Questions before you automate

Before you automate, ask the right questions about your workflow, your site, and what it takes to deploy AMRs successfully.

An Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) moves materials through your facility with minimal manual intervention. Using sensors, software, and digital maps, it navigates between destinations, detects obstacles, and adapts to changing routes and traffic.

AMRs move totes, boxes, carts, racks, components, and clinical supplies between storage areas, workstations, production lines, and departments. They handle repeatable tasks such as point-to-point delivery, scheduled missions, and pick-and-drop workflows. With the right system design, they can also connect with fleet-management software, WMS, MES, and ERP systems, as well as automatic doors and lifts.

Every operation has different requirements, so the right AMR solution begins with understanding the workflow. Our engineers assess the payload, routes, handoff points, site conditions, safety requirements, and system interfaces before defining a solution that fits the operation.

There is no fixed price for implementing AMRs. The total investment depends on the complete automation system, including the robots, charging stations, load-handling equipment, fleet-management software, site assessment, workflow design, system integration, testing and support.

The main cost drivers include:

  • Fleet size: How many AMRs are needed for the workflow
  • Payload: The weight, dimensions and handling requirements of the materials
  • Route complexity: Straightforward routes are usually simpler to scope and implement, while workflows spanning multiple areas may require more planning
  • Site conditions: Floor layout, traffic levels, docking areas, lifts and automatic doors
  • Integration requirements: Connections to WMS, MES or ERP systems
  • Special requirements: Custom load handling, busy shared spaces or unique workflow needs

SESTO first maps your material flow, transfer frequency, destinations, and operating conditions before defining the fleet and implementation scope. This ensures the estimate reflects your actual workflow and not just the price of a standalone robot.

Our sales team can provide a tailored estimate and explain the cost breakdown, project scope, and next steps based on your site requirements.

Yes. SESTO autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can be integrated with automatic doors and elevators, enabling autonomous material transport across multiple areas or floors.

Our AMR communicates with door and elevator systems to request access, pass safely through doorways, travel between floors and continue its assigned route. This supports reliable intralogistics workflows in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, hospitals, and other complex environments.

For each deployment, our engineers will assess the facility layout, traffic flow, safety requirements, and existing building systems to design the appropriate door and elevator integration.

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) typically integrate with WMS, MES, and ERP systems through fleet-management software, middleware, or API connections. These systems create or trigger transport requests, while the fleet manager assigns missions, coordinates traffic, and monitors robot performance.

  • WMS: Coordinates material movement between storage, picking, packing and dispatch areas.
  • MES: Requests material delivery to production lines, workstations and assembly areas.
  • ERP: Connects material-handling activities with orders, production schedules, inventory planning and business operations.

The AMR system can send status updates, completed missions and exception alerts back to the relevant software. Integration may use APIs, PLC signals or other industrial communication interfaces, depending on the facility’s existing systems.

SESTO engineers assess the software architecture, data flows, handoff points, and operational requirements before defining the right AMR integration approach. This allows autonomous mobile robots to work as part of the wider material-handling and warehouse automation system and not as standalone equipment.

The time required to deploy an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solution depends on the workflow, facility layout, number of robots, system integrations, and site readiness. A focused pilot with defined routes and minimal interfaces can be deployed faster than a multi-robot system integrated with WMS, MES, ERP, automatic doors, lifts and complex traffic flows.

SESTO’s AMR deployment process typically includes:

  • Workflow and site assessment
  • AMR solution design and safety review
  • System integration and site preparation
  • Testing, commissioning and operator training
  • Phased go-live and performance optimisation

Rather than applying a standard timeline, SESTO builds a project plan around the operation. This helps ensure the AMR system is safe, reliable and ready to scale across manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare and other material-handling environments.

AMRs can automate repetitive, point-to-point material movement across manufacturing, warehousing, intralogistics and healthcare facilities. Depending on the payload and top module, common AMR applications include:

  • Moving raw materials and components from storage to production lines
  • Delivering work-in-progress materials between workstations
  • Replenishing line-side bins, totes, racks and containers
  • Transferring finished goods to staging, storage or dispatch areas
  • Moving carts, shelves and other load carriers
  • Collecting and returning empty containers, trays or racks
  • Supporting kitting, scheduled deliveries and inventory replenishment
  • Transporting meals, linen, medicines, lab samples and sterile supplies between hospital departments

A typical AMR workflow follows collect → move → deliver. AMRs are best suited to predictable, repeatable transport between defined pick-up and drop-off points. Where required, they can also be integrated with WMS, MES and ERP systems, conveyors, automatic doors, lifts and docking stations.

