> QuickAnswer: Choose an AMR if your warehouse layout changes, you need flexible routing, or you cannot install floor infrastructure. Choose an AGV if your routes are fixed, you want lower purchase and operating costs, and you need proven integration with existing conveyor or WMS infrastructure. Used AMRs cost £15,000-£60,000; used AGVs £8,000-£35,000 in the UK.
Introduction
Used warehouse robots are now accessible to UK operations that would not have considered automation five years ago. As the first wave of large AMR and AGV deployments reaches the end of their first lease or operational cycle, a growing volume of capable, well-maintained units is entering the UK secondhand market at prices that make the economics work for mid-sized distribution centres, manufacturers, and third-party logistics providers.
But the choice between an AMR and an AGV is not merely a price decision. The two technologies are fundamentally different in how they work, what infrastructure they require, and what kind of operation they suit. Buying the wrong type -- even at a good price -- means a system that either cannot do the job or costs more to operate than anticipated.
This guide explains both technologies in plain terms, compares them on the criteria that matter for UK warehouse buyers, provides a used price reference table, and covers the specific inspection checks each type requires before purchase.
For current pricing data, see the used warehouse robot price guide and live listings on the browse page. The robot database has technical specifications for specific models mentioned in this guide.
AMR vs AGV: What They Are
What is an AMR?
An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) uses a combination of LiDAR sensors, cameras, and onboard computing to navigate independently through its environment. Before deployment, a technician drives or guides the robot around the facility to build an initial map. The AMR then uses this map -- continuously updated with sensor data -- to plan optimal routes, avoid obstacles, and reroute dynamically when its path is blocked.
AMRs do not need any modifications to the floor, walls, or racking. They can operate in environments where people also work, and they handle changes to the environment -- moved racking, new equipment, temporary obstacles -- without manual reconfiguration.
Modern AMRs from manufacturers such as MiR, OTTO Robotics, Locus Robotics, and Fetch Robotics can carry payloads ranging from 100 kg to over 1,500 kg and integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems via standard APIs.
What is an AGV?
An automated guided vehicle (AGV) follows a predetermined path. Traditional AGVs use physical infrastructure to define their routes: magnetic tape applied to the floor, wire loops embedded in the concrete, or reflective markers that onboard optical sensors track. The vehicle follows this path and stops if an obstruction is detected, waiting for it to clear rather than routing around it.
Newer laser-guided vehicles (LGVs) -- sometimes marketed as a subcategory of AGV -- use laser scanners to detect reflectors mounted at fixed points on walls or racking and can be reprogrammed to change routes more easily than tape-based systems. LGVs blur the line between traditional AGVs and AMRs in terms of reconfigurability, though they remain fundamentally path-following systems.
AGVs are well-established technology with a proven track record in manufacturing and distribution. They are simpler than AMRs, have fewer software dependencies, and in fixed-route applications are extremely reliable.
When Each Technology Makes Sense
Choose an AMR when:
- Your warehouse layout changes regularly (seasonal reconfiguration, new clients, racking moves)
- You cannot install permanent floor infrastructure (rented facility, listed building, temporary operation)
- People and robots need to share the same space and routes
- You need flexible routing to accommodate varying order profiles
- You are running a mixed manual-automated operation and need humans and robots to work alongside each other
- You want to start with one robot and scale the fleet incrementally
Choose an AGV when:
- Your routes are fixed and unlikely to change
- You are automating a dedicated, segregated section of a facility
- Integration with existing conveyor systems, sorters, or fixed-station machinery is required
- Total cost of ownership is the primary driver and your routes do not justify AMR flexibility premiums
- Your application is high-volume, high-repetition on the same route (AGVs excel at this)
- You have WMS infrastructure already configured for AGV integration
Used Price Reference Table
| Robot | Type | Payload | Used Price UK (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiR100 | AMR | 100 kg | £15,000-£22,000 |
| MiR250 | AMR | 250 kg | £20,000-£30,000 |
| MiR500 | AMR | 500 kg | £30,000-£45,000 |
| MiR600 | AMR | 600 kg | £35,000-£55,000 |
| OTTO 100 | AMR | 135 kg | £18,000-£26,000 |
| OTTO 600 | AMR | 600 kg | £40,000-£60,000 |
| Locus Vector | AMR | 45 kg (goods-to-person) | £12,000-£20,000 |
| Classic tape-guided AGV (tow cart) | AGV | 500-2,000 kg | £8,000-£18,000 |
| Laser-guided AGV (LGV) | AGV | 500-5,000 kg | £15,000-£35,000 |
| Forklift AGV | AGV | 1,000-3,000 kg | £20,000-£35,000 |
Prices are indicative and reflect used units in good condition including fleet management software where applicable. Condition, age, hours, and included accessories all affect actual sale price. See the resale index for current benchmarks.
