What are Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)?

Autonomous mobile robots move through environments without human control by using a mix of sensors, AI, and mapping technology.

These bots figure out the best route, avoid obstacles, and handle jobs like transporting goods or managing materials. 

Unlike traditional robots that rely on fixed infrastructure, AMRs offer extra flexibility, making them perfect for dynamic environments.

Here’s what’s going on with AMRs:

• Sensors: AMRs are loaded with sensors — think of cameras, LiDAR, and proximity detectors. LiDAR sends out laser pulses to map out the space, while proximity sensors help them dodge obstacles. These sensors let the robot see and understand its environment in real time, making it super easy to navigate around busy areas.
  ‍
• Artificial intelligence (AI): AI gives AMRs their brains. With AI, they can make smart decisions like choosing the best route or avoiding obstacles as they go. Instead of just following a pre-set path, AMRs can adapt to changes on the fly; if someone moves a box in their way, they’ll figure out a new route. This makes them ideal for spaces where things change a lot, like warehouses.
  ‍
• Navigation and mapping systems: To figure out where they are and where they need to go, AMRs use a system called SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping). This lets them build a map of the space while keeping track of their location at the same time. Whether they’re moving through a warehouse or a hospital, this tech helps them get from point A to point B without losing their way. 
  ‍
• Communication systems: These robots also talk to each other and the central control system. That way, they’re not running into each other or doing the same job twice. If there’s a big job to do, multiple AMRs can team up and get it done faster by working together.
  ‍
• Energy management: AMRs run on rechargeable batteries, and smart energy management keeps them from running out of juice too quickly. They’re designed to use power efficiently, so they can keep going for longer without needing to recharge all the time — perfect for environments that run around the clock.
  ‍
• Software integration: A lot of AMRs hook into existing business software, like warehouse management systems or ERP tools. This makes it easy for them to take on jobs, check in when they’re done, and even look ahead to see what they need to tackle next. 
  ‍

Now, let’s get into the top AMR companies in 2024. 

‍

Top 20 AMR robot companies

1. MiR (Mobile Industrial Robots)

MiR does a solid job providing flexible AMRs for internal logistics and transport jobs. Their robots fit well in a lot of industries and are pretty easy to get up and running with what you already have going on.

Top bots: MiR100, MiR200, MiR250.

Best for: Warehouses, manufacturing, logistics centers.

‍

2. Locus Robotics

Locus Robotics focuses on making warehouse automation more manageable. Their robots help with things like order fulfillment, and the nice part is they’re built to grow with your business. Whether you're handling a small warehouse or a big one, these bots get the job done without too much fuss.

Top robots: LocusBot, Locus Origin.

Best for: Order fulfillment centers, distribution hubs.

‍

3. Omron

Omron’s AMRs work pretty well in environments where safety and precision matter, like in manufacturing and healthcare. They’ve got a strong focus on making sure the robots can handle complex stuff without many hiccups.

Top robots: LD-250, HD-1500.

Best for: Manufacturing, industrial automation, healthcare.

‍

4. Robotize

Robotize keeps things simple with its focus on pallet transport inside warehouses. If you're moving stuff around all day, their robots handle it smoothly and help keep the logistics flow running without too many things getting out of hand. 

Top robots: GoPal.

Best for: Warehouses, logistics operations.

‍

5. Fetch Robotics

Fetch Robotics, now part of Zebra Technologies, focuses on automating logistics processes, including material handling and warehouse operations. If your job involves moving big, bulky items, Fetch’s robots can fit like a glove. 

Top robots: Freight500, Freight1500.

Best for: Warehousing, manufacturing, retail.

‍

6. ek robotics

ek robotics makes a name for itself with AMRs that put precision at the forefront. Their robots are highly customizable, and they’re also pretty robust and reliable in tough environments. If you need your robots to perform consistently, these are a solid choice.

Top robots: VARIO MOVE, FAST MOVE. (They love their all-caps names.)

Best for: Intralogistics, manufacturing, distribution centers.

‍

7. OTTO by Rockwell Automation

OTTO by Rockwell Automation specializes in scalable heavy-duty AMRs tailored for complex material transport in industrial settings. These robots are safe and durable, which makes them a good fit for complex material transport in places where other robots might start getting all wobbly. They're tough, and they scale well for larger operations.

Top robots: OTTO 100, OTTO 1500.

Best for: Manufacturing, auto, heavy industry.

8. AGILOX Services

AGILOX offers self-navigating AMRs that work really well in intralogistics tasks. Their robots are super flexible for industries that need efficiency and adaptability.

‍Top robots: AGILOX ONE, AGILOX OCF.

‍Best for: Warehouses, manufacturing, distribution centers.

