Warehouse automation is no longer the exclusive domain of Amazon and the largest logistics operators. Used AMRs and AGVs are entering UK SME warehouses at prices that make the economics viable for facilities handling as few as 200 picks per day. But buying used warehouse robots carries a specific risk that does not apply to most used robot categories: fleet software licence transfer.
This guide explains what used warehouse robots cost in the UK in 2026, covers the major AMR and AGV platforms available on the secondhand market, and details the licence transfer question that every buyer must resolve before exchanging contracts.
> Quick Answer: Used warehouse robots in the UK sell at 35-50% below new list price. A used MiR100 sells for £12,000-£18,000 versus £28,000 new; a used MiR250 sells for £18,000-£28,000 versus £45,000 new. The most critical due diligence step is confirming that the fleet management software licence can transfer to the new owner. Without a transferable licence, the hardware may be unusable.
Used Warehouse Robot Price Table: UK 2026
| Model | Payload | New Price (approx.) | Used Price Range (UK) | Discount vs New |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MiR100 | 100 kg | £28,000 | £12,000-£18,000 | 36-57% |
| MiR200 | 200 kg | £35,000 | £15,000-£22,000 | 37-57% |
| MiR250 | 250 kg | £45,000 | £18,000-£28,000 | 38-60% |
| MiR500 | 500 kg | £65,000 | £28,000-£40,000 | 38-57% |
| MiR600 | 600 kg | £75,000 | £32,000-£48,000 | 36-57% |
| MiR1350 | 1,350 kg | £110,000 | £55,000-£75,000 | 32-50% |
| OTTO 100 | 135 kg | £40,000 | £18,000-£26,000 | 35-55% |
| OTTO 750 | 750 kg | £80,000 | £35,000-£50,000 | 38-56% |
| OTTO 1500 | 1,500 kg | £120,000 | £55,000-£80,000 | 33-54% |
| Locus Origin (Locus Robotics) | 45 kg (tote) | £32,000 | £12,000-£20,000 | 38-63% |
| Locus Vector | 135 kg | £48,000 | £20,000-£32,000 | 33-58% |
| Seegrid Palion AMR | 900 kg | £85,000 | £35,000-£55,000 | 35-59% |
| Geek+ P800 | 800 kg | £35,000 | £14,000-£22,000 | 37-60% |
| Balyo BRL | Rack load | £45,000 | £18,000-£28,000 | 38-60% |
Prices are indicative ranges for UK transactions. VAT excluded. Fleet software licence status affects value significantly -- see below.
Understanding Fleet Software Licences: The Critical Due Diligence Step
This is the issue that distinguishes warehouse robot purchases from other used robot categories. Unlike a used cobot, where the hardware is largely self-contained, AMRs depend on fleet management software to function beyond basic standalone operation.
MiR Fleet
Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) operates a cloud-based and on-premise fleet management platform called MiR Fleet. The MiR Fleet software is licensed per robot and tied to the original customer account. When a MiR robot changes ownership, the fleet licence must be formally transferred through MiR or a MiR distributor. Transfer is typically possible but involves a process:
- The original owner must formally release the robot from their MiR Fleet account
- The new owner requests transfer through a MiR distributor
- MiR activates the unit under the new account, which may require a fee (typically £500-£1,500 per unit depending on account type)
Confirm this process is initiated before completing the purchase. A MiR unit where the previous owner has not released the fleet registration cannot be activated by the new owner without MiR intervention, which can take weeks.
OTTO Motors Fleet Software
OTTO Motors (now part of Rockwell Automation) operates a similar model. OTTO Fleet Manager licences are site-specific. For a used OTTO purchase, clarify whether the software licence is included, the licence expiry date, and whether Rockwell/OTTO will support transfer to a new site and owner.
Locus Robotics
Locus operates a robotics-as-a-service model. Most Locus robots are deployed under subscription agreements. Used Locus units are uncommon because the RaaS model means most units remain property of Locus. When they do appear, confirm ownership status carefully -- some units offered on the used market may still be under RaaS agreements.
Geek+ and Other Chinese AMR Platforms
Geek+ and similar Chinese AMR platforms have a smaller UK installed base and less established transfer processes. Software support for used units can be inconsistent. For UK buyers, this represents additional risk compared to MiR or OTTO platforms with established UK support networks.
Battery Health: The Second Critical Check
AMR batteries are the other major variable that separates a good used purchase from a problem purchase.
Battery Types and Expected Life
Most AMR platforms use lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, which offer better cycle life than consumer lithium-ion but still degrade over time. Typical rated cycle life is 2,000-3,000 full charge cycles. A MiR250 running two shifts per day may complete 700+ charge cycles per year, meaning battery packs on a three-year-old robot could be approaching end of service life.
