Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are like typical robots, but they can move around without help from humans.
They’re increasingly common in warehouses, factories, and even hospitals to handle logistical jobs like moving boxes and delivering supplies.
Read on to learn more about:
- A quick list of the best AMR companies
- What AMRs are and how they work
- How we picked the best companies
- 15 top robot companies with helpful facts
A quick TL;DR list of the best AMR companies
Don’t want to read the whole thing? That's no problem. We’ve left you the short version of our article below.
Here are the best autonomous mobile robot companies:
- Boston Dynamics: These bots move like action heroes who can tackle dangerous missions and rugged terrain. Industries like defense and construction swear by their agility.
- GreyOrange: These AI bots make organizing and moving stock look like a walk in the park — logistics companies love them for their smarts and speed.
- Fetch Robotics (part of Zebra Technologies): Fetch bots thrive in factories and e-commerce settings, where flexibility and reliability are par for the course.
- OTTO Motors: Heavy lifting? OTTO can do it. These AMRs can handle big loads and bigger warehouses.
- Locus Robotics: These bots zoom around picking orders with humans, doubling down on speed for online retail operations.
- Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR): Adaptable? Yes? Agile? Indeed. MiR robots thrive in manufacturing setups that demand robots to go where forklifts can’t.
- Clearpath Robotics: These bots are great in research labs and niche industrial jobs, making automation easier in tricky environments.
- Seegrid: The forklift replacement you’ve been waiting for. Seegrid’s self-driving robots make pallet-moving in warehouses look easy.
- Aethon: Hospitals are crazy about these robots that deliver meds, meals, and supplies — without grumbling about the graveyard shift.
- Geek+: From picking orders to rearranging storage, Geek+ optimizes warehouses with scary-good efficiency.
- KUKA Robotics: These assembly bots are so good at building stuff, that they even help make other robots. Talk about meta.
- 6 River Systems: Perfect for warehouses where teamwork matters. These bots and humans work together, hand-in-hand, to speed things up.
- Vecna Robotics: If your supply chain needs a tune-up, Vecna’s robots handle inventory, movement, and last-mile logistics.
- Starship Technologies: Picture a cute little bot bringing you takeout. Starship specializes in last-mile deliveries (and making people who work at DoorDash gulp with worry).
- Autonomous Solutions Inc. (ASI): Need something tough enough for farming or mining? ASI’s outdoor bots are as rugged as Burt Reynold’s mustache.
How we chose the best autonomous mobile robot companies
Picking the best of the bunch isn’t just doing a cursory Google search and calling it a day (although it did take plenty of legwork on our end). We focused on the factors that matter most.
They are:
- Innovation that makes a difference: These companies bring groundbreaking technology to the table, like advanced navigation systems, machine learning, and adaptability to different environments. The idea is to get usable tech, not just gimmicks.
- Proven industry impact: We prioritized companies making waves in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and beyond. If their robots are being used successfully in major industries, they’re doing something right.
- Scalability and flexibility: A robot that works wonders for a small operation but can’t handle growth? Hard pass. These companies design solutions that scale as businesses expand, adapting to different setups and needs.
- User-friendliness with great support: The best robots don’t need you to go b back to college just to get them set up. We chose companies offering user-friendly robots backed by customer service that won’t ghost you when something goes wrong.
Top 15 autonomous mobile robot companies in 2024
Boston Dynamics is famous for building robots that move like Parkour influencers. We’re talking about climbing stairs, navigating rough terrain, or lifting back-breaking loads. These machines are mobile as heck.
Here’s why Boston Dynamics is at the top:
- Famous bots in the family: Spot, their iconic four-legged robot for inspections and remote monitoring, and Stretch, which handles warehouse boxes like they mean business.
- What sets them apart: Spot’s best-of-the-best agility lets it check out sites humans can’t easily reach, while Stretch can do warehouse jobs with superhuman levels of efficiency and speed.
- Perfect for: Companies that are facing tough terrains or fast-moving warehouses that want to automate with zero compromises.
GreyOrange combines strong robot frames with AI to rethink warehouse logistics. These robots are fast, strategic, and help businesses manage everything from picking to packing.
