS is software that controls task assignment, traffic control, charging, analytics, and coordination across multiple robots.
✅ 23. Do AMRs require good Wi-Fi?
Yes. Reliable Wi-Fi is needed for fleet coordination, updates, and real-time monitoring.
✅ 24. How long do AMRs run on a single charge?
Most AMRs run 6–12 hours, depending on load and speed.
✅ 25. How long does AMR charging take?
Opportunity charging takes 15–30 minutes; full charges may take 1–2 hours.
✅ 26. What is opportunity charging?
A method where AMRs top-up battery during idle moments, extending operational uptime without long stops.
✅ 27. What is VDA 5050?
VDA 5050 is a global interface standard enabling fleet interoperability — different AGV/AMR brands can operate under one fleet manager.
✅ 28. Do all vendors support VDA 5050?
No. Only advanced AGV/AMR providers support or are migrating toward VDA 5050 compliance.
✅ 29. Can AGVs and AMRs work together?
Yes. Many modern factories deploy hybrid fleets where AGVs handle backbone loops and AMRs manage flexible routes.
✅ 30. What industries use AGVs and AMRs the most?
Automotive, FMCG, pharma, EV battery, electronics, 3PL, steel, chemicals, warehousing, and general manufacturing.
✅ 31. What is the ROI of AMRs?
Typical ROI ranges 18–36 months, faster in three-shift operations or high-volume facilities.
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✅ 32. Do AMRs replace workers?
No. AMRs eliminate repetitive movement tasks while workers shift to quality, supervision, and skilled coordination roles.
✅ 33. How are AMRs installed?
Installation involves site survey, mapping, workflow design, testing, and training — usually 3–6 weeks.
✅ 34. How are AGVs installed?
Installation includes floor prepping, tape/reflector installation, programming, and testing — typically 2–3 months.
✅ 35. Do AMRs work on slopes or ramps?
Yes. Many AMRs support 5–10° inclines depending on model.
✅ 36. Can AMRs operate in cleanrooms?
Yes. Cleanroom AMRs comply with ISO Class 5–8 requirements.
✅ 37. Can AGVs operate outdoors?
Yes, especially heavy AGVs or wire-guided systems, but they require structured paths.
✅ 38. Can AMRs operate outdoors?
Yes — outdoor AMRs use GPS/RTK for navigation across yards and inter-building logistics.
A method where AMRs use walls, racks, and columns as reference points — no markers needed.
✅ 40. What is AI-based obstacle detection?
AI helps AMRs classify objects (human, forklift, trolley, pallet) and take context-aware actions.
✅ 41. What maintenance do AMRs require?
Periodic checks on sensors, wheels, battery, calibration, and software updates — usually quarterly.
✅ 42. How durable are AMRs?
Most AMRs last 8–10 years with proper maintenance.
✅ 43. Can AMRs integrate with WMS/MES/ERP?
Yes. AMRs integrate via APIs to automate tasks from SAP, Oracle, Infor, Manhattan, and custom WMS systems.
✅ 44. Do AMRs need human supervision?
Minimal supervision is required — mostly task scheduling and exception handling.
Discover how the right Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) solutions drive business efficiency.
Download our free eBook for expert insights and trends!
✅ 45. Will AMRs work in low-light or dusty environments?
Yes, advanced AMRs handle challenging lighting and dust, though severe dust may require sensor cleaning.
✅ 46. What speeds do AMRs operate at?
Standard AMRs travel at 1.0–2.0 m/s, slowing in tight or human-heavy areas.
✅ 47. What happens if an AMR loses Wi-Fi?
It safely stops and waits for reconnection or follows pre-configured fallback behavior.
✅ 48. What happens during an emergency stop?
The robot halts instantly, activates brakes, triggers alerts, and logs the incident for review.
✅ 49. How do I choose between AGV vs AMR?
Choose based on workflow stability, payload, safety needs, environment type, scalability requirements, and ROI goals.
✅ 50. Which company provides end-to-end AGV/AMR solutions?
Novus Hi-Tech is one of the leading global pioneers — with 150+ patents, 1,200+ deployed mobile robots, 8M+ km autonomous travel, and 100+ customers across industries.
About Novus Hi-Tech
Novus Hi-Tech is a global pioneer in AI-driven autonomous mobility, robotic automation, and material handling solutions — engineered indigenously in India. With 150+ patents, 1,200+ deployed mobile robots, and 8 million+ autonomous km traveled, Novus powers the future of intelligent material movement.
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