Checking Battery State of Health
For MiR robots, battery state of health data is accessible via the MiR Fleet interface under Diagnostics. Request a screenshot or export showing:
- Total charge cycles completed
- Current state of health percentage (below 75% indicates replacement is needed)
- Any fault codes in battery history
Battery replacement costs:
| Platform | Battery Pack Replacement Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| MiR100 / MiR200 | £3,000-£4,500 |
| MiR250 / MiR500 | £4,000-£6,000 |
| MiR600 / MiR1350 | £5,500-£8,000 |
| OTTO 100 | £3,500-£5,000 |
| OTTO 750 / 1500 | £6,000-£10,000 |
A used MiR250 with poor battery health should be discounted by at least the cost of replacement battery packs. Factor this into your offer.
Safety Sensor Calibration
AMRs rely on laser scanners and 3D depth cameras for safe navigation and obstacle detection. These sensors are safety-rated components under ISO 3691-4 (requirements for driverless industrial trucks). Sensor calibration and safety function validation must be current.
When purchasing a used AMR, ask for:
- The most recent safety validation certificate and its date
- Any history of sensor replacement or recalibration
- Evidence that the safety scanner zones are correctly configured for the intended operating environment
In a new operating environment, a full safety recommissioning by a qualified integrator is strongly recommended regardless of the robot's history. Budget £1,500-£4,000 for this service, which includes remapping the facility, configuring safety zones, and issuing a new conformity declaration for the modified installation.
Lease vs Buy Used
Some UK AMR providers offer lease arrangements for refurbished units, which can be attractive for businesses that want operational expenditure treatment rather than capital expenditure, or that are uncertain about long-term requirements.
Lease rates for refurbished MiR units typically run at £800-£1,500 per month per robot for 24-36 month terms, including maintenance. Outright purchase of a used unit at £15,000-£22,000 with in-house maintenance typically offers better economics for businesses confident in the application, but leasing reduces risk when the deployment is a pilot or the application is uncertain.
Consider lease arrangements when:
- The deployment is a pilot with uncertain long-term volume
- Internal maintenance capability is limited
- The business wants guaranteed uptime rather than asset ownership
- Capital expenditure approval is difficult internally
UK Warehouse Robot Market Outlook
The UK warehouse AMR market is entering a secondhand maturation phase. The wave of 2019-2022 deployments driven by e-commerce growth and pandemic-era labour pressures is now generating a steady stream of used units from businesses that:
- Upgraded to newer, higher-payload platforms
- Exited warehouse operations through consolidation or closure
- Completed initial deployments and replaced units approaching battery end-of-life
MiR units dominate UK used supply, reflecting their strong early market position. OTTO units are present but less common. Both brands have established UK distributor networks capable of supporting transfer and recommissioning.
The primary caution for the UK market is the gap between hardware price and total deployment cost. A used MiR250 at £20,000 requires Wi-Fi assessment and potential upgrade, floor survey, safety commissioning, fleet software transfer, and integration with WMS (warehouse management system). Total deployment cost for a single-robot installation can reach £35,000-£50,000, which is still significantly below a new equivalent deployment but should be planned for rather than discovered.
Browse available used warehouse robots on Robot AutoTrader, or review the Robot Resale Index for depreciation data by AMR model.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a used AMR cost in the UK? Used AMRs sell at 35-50% below new. A used MiR100 sells for £12,000-£18,000 versus £28,000 new. A used MiR250 sells for £18,000-£28,000 versus £45,000 new. Battery condition and fleet software licence status significantly affect actual value.
What is the biggest risk when buying a used AMR? Fleet software licence transfer is the most significant risk. Most AMR systems require an active fleet management software account. If the licence cannot be transferred from the previous owner, the robot hardware may be unusable. Confirm transfer status with the manufacturer before finalising purchase.
What is the difference between an AMR and an AGV? AGVs follow fixed routes defined by physical infrastructure (magnetic tape, wires). AMRs navigate dynamically using SLAM and sensors. AMRs are more flexible and easier to redeploy; AGVs are simpler and cheaper for fixed high-volume routes.
How do I check battery health on a used AMR? Request the battery management system log showing total charge cycles and current state of health percentage. For MiR units, this is accessible via MiR Fleet Diagnostics. Battery packs below 75% state of health need replacement, which costs £3,000-£6,000 depending on the platform.
Can I use a single used AMR without fleet management software? Yes. A single AMR can typically operate in standalone mode with a local mission interface. For multi-robot fleets, fleet management software is essential. Clarify with the seller whether the unit is activated for standalone operation.
What does safety recommissioning cost for a used AMR? Budget £1,500-£4,000 for professional safety recommissioning in a new operating environment. This includes remapping the facility, configuring safety zones, and issuing a new conformity declaration. This is strongly recommended regardless of the robot's history when deploying in a new site.
Where can I find used warehouse robots in the UK? Sources include specialist automation resellers, industrial auctions, and direct business disposals. Browse current UK listings on Robot AutoTrader. Also see the robot depreciation guide for guidance on which AMR models hold value best.