AGVs and AMRs for Warehouse Automation | FORTNA

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The FORTNA Distribution Optimisation Framework™ leverages proprietary processes, tools and algorithms to design and deliver solutions using best-fit automation technologies and intelligent software.
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Solutions: AGVs and AMRs

Reduce labour needs with warehouse AGVs and AMRs

In a labour-constrained market, reducing excess walking or travel is the lynchpin to more efficient material handling operations.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) address this challenge by navigating freely around obstacles, transporting materials without the need for additional labour or permanent conveyor systems. This not only boosts productivity and reduces labour costs but also provides scalable solutions to support growing operations.

FORTNA works with top AMR and AGV manufacturers across a variety of different solution types to design flexible, scalable, and modular operations that meet your business requirements.

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Flexible. Safe. Reliable. Precise.

AGV and AMR units can be integrated seamlessly within even low-density environments and low-volume, high-complexity sorting applications. These solutions are available in a wide variety of configurations and can carry heavier payloads with greater flexibility and safety.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are self-operating mobile robots utilised in distribution to transport products automatically and efficiently. AGVs do not roam independently in a warehouse but are guided by objects on or embedded in the floor such as RFID chips, barcodes or magnetic tape. Most AVGs are contained in a closed-off area.

An Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) is a self-operating mobile robot utilised in distribution to transport bins, carts, pallets and other storage media around a distribution floor. Using sensors and safety devices, AMRs can navigate around obstacles, people and production lines with little to no manual intervention.

FORTNA Optisweep robotic solution illustration

FORTNA OptiSweep™ for high-volume<br>e-Commerce and sortation centres

FORTNA OptiSweep™ is a robotic solution that automates the consolidation and transportation of small orders away from sortation systems to outbound processes in high-volume distribution centres. This innovative solution automates what is typically a labour-intensive process by using mobile robots while the FORTNA WCS™ software and its proprietary algorithms seamlessly orchestrate the workflow. It can reduce up to 60% of manual labour associated with sorter clearance operations.

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Customer Success Case Study

FORTNA Develops an Automated Storage Solution for REUTER

Shorter routes, maximum productivity, versatile and scalable: with these goals in mind, FORTNA and REUTER, one of the largest specialty and online retailers for bathrooms and lighting in Europe, have jointly developed an automated warehouse solution reflecting the changing requirements of omnichannel distribution.

Through this current project, REUTER is expanding capacity for its online business to meet the ever-increasing demands of delivery speed and the customer shopping experience. The solution was a new concept design at a centralised location with best-fit automation.

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The FORTNA Difference

The FORTNA data-driven, consultative approach sets us apart by turning operational data into actionable insights that drive measurable results. We don’t just recommend solutions—we analyse your unique operational metrics, workflows and demand patterns to identify the most impactful opportunities for improvement. Our consultative process combines advanced analytics with robust supply chain expertise to design strategies tailored specifically to your facility needs, whether that is optimising throughput, improving labour efficiency or increasing storage utilisation. This fact-based methodology ensures decisions are grounded in evidence, not assumptions, delivering long-term value and a clear return on investment for your warehouse operations.

FORTNA Distribution Optimization Framework Lifecycle Performance Services supports a diverse portfolio of MHE and software implementations worldwide

FORTNA Framework

FORTNA can help optimise business-critical operations with the FORTNA Framework™

The FORTNA Distribution Optimisation Framework^TM (FORTNA Framework) leverages proprietary processes, tools, and algorithms to design and deliver solutions using best-fit automation technologies and intelligent software.

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FORTNA's experience enables us to develop solutions for industry-unique challenges and cross-pollinate best-in-class strategies and solutions.

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FAQs

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) follow fixed paths using magnetic tape, codes or RFID tags embedded or printed on the floor; they require predefined routes. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) navigate dynamically using sensors, avoiding obstacles and adjusting paths in real time, offering more flexibility and adaptability in complex environments.

AGVs and AMRS are not for only large operations. As with many automated solutions, AGVs and AMRs come in many sizes, types and functionalities that can be utilised in different environments and operations. Large operations benefit more from economies of scale, but small operations can adopt them to reduce labour costs, increase efficiency or prepare for growth.

AMRs have not replaced AGVs. While AMRs are increasingly popular in flexible and complex operations, AGVs are still widely used where predictable, fixed-path transport is sufficient. Additionally, AGVs present lower upfront costs and have less dependency on advanced infrastructure. AGVs perform well in cost-sensitive, high-volume, predictable and structured environments; AMRs excel in flexible, dynamic, and rapidly changing spaces.

Integrating AGVs or AMRs offers warehouse operations numerous benefits. They boost efficiency while minimising reliance on human operators for routine tasks, enhance safety and reduce errors in material handling and inventory management. Additionally, they can operate around the clock and easily scale to meet growing warehouse demands.

Both solutions offer automation and efficiency, but they differ in flexibility, navigation and adaptability. Depending on your specific operations and workflow requirements, your automation partner can help assess your current processes, identify areas for optimisation, and recommend the solution that best aligns with your operational goals.