Overview

AGV and AMR projects are logistics systems, not just robot purchases.

The supplier must understand payload handling, route density, floor quality, traffic rules, charging, safety scanners, fleet software, and integration with production or warehouse systems.

Supplier categories

Warehouse AMRs

Autonomous mobile robots for tote, rack, cart, bin, and goods-to-person movement.

Line-side AGVs

Fixed-route or guided vehicles for WIP movement, pallet movement, kits, and repetitive delivery.

Payload fixtures

Lift modules, conveyors, clamps, carts, tuggers, shelves, and custom payload interfaces.

Fleet and data integration

Dispatching, traffic control, charging, WMS/MES integration, dashboards, and alarms.

Supplier validation checks

  • Installed fleet references with similar payload and floor conditions.
  • Safety scanner configuration, obstacle handling, route recovery, and traffic logic.
  • Battery life, charge cycle, spare parts, software licensing, and update policy.
  • FAT or pilot plan with realistic routes, payloads, and operator interaction.

AGV or AMR: what should the China supplier quote?

An AGV supplier is usually stronger when routes are fixed, traffic is predictable, and the plant wants controlled movement between defined stations. An AMR supplier is usually stronger when routes change, people and forklifts share space, or fleet software needs to make dynamic dispatch decisions.

The wrong choice creates hidden cost. A low-cost AGV may need more floor preparation, guide path work, and process discipline than the buyer expects. A flexible AMR may need more software configuration, map maintenance, charging logic, and operator training. Ask suppliers to explain why their navigation method fits the plant, not just why their robot is cheaper.

RFQ details for mobile robot suppliers

Payload and carrier

Define weight, center of gravity, dimensions, tote, rack, cart, pallet, lift height, transfer method, and whether the robot needs a conveyor, lifter, hook, or custom fixture.

Route and traffic

Provide route drawings, aisle widths, doorways, ramps, intersections, forklift crossings, human work zones, speed limits, and expected peak traffic.

Software integration

Clarify WMS, MES, ERP, PLC, elevator, door, charger, dispatch, barcode, QR code, API, and reporting requirements.

Acceptance testing

Define route completion rate, obstacle recovery, charging behavior, dispatch timing, load transfer success, alarms, and operator intervention limits.

Evidence to ask for before shortlisting

  • Installed fleets with similar payload, floor condition, aisle width, and shift pattern.
  • Video of the robot recovering from blocked aisles, traffic conflicts, failed pickup, and low battery.
  • Fleet software screenshots for route editing, task priority, charger assignment, logs, and alarms.
  • Safety documentation, scanner layout, emergency stop behavior, and local compliance assumptions.
  • Spare parts, battery replacement policy, software license terms, remote support, and update cadence.

AGV and AMR supplier FAQ

Can a China AMR supplier integrate with our WMS or MES?

Many can, but the API, task fields, retry logic, offline behavior, and support responsibility must be confirmed before quote comparison. Ask for an integration example, not just a yes.

What should be proven before buying a mobile robot fleet?

Prove payload transfer, obstacle recovery, route completion, charging behavior, traffic logic, safety stops, and operator intervention limits using a realistic route and production load.