‍

‍9. Capra Robotics

Capra Robotics offers versatile AMRs that can operate in both indoor and outdoor environments, providing solutions for urban and industrial applications. Their robot, Capra Hircus, is designed for versatility in municipal services and industrial logistics.

‍Top robots: Capra Hircus.

‍Best for: Outdoor logistics, municipal services, industrial sites.

‍

10. Continental

Continental has recently entered the AMR market with innovative solutions like the Corriere, which is ideal for intralogistics in the automotive and warehousing sectors.

‍Top robots: Corriere.

‍Best for: Automotive, warehousing, intralogistics.

‍

11. Geek+

Geek+ is laser-focused on smart logistics with AMRs powered by AI. They do a great job optimizing warehousing and e-commerce fulfillment, especially if you need speed and efficiency.

‍Top robots: P800, RS5, M100.

‍Best for: E-commerce, retail, logistics.

‍

12. Karter AMRs

Karter makes compact, modular AMRs that handle material moving really well in industrial settings. So, if you’re dealing with tight spaces or need flexibility, their robots can be a good fit. 

‍Top robots: Karter K3, Karter K55.

‍Best for: Manufacturing, warehousing, logistics.

‍

13. Aethon

Aethon’s AMRs are meant primarily for non-industrial places like hospitals and hotels. They keep things running smoothly in places where accuracy and efficiency are pretty much make-or-break. 

‍Top robots: TUG.

‍Best for: Healthcare facilities, hotels, hospitality.

‍

14. Clearpath Robotics

Clearpath Robotics builds tough AMRs that handle rough environments. They fit well in industrial automation and research, giving you flexible options for a range of jobs.

‍Top robots: Jackal, Husky, Warthog.

‍Best for: Industrial automation, academic research.

‍

15. inVia Robotics

inVia Robotics focuses on the robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model with scalable AMR solutions. They’re great for small businesses that want to automate without putting up a huge amount of money upfront. 

‍Top robots: Picker robots.

‍Best for: Small to medium-sized warehouses and e-commerce fulfillment centers.

‍

16. GreyOrange

GreyOrange also combines AI with robotics to handle warehouse jobs efficiently. Their robots work really well in retail and logistics environments, where goods need to zoom by all day. 

‍Top robots: Ranger GTP, Ranger IL.

‍Best for: Retail, e-commerce, logistics.

‍‍

17. Swisslog

Swisslog focuses on integrated automation solutions, with AMRs that keep warehousing and logistics running smoothly. They’re good at making sure everything flows efficiently, from storage to picking.

‍Top robots: CarryPick, AutoStore.

‍Best for: Warehouses, distribution centers.

‍

18. ForwardX Robotics

ForwardX Robotics makes vision-guided AMRs that bring flexible automation to logistics and manufacturing. Their AI-driven robots handle different jobs across the supply chain.

‍Top robots: Max AMR, Flex AMR.

‍Best for: Warehousing, manufacturing, supply chain logistics.

‍

19. AutoGuide Mobile Robots

AutoGuide builds modular AMRs for material handling, and they’re really 5-star at scaling up to fit a wide array of environments. If you need robots that can handle high payloads, these guys do the job just fine. 

‍Top robots: Max N10 Tugger, Max N10 Pallet Stacker.

‍Best for: Manufacturing, warehousing, distribution.

‍

20. Standard Bots

Standard Bots offers an affordable, easy-to-use robotic arm called RO1. It’s not an AMR, but it’s a great option for businesses looking to automate repetitive jobs without needing full AMR capabilities.

‍Top robots: RO1, the AI-powered, six-axis cobot arm.

Best for: Manufacturers looking for cost-effective automation solutions. Anyone who needs pick-and-place, CNC machine tending, welding, painting, or palletizing operations. Generally, any company would benefit from intelligent, automated operations. 

‍

Summing up

With all of the advances in AI and navigation, it’s no surprise that so many AMR robot companies are making waves. Nowadays, these robots are becoming even more flexible and less dependent on human hand-holding. As you can tell from this list, there’s no shortage of options out there, so weigh your options carefully before you invest! 

‍

Next steps 

Need a cobot that delivers results without breaking the bank? RO1 by Standard Bots is the answer. It's the perfect blend of affordability, performance, and ease of use.

• Unbeatable value: RO1 offers top-tier performance at half the price of comparable robots. You get twice the robotic power at a competitive price. 
  ‍
• Fast and strong: With an 18 kg payload capacity and lightning-fast speed and precision, RO1 enhances productivity.
  ‍
• User-friendly and intelligent: RO1's no-code interface and powerful AI, on par with GPT-4, make it easy to program and deploy, even for non-technical users.
  ‍
• Safe and collaborative: RO1's equipped with safety sensors, machine vision, and collision detection to guarantee a secure and collaborative work environment.
  ‍

Contact our team today for a risk-free 30-day trial and personalized support. Enhance your shop floor’s productivity.