SESTO studies the workflow first, then designs the AMR material-handling solution around the payload, route, transport frequency and operating environment.

AMRs can automate repetitive, point-to-point material movement across manufacturing, warehousing, intralogistics and healthcare facilities. Depending on the payload and top module, common AMR applications include:

  • Moving raw materials and components from storage to production lines
  • Delivering work-in-progress materials between workstations
  • Replenishing line-side bins, totes, racks and containers
  • Transferring finished goods to staging, storage or dispatch areas
  • Moving carts, shelves and other load carriers
  • Collecting and returning empty containers, trays or racks
  • Supporting kitting, scheduled deliveries and inventory replenishment
  • Transporting meals, linen, medicines, lab samples and sterile supplies between hospital departments

A typical AMR workflow follows collect → move → deliver. AMRs are best suited to predictable, repeatable transport between defined pick-up and drop-off points. Where required, they can also be integrated with WMS, MES and ERP systems, conveyors, automatic doors, lifts and docking stations.

SESTO studies the workflow first, then designs the AMR material-handling solution around the payload, route, transport frequency and operating environment.

Yes. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are well suited to repetitive point-to-point deliveries between defined pick-up and drop-off locations. They can collect materials from storage and deliver them to workstations, production lines, staging areas or other departments with minimal manual intervention.

A typical SESTO workflow is:

REQUEST → COLLECT → MOVE → DELIVER

AMRs can support scheduled deliveries, pick-and-drop tasks and the return of empty containers across manufacturing, warehousing, intralogistics and healthcare facilities. When required, they can also integrate with WMS, MES and ERP systems, automatic doors, lifts and other facility interfaces.

There is no fixed number of AMRs that suits every facility. The right AMR fleet size depends on what moves, where it moves and how often it moves.

SESTO evaluates:

  • Number and frequency of delivery missions
  • Travel distance, routes and human traffic
  • Payload and load-interface requirements
  • Pick-up, drop-off and handoff points
  • Doors, lifts, docking stations and charging needs
  • Peak demand, operating hours and required throughput
  • WMS, MES, ERP and fleet-management integration

A simple workflow may require one AMR, while larger operations may need multiple robots running simultaneous missions. SESTO maps the complete process—REQUEST → COLLECT → MOVE → DELIVER—then determines the most suitable AMR fleet size and task allocation for the facility. 

Yes. AMRs can adapt to changing workflows, especially when the task remains repeatable but routes, destinations, or production requirements change. They can support updated missions, new delivery points, changing priorities, and rerouting around traffic or temporary obstructions.

With SESTO, MagFleet coordinates AMR missions, routes, task priorities, charging and shared facility interfaces such as automatic doors and lifts. AMRs can also integrate with WMS, MES and ERP systems to align material movement with wider operations.

However, not every changing workflow is automatically suitable for AMR automation. SESTO first assesses the material flow, payload, handoff points, site conditions, and safety requirements before validating the solution.

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems through SESTO’s MagFleet fleet-management software.

Your existing systems continue to manage inventory, production orders and schedules. MagFleet receives transport orders and turns them into AMR missions, coordinating what needs to move, where it should be collected and delivered, and when the task is complete. It can also send back task status, completion times and exception information, giving your team better visibility and traceability.

Depending on your facility, SESTO can connect MagFleet through REST APIs, middleware, PLC, or IoT interfaces. We review how information moves between your systems, map the material-handling workflow, and test the integration before deployment. This allows your AMRs to work as part of your existing operation rather than as standalone robots.

Yes. AMR integration can connect autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) with existing software such as SAP, WMS, MES, and ERP systems. In many cases, companies can add AMRs without replacing their current software, depending on the system architecture and available interfaces.

SESTO first maps how your software creates and tracks material-movement requests. MAGFLEET connects these requests to the AMR fleet through REST APIs or, where required, middleware. It turns each request into a delivery mission and returns progress, completion, and exception updates.

The exact integration approach depends on your workflow and systems. SESTO configures and tests the connection so your existing software and AMRs operate as one connected material-flow system.

AMR transport tasks are sent from a warehouse management system (WMS) or manufacturing execution system (MES) to SESTO’s MAGFLEET fleet-management software.

When material needs to move, the WMS or MES sends the task details—such as what needs to move, where it should be collected and where it should be delivered—to MAGFLEET.

MAGFLEET translates the request into an AMR mission and assigns it to an available robot. It can then return progress, completion, timestamps and exception updates, giving your team visibility from the original request to final delivery.

