Finance for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) – Materials Handling Equipment Finance for UK Businesses

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are transforming the UK Materials
Handling Equipment (MHE) sector by enabling automated internal transport within warehouses,
factories, distribution centres, and high-volume logistics facilities. These technologies reduce
manual labour, improve consistency, and support scalable, data-driven operations aligned with modern
automation strategies.

Gable Business Finance specialises in arranging asset finance for AGV and AMR systems,
supporting UK businesses investing in automation to increase throughput, improve safety, and manage
labour challenges. Funding is available for new, used, and phased deployments, whether equipment is
purchased outright or delivered as part of an integrated automation project.

What Are AGVs and AMRs?

AGVs and AMRs are mobile robots designed to move materials autonomously within facilities. While
often grouped together, they differ in how they navigate and adapt to their environments.

• AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles): Follow predefined routes using guides such as
  floor markers, magnetic tape, wires, QR codes, or reflectors. They are well suited to predictable,
  repeatable transport tasks.
• AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots): Use sensors, cameras, and software to navigate
  dynamically, avoiding obstacles and optimising routes in real time. They are ideal for flexible,
  changing environments.

Both technologies are used to move pallets, totes, roll cages, and carts between processes with
minimal human intervention.

The Role of AGVs and AMRs in the UK MHE Sector

UK businesses adopt AGVs and AMRs to automate repetitive internal transport tasks that traditionally
require forklifts, pallet trucks, or manual handling. As labour availability tightens and
operational efficiency becomes critical, automation delivers consistent performance across shifts.

Common applications include:

• Moving pallets between inbound docks and storage
• Supplying production lines in manufacturing
• Transporting totes in e-commerce fulfilment
• Linking picking, packing, and despatch areas
• Reducing forklift traffic in shared spaces

By automating these flows, AGVs and AMRs help businesses maintain throughput while improving safety
and predictability.

Industries Using AGVs and AMRs in the UK

AGV and AMR adoption is growing rapidly across a range of UK industries:

• Warehousing and logistics: Automated pallet and tote transport in high-volume
  distribution centres.
• E-commerce fulfilment: Fast, flexible movement of orders to meet tight
  delivery windows.
• Manufacturing and assembly: Just-in-time delivery of components to workstations.
• Food and drink: Clean, repeatable transport in hygienic environments.
• Pharmaceutical and healthcare: Secure movement of sensitive goods with full
  traceability.

In many cases, AGVs and AMRs operate alongside forklifts, conveyors, and racking as part of a hybrid
materials handling strategy.

Benefits of AGVs and AMRs for UK Businesses

• Reduced labour dependency: Automates repetitive transport tasks.
• Improved consistency: Predictable movement and scheduling.
• Enhanced safety: Sensors and controlled speeds reduce collision risk.
• Scalability: Systems can be expanded as volumes grow.
• Data visibility: Real-time tracking supports performance optimisation.

These benefits make AGVs and AMRs attractive investments for businesses facing growth, labour
constraints, or the need for higher operational control.

AGVs vs AMRs – Choosing the Right Solution

The choice between AGVs and AMRs depends on operational complexity and flexibility requirements:

• AGVs suit stable layouts with consistent routes and high repetition.
• AMRs suit dynamic environments with changing layouts and mixed traffic.

Gable Business Finance works alongside suppliers and integrators to ensure funding structures align
with the selected technology and deployment model.

Why Finance AGV and AMR Systems?

AGV and AMR systems often involve significant upfront investment, particularly where software,
integration, and infrastructure are included. Asset finance allows UK businesses to implement
automation while preserving cash for inventory, staffing, and growth.

Businesses choose to finance AGVs and AMRs to:

• Spread costs over the system’s operational life
• Align repayments with productivity gains
• Enable phased rollouts across sites
• Upgrade technology without large capital outlay
• Combine robot finance with wider MHE projects

AGV and AMR Finance Options from Gable Business Finance

Hire Purchase

Hire purchase allows businesses to own AGV or AMR systems over time, making it suitable for
long-term automation investments.

Leasing

Leasing provides flexibility where technology may evolve rapidly or where businesses plan regular
upgrades.

Refinance

Existing automation assets owned outright can sometimes be refinanced to release capital for
expansion or further automation.

New, Used, and Phased Deployment Finance

Gable Business Finance can arrange funding for:

• New AGV and AMR systems
• Used or refurbished robots
• Phased deployments aligned with growth plans

This flexibility allows businesses to adopt automation at a pace that matches operational and
budgetary requirements.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

AGVs and AMRs contribute to safer working environments by reducing manual handling and vehicle
traffic. Modern systems incorporate obstacle detection, emergency stops, and controlled speeds to
support UK health and safety compliance.

Financing automation allows businesses to improve safety standards without delaying investment due
to capital constraints.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) – Materials Handling Equipment Finance for UK Businesses

AGV and AMR Finance from Gable Business Finance supports UK materials handling
businesses investing in automated internal transport. Asset finance is available for Automated
Guided Vehicles and Autonomous Mobile Robots through hire purchase, leasing, and refinance options.

Conclusion

AGVs and AMRs are redefining internal logistics across the UK materials handling sector. By automating
transport tasks, they improve consistency, safety, and scalability in high-volume facilities.

Gable Business Finance provides specialist funding solutions that enable UK businesses to invest in
automation technologies while protecting cash flow and supporting long-term operational efficiency.

© 2026 Gable Business Finance. Specialist asset finance brokers for the UK materials handling sector.