AMR Inspection Checklist
Buying a used AMR requires more software due diligence than most used machinery purchases. The hardware is important, but the software licence and map configuration are equally critical.
Software Licence Transfer
- Confirm with the manufacturer's UK distributor that the fleet management software licence can be transferred to a new owner
- Clarify whether the licence is perpetual or subscription-based, and whether subscription fees carry over
- For MiR units: MiR Fleet licences require transfer through MiR/Teradyne. Confirm the process and any associated costs before purchase
- For OTTO units: contact OTTO Robotics or their UK distributor regarding fleet management licence transfer
- Ask whether any third-party WMS integration software installed on the fleet management system requires separate licencing
Hardware Inspection
- Check the LiDAR sensor housings for physical damage, dirt accumulation, or scratches on the optical surface (scratches cause navigation errors)
- Inspect the bumper and safety laser scanner -- these are safety-critical components and must be in working order
- Check the battery: request the battery cycle count and test the operating duration under load. AMR batteries typically degrade after 500-1,000 full cycles
- Inspect the drive wheels for wear -- significant flat-spotting or uneven wear indicates alignment issues or surface incompatibility
- Test the top module (if included) -- lift platforms, roller conveyors, and hook systems attached to the AMR base have their own wear profile and must be inspected separately
- Check the controller computer: boot the system and verify the fleet management connection is established
Map and Navigation Testing
- If possible, test the robot in a real environment before completing the purchase
- Verify that the robot can localise itself successfully from a cold start
- Test obstacle detection and avoidance with a simple static obstacle
- Confirm that the map can be deleted and rebuilt (critical for deployment in a new facility)
Documentation
- Request service history and any maintenance records
- Confirm the firmware version and whether it is current
- Verify that the emergency stop functions correctly
AGV Inspection Checklist
AGV inspections focus more on mechanical condition and the state of any guidance infrastructure included with the sale.
Guidance System
- For tape-guided AGVs: inspect the guide sensor (typically an inductive sensor or optical sensor) for damage or contamination. Request documentation on the tape specification used
- For LGV systems: verify that the reflector layout documentation is included. Without accurate reflector placement data, reprogramming routes in a new facility is significantly more complex
- Confirm whether guidance infrastructure (tape, reflectors, floor magnets) is included in the sale and in what condition
Hardware Inspection
- Test all drive motors and steering at operating speed -- listen for bearing noise or hesitation
- Inspect the battery: AGV batteries are often lead-acid and have a defined service life. Check age, cycle count, and test capacity under load
- Inspect load-handling equipment (forks, turntable, conveyor section) for wear, alignment, and functionality
- Check safety sensors: bumpers, safety laser scanners, and obstacle detection must be tested and certified. AGVs operating in shared spaces require valid CE/UKCA safety assessments
- Inspect the onboard controller and verify that route programming can be accessed and modified
- Check that emergency stop buttons on all sides function correctly
Route Documentation
- Request the route map, including all station positions, speed zones, and interlocking logic
- For complex multi-AGV systems, verify that traffic management software is included and transferable
- Confirm that any integration with existing conveyor or WMS systems is documented
UK Warehouse Integration Considerations
WMS and ERP Integration
Both AMRs and AGVs need to communicate with warehouse management systems to receive task assignments and report completions. AMRs from MiR, OTTO, and Locus use REST APIs and standard protocols that integrate with most modern WMS platforms. AGVs typically use older integration patterns (serial interfaces, OPC, or proprietary APIs) that may require middleware or custom development to connect to newer WMS systems.
When buying used, confirm exactly what integration the previous owner had configured and whether any integration middleware is included. Rebuilding WMS integration from scratch is a significant cost that can offset the savings from buying used.
Site Assessment
Before completing any warehouse robot purchase, conduct a site assessment:
For AMRs: measure your aisle widths (MiR100 requires 900 mm minimum; MiR600 requires 1,400 mm minimum), map any ramps or elevation changes, identify areas with poor LiDAR return (reflective floors, glass walls), and confirm your WiFi infrastructure can support the fleet management system.