SESTO connects the workflow through a REST API and, where required, an adapter layer that translates data between systems. This keeps WMS or MES processes connected to the AMR fleet for scheduled, repeatable or on-demand material movement.

 

Yes. AMR integration can connect autonomous mobile robots with conveyors, machines and production lines for automated material movement.

For example, an AMR can deliver a tote, tray or pallet to a conveyor or workstation for the next stage of production. This supports workflows such as line-side replenishment, work-in-progress transport, machine tending and finished-goods transfer.

SESTO designs the integration around your equipment, handoff points and workflow requirements. MAGFLEET coordinates AMR routing, task allocation, and real-time monitoring, while the required API or equipment interface is configured and tested so the AMR and connected systems work together as intended.

The infrastructure needed for AMR integration depends on your workflow, site layout, and existing systems. It may include a reliable facility network, suitable routes, charging and docking stations, payload handoff points, and connections to doors, lifts, conveyors, machines, or production lines.

SESTO assesses the complete material flow, including corridor widths, traffic, floor conditions, lift dimensions, door access, transfer points and charging requirements. We also review the software and equipment interfaces needed for AMRs to receive tasks and complete deliveries.

MAGFLEET provides fleet management, routing, task allocation, and real-time monitoring. SESTO then configures and tests the required connections around your operation, so your AMRs can work within your existing facility with infrastructure matched to the workflow.

Yes, AMRs can operate around people and forklifts when the application is designed for the facility. AMR safety depends on more than obstacle detection. It also depends on pedestrian movement, forklift routes, crossings, visibility, travel speed, payload, and the way materials move through the site.

SESTO starts with an assessment of your site and workflow. We review where people and manual vehicles travel, how the AMR will share those routes, and where it will pick up and deliver loads. We then define suitable routes, controlled speeds, crossings and operating rules for the application.

MagFleet helps coordinate routes, tasks and traffic across the AMR fleet, while the AMR’s safety functions respond to people and obstacles in its path. This creates more predictable movement in shared spaces, with safety designed around the complete workflow.

Yes, AMRs can be designed to navigate pedestrian crossings, blind corners, and shared traffic, but each route must be assessed for the specific facility.

SESTO reviews pedestrian and forklift movement, visibility, crossing points, entrances, and handoff areas. We then define suitable routes, controlled speeds, crossing rules and operating zones around the way your facility works.

MagFleet coordinates AMR routes, tasks, and traffic in real time, while the AMR follows the safety behaviours configured for the application. This helps create predictable movement in shared spaces, with safety built into the complete workflow.

When an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) detects an obstacle or a blocked route, it follows the response configured for that application. This may include controlled stopping, waiting for the path to clear or taking an approved alternative route.

If the route remains blocked, the event is treated as an exception. MagFleet provides visibility of the AMR’s location, task status and route condition, while the configured workflow can notify an operator or supervisor when human action is needed.

SESTO defines these recovery procedures around the facility, including temporary obstructions, closed access points and unavailable handoff stations. This gives each AMR a clear response when conditions change, instead of relying on obstacle detection alone.

SESTO AMRs monitor their battery level and are designed to return to a charging station before power becomes critically low. This means an AMR should not stop halfway through a planned task because of normal battery depletion.

If Wi-Fi or communication with the fleet management system is interrupted, the AMR follows the safety and recovery behaviour configured for the application. Depending on the situation, it may stop in a controlled manner, hold its task or wait for communication to be restored.

MagFleet provides visibility of AMR status, location, task progress and exceptions when the connection is available. During deployment, SESTO reviews network coverage, charging locations, recovery points and operator procedures so the response is planned around your site and workflow

The best way to know whether an AMR is safe for your facility is through a site-specific workflow and risk assessment. AMR safety depends on the complete operating environment and not on obstacle detection alone.

SESTO reviews pedestrian and forklift traffic, crossings, blind corners, floor conditions, payloads, travel routes, handoff points, and access to doors or lifts. We then define suitable routes, operating speeds, traffic rules, and recovery procedures around the way your facility operates.

Before deployment, the solution is tested against the agreed workflow and applicable safety requirements. This helps confirm that the AMR can move predictably, handle its load, and respond appropriately when site conditions change.

AMRs can deliver a return on investment (ROI) when they are used for frequent, repeatable material movements that require significant manual handling time or create operational delays. The time to see a return depends on your workflow, not simply the number of robots.

SESTO builds the business case from your operational data, including transport frequency, manual handling time, shift coverage, waiting time, throughput, fleet size and integration requirements. We compare the expected operational benefits with the full project scope, including AMRs, charging, software, engineering, commissioning and support.

