In logistics, every minute counts. When orders grow and work piles up, automating the movement of goods helps boost speed, reduce errors, and ease pressure on the warehouse team. That’s why more and more warehouses are turning to AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) — wheeled robots that move products from point A to B without human intervention.

How do these robots move? Here's how AGVs and AMRs work

AGVs follow predefined paths using cable guidance systems, optical markers, reflectors, or sensors installed in the environment. They’re ideal for repetitive and predictable tasks, like moving pallets from point A to B without deviation.

AMRs, on the other hand, adapt to their surroundings, avoid obstacles, and choose the best route in real time. Thanks to sensors and navigation algorithms, they don’t require preset routes. They work like a self-driving GPS that makes decisions on the fly, without anyone telling it where to go.

What changes in day-to-day operations?

A lot. Warehouses become more agile, and emissions drop by replacing thermal forklifts — like diesel or gas-powered ones — with electric robots. But the best way to see the benefits is through real-world examples:

Radial Europe (Netherlands), an e-commerce logistics provider, has introduced 299 AMR robots at its Groningen logistics center. With advanced robotics and AI, products are delivered directly to workstations, eliminating unnecessary movements. The result? Picking efficiency is up by four times, and physical strain on staff is greatly reduced.

SEAT uses both AGVs and AMRs at its Martorell plant (Barcelona) to automate internal logistics. While AGVs handle repetitive tasks on fixed routes, collaborative AMRs like EffiBOT adapt to the environment and assist workers in transporting parts. This leads to more agile, flexible, and efficient production.

Amazon already operates over 750,000 robots in its logistics centers. One of its most advanced solutions is Sequoia, a system that combines robotic arms and AMRs like Proteus and Hercules to automate storage and picking. Thanks to this technology, orders are prepared up to 25% faster and more products are available for same-day or next-day delivery.

AGV or AMR?

If your logistics operation is repetitive, go for AGV. If it changes daily, bet on AMR. The key is to use the wheeled robots that best match your warehouse’s real needs.