Top AMR Companies (2025 Guide): Compare Vendors, Use Cases & ROI
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are now a mainstream method for boosting throughput without requiring major facility rework. The best AMR companies pair robots with software (RMS/FMS), rapid deployment, and predictable payback—often inside one peak season. This guide shows where AMRs fit, how pricing works, and what to evaluate before you sign.
AMR Basics: What They Do (and Don’t)
AMRs utilize onboard sensors/LiDAR, combined with fleet software, to move totes, shelves, pallets, or carts between workstations. They’re ideal for piece picking, replenishment, lineside delivery, zone-to-zone transport, and returns. They’re not a fit when you need high-bay storage (that’s AS/RS) or fixed high-speed sortation.
AMR Companies by Category (Shortlist Builder)
Use this to narrow your vendor list by need. (Examples are to help your research—not endorsements.)
Shelf-follow / collaborative picking: good for e-commerce, each-picking with humans walking less.
Examples to evaluate: Locus, 6RS-style solutions, Geek+ P-series.Goods-to-person (G2P) tote shuttling: robots bring totes/shelves to pack stations; high productivity with small footprint.
Examples: Geek+, GreyOrange, inVia-style systems.Tugger / cart-pulling AMRs: milk-run replenishment, lineside delivery.
Examples: MiR (Mobile Industrial Robots), OTTO Motors, Seegrid (hybrid AMR/AGV).Pallet movers/pallet jacks AMR: pallet transport without drivers; dock-to-putaway or buffer lanes.
Examples: MiR pallet movers, OTTO pallet AMRs.Specialized case/box handling or sortation-adjacent AMRs: flexible routing without fixed conveyors.
Examples: solutions from GreyOrange/Geek+ portfolios.
AMR Companies vs AGV Vendors (Quick Contrast)
Navigation: AMR = dynamic pathing with sensors; AGV = fixed paths/markers.
Flexibility: AMR reconfigures with software; AGV usually needs layout work.
Use cases: AMR excels in variable, people-dense environments; AGV is ideal for repetitive, fixed routes.
Pricing & Commercial Models (What to Expect)
CapEx purchase: robot, software, and integration; annual support is provided.
Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS): monthly fee per robot/fleet; includes hardware, software, and support.
Hybrid: low upfront + performance-based monthly.
Rule of thumb inputs: robots required = (target UPH – baseline UPH) ÷ robot contribution per hour × peak hours. Add stations, chargers, spares, and software seats.
ROI: Simple Payback Model
Baseline: 40 pickers @ $25/hr, 250 days, 2 shifts → ~320,000 labor hours/year.
With AMRs: 20–35% productivity lift typical in each pick.
Savings: 25% × 320,000 × $25 = $2,000,000/year (before maintenance/fees).
Payback: typically 6–12 months, depending on the model and peak profile.
Evaluation Checklist (Use in Demos)
Throughput proof: live UPH/LPH on your SKU mix.
Congestion handling: what happens at choke points & crosswalks?
Battery strategy: runtime, charge time, hot-swap vs opportunity charge.
Safety layers: ISO, PLd/Cat3, pedestrian detection, speed zones.
WMS integration: tested adapters for your system + error handling.
Change control: how fast can you add zones, stations, and missions?
Service model: spare pools, on-site SLAs, remote monitoring.
Total cost: robots, software, stations, installation, training, upgrades.
Common Pitfalls (Avoid These)
Buying robots without redesigning the pick path. Fix slotting and travel first.
Under-estimating stations. Too few pack/induct stations create robot traffic jams.
KPI overload. Track 2–3 metrics: UPH, travel saved, order cycle time.
No change management. Train leads early; publish new SOPs.
Notable AMR Companies to Evaluate (2025)
A non-exhaustive set to start vendor calls (covering multiple categories):
MiR (Mobile Industrial Robots), OTTO Motors, Locus Robotics, Geek+, GreyOrange, Seegrid (AMR/AGV hybrid), inVia, Zebra’s Fetch Robotics line.
Shortlist 3–5 based on your use case, then request a paid pilot with your data and floor.
FAQs
Are AMRs safe to run around pedestrians?
Yes—multi-layer safety: LiDAR, vision, speed zones, and PLd safety circuits—plus your floor markings and training. Amazon even provides e-vests to communicate your location to this equipment.
Do AMRs replace pickers?
They remove walking, not judgment. Most sites redeploy labor to higher-value tasks and keep headcount flat during growth.
How long does deployment take?
Small pilots: 8–12 weeks. Full rollouts: 3–6 months, depending on integration and station build-outs.
What about Wi-Fi and IT?
Plan for robust 5 GHz/6 GHz coverage, VLANs, and QoS; involve IT early.
Conclusion
AMRs are a flexible, fast-payback way to scale throughput without rebuilding your DC. Start with a targeted use case, optimize slotting, pilot with real data, and measure three key metrics. The right AMR company will show results in weeks—not years.