Because every facility is different, there is no standard payback period. SESTO’s sales team can review your workflow, explain the cost breakdown, and estimate the potential ROI and AMR payback period for your site. Where applicable, grants or funding support may also reduce the upfront investment.

The time it takes to see a return on your AMR investment depends on the workflow, operating hours, and value created. It’s not simply the number of robots. ROI is usually stronger when AMRs handle frequent, repeatable material movements that require significant manual transport time or cause operational delays.

SESTO evaluates transport frequency, manual handling time, shift coverage, waiting time, throughput, fleet size and integration requirements. We compare these factors with the total project scope, including AMRs, charging, software, engineering, commissioning, and support.

Because every operation is different, there is no standard payback period. SESTO’s sales team can review your workflow, explain the cost breakdown, and estimate the potential ROI and payback period for your site. Where applicable, grants or funding support may also reduce the upfront investment.

AMR running and maintenance costs depend on the robot model, workload, operating hours, site conditions and level of support required.

There is no standard cost for every facility. SESTO’s sales team can review your workflow and explain the expected investment, operating requirements and next steps for your AMR project.

Yes, AMRs can help reduce labour costs by taking on repetitive, point-to-point material transport. This reduces the time employees spend on routine trips, waiting, and manual handling, allowing them to focus on production, quality, and other work that requires human judgement.

The potential labour savings depend on transport frequency, operating hours, shift patterns, staffing requirements and workflow design. SESTO reviews these factors to identify where AMRs can reduce manpower hours and improve productivity.

The goal is not simply to replace people with robots. It is to automate predictable internal movement and make better use of your existing team. SESTO can assess your workflow and help estimate the potential labour savings and AMR ROI for your facility.

Yes. Depending on your location, company profile and project scope, grants or funding support may be available for AMR automation.

In Singapore, eligible automation and digitalisation projects may be considered under Enterprise Singapore programmes such as the EDGE Grant. In Europe, funding varies by country, region and industry, so there is no single grant that applies to every AMR project.

SESTO can review your workflow, explain the relevant funding options and outline the information needed for an application. Contact our team to discuss your AMR project and current grant options.

AMR deployment time depends on your workflow, facility layout, fleet size, site readiness, and required integrations. A straightforward point-to-point application is usually simpler to deploy than a multi-zone operation involving doors, lifts, or WMS, MES, and ERP connections.

SESTO starts by reviewing your material movement and site requirements. We then configure the AMRs and MagFleet, set up routes and system connections, and complete testing, commissioning, and operator training before go-live.

Every project is different, so our sales team will provide a deployment plan and estimated timeline based on your facility.

Before deploying AMRs, you should have a clear picture of what moves, where it moves, how often it moves, and how each load is handled. A current site layout is also useful, including travel routes, pickup and drop-off points, pedestrian and forklift traffic, floor conditions, and charging areas.

SESTO reviews this information to confirm the AMR configuration, routes, docking points, network coverage and any connections to doors, lifts, WMS, MES or ERP systems. We then use the findings to plan testing and team training before go-live.

You do not need to define the complete solution on your own. SESTO can assess your facility and help identify what is needed before deployment begins.

Yes. AMRs can often be deployed in existing factories, warehouses, hospitals, and other facilities without rebuilding the entire site.

Some adjustments may still be needed, such as defining pickup and drop-off points, preparing charging areas, improving network coverage, or integrating doors, lifts and existing systems. The requirements depend on your workflow, floor conditions, traffic and operating environment.

SESTO assesses your facility and maps the AMR routes around your existing operation. We then configure and test the solution to support a practical deployment with minimal disruption.

Before an AMR goes live, SESTO tests the complete workflow.

Testing typically happens in two stages: the solution is checked before delivery, and then the AMR is tested in the actual facility. We verify navigation, payload handling, pickup and drop-off points, docking, traffic and safety responses, as well as connections to doors, lifts, MagFleet, WMS, MES and ERP systems. We also test how the AMR responds when a route is blocked or a task cannot be completed.

SESTO reviews the results with your team and makes the necessary adjustments before the AMR system goes live.

At SESTO, support continues after your AMR system goes live. We provide operator training, handover guidance and technical support to help your team use the solution confidently.

AMR training covers daily operation, creating transport tasks, loading and unloading, charging, basic recovery and monitoring the fleet through MagFleet. Depending on the project, support may also include troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, route or docking adjustments, and updates when your workflow or facility changes.

As your operation grows, SESTO can help optimise the workflow or scale the AMR solution. The exact support scope depends on your deployment and service requirements.