What's the difference between AMR (autonomous mobile robot) and AGV (automated guided vehicle)? This guide gives you a one-page decision tree to figure out whether your warehouse needs an AMR, an AGV, an AS/RS, or nothing at all yet — plus a list of Taiwan hardware suppliers.
AMR vs AGV vs AS/RS
All three are warehouse automation hardware, but they solve different problems: AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) — follows a fixed route (floor magnetic strips or rails), cheap but expensive to reroute. AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) — uses SLAM to map and avoid obstacles in real time, can adjust routes dynamically, pricier but flexible. AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) — automates the entire high-bay warehouse for storage and retrieval, huge investment but maximum density.
When Each Fits
| Device | Best fit | Per-unit price | Time to deploy |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGV | Fixed-route repetitive tasks (production line / large DC) | NT$ 500K–1.5M | 3–6 months |
| AMR | Ecommerce fulfilment / complex traffic flow | NT$ 800K–2.5M | 1–3 months |
| AS/RS | High-density storage / large manufacturing | NT$ 50M+ | 1–2 years |
Taiwan Hardware Suppliers
Domestic: TLF (one-stop automation), MingLi Automation (semiconductor / display panel specialists), Kao Chiao Automation (general automation), HongJiang Tech (mid-size AMR). International with Taiwan distributors: Geek+ (China, mainstream ecommerce fulfilment), Locus Robotics (US), Fetch Robotics (acquired by Zebra), Hai Robotics (China, high-bay AMR).
Selection Decision Tree
(1) Will traffic flow change often? Yes → AMR; no → AGV. (2) How important is storage density? Critical → AS/RS; moderate → AMR/AGV. (3) Monthly order volume? < 15K → don't buy yet, optimize labor + WMS first; 15K–50K → try 1–3 AMRs; > 50K → seriously evaluate AMR fleets or AS/RS. (4) Budget ceiling? < NT$ 5M → 1–2 AMRs; NT$ 5–30M → mid-size AMR fleet; > NT$ 50M → consider AS/RS.
ROI Worked Example
Assume one AMR leases at NT$ 80K/month and runs 24/7 — that replaces about 1.5 full-time pickers (night shift + weekends). 1.5 headcount salary + benefits = NT$ 90K–110K/month. The AMR lease already beats the labor cost — before you even count lower error rate and reduced turnover. The "AMR is cheaper than humans" claim genuinely holds in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
QDoes a small ecommerce operator have to buy AMRs?
ANot necessarily. Below 15K orders/month, dial in wave picking and picking-path optimization first — you'll get 20–40% labor productivity gains without buying an AMR.
QLease vs buy — which is more cost-effective?
AFor the first 2–3 years, leasing usually wins (NT$ 50K–100K/month/unit). Past 3 years, ownership ROI gets better. Caveat: hardware moves fast — you may want a newer model in 3 years, and leasing keeps you flexible.
QHow often do AMRs charge?
AMainstream AMRs run 6–8 hours, then auto-dock for a 30-minute charge. So one 24/7 lane needs two units rotating.
QDo I need a WCS to run AMRs?
A1–2 AMRs can usually run on the simple control software the vendor ships. A proper WCS only becomes necessary above 5 units or when mixing models.
QWhat if an AMR crashes and gets damaged?
AAMRs have anti-collision radar and bumpers — actual crash damage is rare. Warranties typically run 1–2 years, and leasing plans usually include maintenance. For serious damage, vendors provide a loaner unit.