In factory automation, smart logistics, and commercial delivery, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs and AGVs) have become essential tools for improving efficiency and reducing labor costs. However, a robot’s real-world performance depends heavily on one critical component: its mobile base or chassis.
Faced with a wide variety of chassis options, many buyers ask:
“Should I choose differential drive or omnidirectional wheels?”
“My goods are heavy—do I need four-wheel drive?”
“Can AMRs work in old factories without infrastructure changes?”
This article breaks down the key parameters of AMR chassis—drive type, load capacity, and deployment difficulty—to help you make the right decision for your automation project.
1. Drive Type Determines Mobility and Suitability
| Drive Type | Key Features | Recommended Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Differential Drive | Low cost, simple structure, route-dependent | E-commerce warehouses, small loads |
| Omnidirectional Wheels | Can move sideways, diagonally, rotate in place | Smart factories, narrow aisles |
| Differential + Steering | Balance of load capacity and maneuverability | Autonomous forklifts, mid-range use |
| Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) | Strong traction, terrain capable, heavy loads | Outdoor logistics, industrial payloads |
👉 Want to learn more about chassis structure and movement logic? Check out Avoid Costly Mistakes: How to Choose the Right AMR Chassis from 4 Proven Types
2. Load Capacity Affects What You Can Move
Before choosing a chassis, ask yourself: What type of items will the robot transport? Pallets? Bins? Or just small packages and meals?
| Payload Capacity | Suggested Application |
|---|---|
| ≤ 50 kg | Service robots, document delivery, food bots |
| 50–300 kg | Medium-sized bins, order carts |
| 300–1500 kg | Pallet handling, bulk materials |
| > 1500 kg (custom) | Heavy-duty AGVs, industrial mobile robots |
For example, ChassisWorld offers a wide range of chassis options—from lightweight platforms to high-load solutions—suitable for enterprises at various stages of automation.
3. Deployment Difficulty Impacts Time and Cost
One common concern is: “How long does it take to deploy?” Especially in old buildings, offices, or hospitals where modification is difficult.
Different navigation methods come with different installation requirements:
| Navigation Type | On-Site Setup Required | Mapping Time | Deployment Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic/QR Navigation | Yes | Slow (post-install) | High |
| Laser SLAM | No | Moderate | Medium |
| Laser + Vision Fusion | No | Fast (~30 mins) | Low, plug-and-play |
For example, Reeman’s AMR chassis products adopt a proprietary laser + vision fusion navigation system. No need for QR codes or tracks. As long as Wi-Fi and power are available, the system can be fully mapped and deployed within 30 minutes—ideal for time-sensitive or infrastructure-limited environments.
4. Future-Proofing: Does It Support Multi-Robot Control and Elevators?
If you plan to deploy robots across multiple floors or scale to dozens of units, it’s critical that your chassis supports:
- ✅ Multi-robot fleet scheduling
- ✅ Elevator integration
- ✅ Map sharing and remote OTA updates
- ✅ Open APIs for WMS/MES connectivity
- ✅ Autonomous charging
5. Conclusion: Choosing the Right Chassis Is Half the Battle
The performance, flexibility, and ROI of your mobile robot project depend greatly on selecting the right chassis. Here’s a quick checklist to guide your decision:
- Define your payload size and work environment (indoor/outdoor, multi-floor)
- Decide if you need omnidirectional movement or fleet collaboration
- Choose plug-and-play chassis with SLAM + vision navigation to reduce setup costs
- Refer to proven project cases and choose stable, reliable brands
Want to explore the right AMR chassis for your use case? Visit the Reeman Official Website or browse the ChassisWorld Platform to discover chassis solutions with various drive types, load ranges, and deployment flexibility.