Why GreyOrange is nearly leading the pack:
- Robots stealing the show: Ranger GTP for goods-to-person flows and Ranger IL for detailed item-level handling.
- What sets them apart: Their robots optimize routes, predict bottlenecks, and make real-time adjustments to keep operations humming.
- Best fit for: E-commerce and retail giants needing robots that work as smart as they move.
Fetch Robotics, now part of Zebra Technologies, focuses on flexibility. Their robots handle a variety of warehouse transport jobs, from light cargo to massive pallets.
Why Fetch Robotics is worth a look:
- Bots you’ll want to meet: Freight500 for mid-sized loads and Freight1500 for heavy-duty stuff.
- What sets them apart: Cloud-based controls allow these bots to adapt to changing workflows without major reprogramming. Plus, they’re built to handle busy warehouse chaos.
- Ideal users: Companies that are dealing with varied cargo types and tight schedules who need reliable automation.
OTTO Motors makes its mark in heavy lifting for industrial settings. Their robots can handle large loads efficiently, avoiding accidents and keeping production lines flowing.
Why OTTO Motors gets it right:
- The must-see robots: OTTO 100 for lighter tasks and OTTO 1500 for heavy-duty hauls.
- What sets them apart: Advanced obstacle detection keeps them moving smoothly, even in busy factories, with virtually zero hiccups.
- Best fit for: Factories and warehouses that want to replace forklifts with safer, smarter alternatives.
Locus Robotics creates fast, efficient robots designed to zip through warehouses and work collaboratively with human teams.
What makes Locus Robotics so good:
- Bots to watch: Locus Origin specializes in picking and packing orders with unmatched speed and accuracy.
- What sets them apart: Locus Origin is a total team player and works with people to maximize productivity without getting in the way. The idea is to get top-notch speed and precision in one package.
- Ideal for: Fulfillment centers that deal with peak-season chaos or warehouses chasing same-day delivery goals.
MiR creates robots that make moving stuff around easier. The idea behind their bots is to optimize internal logistics without fancy infrastructure.
Why MiR deserves the spotlight:
- Top robots to check out: The AMB-300 handles lightweight loads, while the 1000JS tackles more complex, heavier logistics in fast-paced settings.
- What sets them apart: These robots adapt to changing operations like it’s their job — because it is. Plus, they’re easy to set up and get rolling.
- Ideal for: Manufacturers, hospitals, and distribution centers that need material transport without headaches.
Clearpath Robotics builds robots that are tough enough to survive in research labs and industrial facilities. If your job site’s more “mud and mayhem” than “polished floors,” Clearpath is a great choice.
Why Clearpath is a heavy hitter:
- Bots that shine: Their OTTO 1500 robots keep things moving efficiently in rugged conditions, from research sites to warehouses.
- What sets them apart: Clearpath robots prioritize reliability in unpredictable environments with smart navigation systems.
- Ideal for: Industries like mining, agriculture, and logistics that need sturdy, no-nonsense automation.
Seegrid focuses on vision-guided lifting and towing that make material handling easier in warehouses and manufacturing plants. Their robots can adjust routes on the fly.
Why Seegrid leads the way:
- Top robots to know: The Lift CR1 series is fantastic at pallet handling with eye-popping precision. Their tow tractor, S7, can tug heavy-duty loads like nothing.
- What sets them apart: Their vision-guided tech means no infrastructure changes — just map it and let the robots handle the rest.
- Perfect for: Warehouses and manufacturers that need easy-to-integrate, high-accuracy robots.
Aethon takes hospital automation to the next level with robots that can haul medications, linens, and even meals.
Why Aethon is a healthcare buddy:
- Bots to meet: The TUG robot autonomously delivers supplies across sprawling hospital corridors without breaking a sweat.
- What makes them special: Their healthcare-first approach ensures seamless integration into hospital workflows, with secure delivery for sensitive items.
- Best for: Hospitals and healthcare facilities that need reliable, task-specific automation.