For AGVs: identify any floor surface issues (cracks, joints, drainage channels) that would interrupt tape or affect sensor performance, plan power supply points for battery charging, and confirm that your facility layout accommodates fixed-route planning with appropriate safety buffers.
Health and Safety
Both AMRs and AGVs operating in shared workspaces in the UK are subject to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), and relevant parts of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations. Any autonomous vehicle must have a current risk assessment, and used units should have their safety certification reviewed before deployment in a new site. CE marking transfers with the machine but a new risk assessment for the new operating environment is required.
Total Cost of Ownership Comparison
Purchase price is only part of the decision. Total cost of ownership (TCO) over a three-to-five year period includes:
| Cost Factor | AMR | AGV |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price (used) | Higher | Lower |
| Installation and setup | Lower (no floor work) | Higher (tape/reflectors) |
| Software licence (annual) | £3,000-£8,000/robot | Lower or none |
| Battery replacement (3-5 years) | £2,000-£5,000/robot | £1,000-£3,000/robot |
| Layout change cost | Low (remap) | High (reinstall infrastructure) |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Lower (simpler mechanically) |
| Downtime cost | Lower (fleet rerouts) | Higher (single route failure) |
For operations with stable routes and no planned layout changes, AGV TCO is typically lower over five years. For operations that need flexibility, AMR TCO is lower when reconfiguration costs are factored in.
Finding Used AMRs and AGVs in the UK
Used warehouse robots in the UK are available through specialist robot dealers, auction houses, and direct sales from distribution centres and manufacturers upgrading their fleets. The Robot AutoTrader browse page lists current used AMR and AGV inventory. The resale index provides current pricing benchmarks updated monthly.
The robot database has detailed specifications for MiR, OTTO, and Locus AMRs as well as major AGV types. For broader guidance on buying used industrial robots, see the used cobot and robot buyers guide.
When negotiating used AMR or AGV purchases, the software licence transfer situation should be resolved before agreeing final price. An AMR with a non-transferable software licence is effectively hardware only, which substantially reduces its value and your ability to deploy it. Always get written confirmation from the manufacturer's UK distributor that the licence will transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an AMR and an AGV? An AMR uses onboard sensors and software to navigate independently, building a map of its environment and routing around obstacles in real time. An AGV follows a fixed path defined by physical infrastructure such as magnetic tape, wires, or reflective markers. AMRs are more flexible; AGVs are simpler and typically more affordable.
How much does a used AMR cost in the UK? Used AMR prices range from approximately £15,000 for a small payload unit such as a MiR100 up to £60,000 or more for high-payload AMRs like the MiR600 or OTTO 600. Price depends on payload capacity, age, condition, and whether a valid software licence is transferable.
How much does a used AGV cost in the UK? Used AGVs sell for approximately £8,000 to £35,000 depending on type, payload, and condition. Forklift AGVs with higher payload capacity are at the higher end; simpler tow-cart or conveyor-integrated AGVs are at the lower end.
Can I transfer an AMR software licence when buying used? This varies by manufacturer. MiR, OTTO, and Locus all have fleet management software licences that require transfer or reactivation. Always confirm with the manufacturer's UK distributor before completing a purchase. Some licences require annual subscription fees that carry over to the new owner.
Do AMRs need to be remapped when moved to a new facility? Yes. AMRs navigate using a map of their operating environment. When moved to a new facility, the map must be rebuilt from scratch. This process takes a few hours to a day depending on facility size and may require a trained technician for the initial setup.
What infrastructure do AGVs require that AMRs do not? Traditional AGVs require physical path infrastructure: magnetic tape, wires embedded in the floor, or reflective markers. Some newer laser-guided AGVs use reflectors mounted on walls or racking and can be reconfigured more easily. AMRs require no floor modifications.
What is the minimum aisle width for a MiR250 AMR? The MiR250 requires a minimum aisle width of approximately 1,000 mm for standard navigation. This includes a safety buffer on each side. For bidirectional traffic with two MiR250s passing each other, a minimum of 2,000 mm is recommended.
Are used AMRs and AGVs covered by UK warranty? Used robots are typically sold without manufacturer warranty. Some specialist dealers offer their own limited warranty on used units. The CE/UKCA marking transfers with the machine, but a new risk assessment for the new operating environment is required. Always review the sales agreement carefully for warranty or guarantee terms.