Warehouse automation is not one robot category. Moving a loaded cart, picking an individual item and unloading a trailer require different systems. Buying a mobile base will not automatically automate loading it. Begin with one material-flow segment and map every human and machine handoff.
Separate transport from manipulation
An AMR proposal should describe what load carrier moves, how it is loaded and where it is handed over. A picking proposal needs the SKU mix, presentation, item surfaces and exception handling. Trailer unloading introduces a different environment and carton flow. Treat each as a separate acceptance problem even if suppliers use similar automation language.
Map routes and handoffs
Measure aisles, intersections, doors, lift access, gradients and pickup/drop-off geometry. Note busy periods and areas shared with people or other vehicles. Define how jobs reach the robot system and what happens when a destination is blocked. Integration with a warehouse system must be scoped explicitly; it is not guaranteed by the presence of an API.
Size for peak service, charging and exceptions
Average travel speed is an incomplete planning metric. Include docking, waiting, congestion, loading, unloading and charging. Ask how the system reports failed missions and how an operator resumes work. Use representative shift data to model capacity before expanding from a single route to a fleet.
Pilot one route with normal operations
Define successful completed deliveries, handoff accuracy, intervention time and human traffic impact. Run through representative peaks and a planned network or destination interruption. Establish fallback procedures and responsibility for maps, software and maintenance. Expand only after the pilot exposes a manageable set of exceptions.
Resource shortlist
Ordered by workflow, not by measured performance. These are editorial starting points. Follow each directory entry to its official documentation and confirm the exact configuration before purchasing.
MiR →
An AMR supplier for investigating internal material transport workflows.
Check before committing: Load carrier, top module, handoff automation, fleet behavior and site-specific navigation constraints.
GreyOrange →
A warehouse robotics and orchestration supplier to evaluate against a defined process.
Check before committing: Which solution addresses your bottleneck and what integration or infrastructure changes it requires.
Boston Dynamics Stretch →
A warehouse handling candidate when the problem is carton unloading rather than general transport.
Check before committing: Trailer and carton compatibility, downstream conveyor integration and local support.
Covariant →
A robotic manipulation resource when the bottleneck is item handling.
Check before committing: Actual SKU coverage, exception workflow, integration partner and evaluation on your own inventory.
Turn the shortlist into a decision
Write down the task, operating conditions, success criteria and total ownership costs. Ask shortlisted suppliers to demonstrate your representative task, including failure recovery. Use the same acceptance test for each candidate.
Explore the full robotics directory →