Geek+ is all about speed and efficiency, bringing AI-driven robotics to e-commerce and retail. Their bots handle the whole gamut, from order picking to sorting and dispatch.
Why Geek+ is great for retail:
- Top performers: The P-series picking robots and S-series sorting robots transform warehouses into efficiency machines.
- What sets them apart: Their AI-heavy systems continuously improve performance and learning as they optimize operations.
- Best fit for: E-commerce warehouses and retail distribution centers that keep chasing lightning-fast fulfillment speeds.
KUKA brings German engineering to the robotics milieu with industrial robots that have made their mark with their precision and durability. But they’re also excellent in the AMR space as well.
Why KUKA is also an AMR leader:
- Robots to watch: The KUKA iisy series handles heavy-duty transporting, while the smaller QUANTEC rocks at delicate, high-speed machining.
- What sets them apart: KUKA’s easier integration with existing systems and wide range of robots makes them adaptable to almost any industry.
- Ideal for: Automotive, electronics, and other industries that need super-precise robots that won’t quit.
6 River Systems brings serious game into warehouse automation with collaborative picking mobile robots for better order fulfillment.
Why 6 River Systems is a giant:
- Top robots in the lineup: The Chuck robot leads the way, guiding workers through picking routes and into the elusive world of higher productivity.
- What sets them apart: Their user-friendly robots require minimal training and adapt quickly to changing warehouse needs.
- Perfect for: Warehouses and fulfillment centers that juggle high volumes and tight deadlines.
Vecna Robotics creates flexible robots that thrive in dynamic environments. Whether it’s moving pallets or orchestrating warehouse workflows, Vecna’s bots get the job done.
Why Vecna makes the cut:
- Bots worth knowing: The autonomous pallet trucks and tugger robots just cost 80 cents per pallet. Good price, better results.
- What sets them apart: Vecna optimizes robot routes, cutting down travel time and boosting efficiency.
- Best for: Warehouses and manufacturers looking to streamline material flow without a massive toothache.
Starship Technologies brings delivery into 2024 with small, autonomous robots perfect for urban environments. These bots are great in last-mile deliveries.
Why Starship leads in delivery:
- Bots you’ll love: Their six-wheeled e-model delivery robots bring groceries, takeout, and packages right to your door.
- What sets them apart: Their bots navigate sidewalks and crosswalks like grizzled veterans and use advanced vision systems to dodge obstacles.
- Best fit for: Universities, urban areas, and businesses that offer quick, convenient delivery services.
ASI doesn’t make mobile robots, but it does offer a high-tech platform that allows them to control vehicles manually and robotically. From mining to agriculture, their robots handle tough jobs where humans might break a fingernail or two.
Why ASI makes this list:
- Robots that deliver: ASI’s Mobius platform powers autonomous vehicles for large-scale operations, like mining haul trucks and agricultural tractors.
- What sets them apart: Their focus on autonomous fleet management ensures all machines work together, which saves time and resources.
- Best for: Industries that need large-scale, tough-as-nails automation in extreme environments.
Summing up
Autonomous mobile robot companies are creating robots that zoom by where humans once crawled along.
These high-tech companies offer bots that boost productivity, make operations safer, and redefine the limits of what automation can do every single year.
Next steps
Not looking for an AMR, but need a flexible automation solution for manufacturing or logistics? Standard Bots’ RO1 six-axis cobot arm is the perfect solution for diverse jobs that go beyond the scope of mobile robots.
- Cost-effective and versatile: RO1 offers best-in-class capabilities at half the purchase price of comparable robots, with leasing options starting at just $5/hour.
- Precision and power: With an 18 kg payload and repeatability of ±0.025 mm, RO1 tackles challenging jobs like light assembly, material handling, and packing.
- AI-driven simplicity: Featuring AI on par with GPT-4 and no-code programming, RO1 is intuitive to set up and operate — no advanced training needed.
- Safety-first design: Built with machine vision and collision detection, RO1 perfectly integrates alongside human teams without additional barriers.
Reach out today to schedule a risk-free, 30-day onsite trial and see how RO1 can make your operation into a high-tech wonder.
