An AMR's control and perception loops run on wired links, where timing is guaranteed. Wireless connects the robot to everything outside itself: fleet systems, monitoring tools, and the technician performing setup or diagnostics.
Some technologies can serve more than one role depending on implementation. The following table assigns each technology its primary, representative role.
Some technologies can serve more than one role depending on implementation. The following table assigns each technology its primary, representative role.
Main functions
The following table shows various connectivity technologies used in an AMR and the function each serves in the robot.
| Technology | Medium | Function | Role in the AMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAN | Wired | Wheel drive | Real-time coordination between motor controllers and the main controller |
| EtherCAT | Wired | Wheel drive | Synchronized control across multiple drive axes when CAN's bandwidth is insufficient |
| Ethernet | Wired | Navigation, fleet management | High-bandwidth links to cameras and LiDAR, plus the charging dock's data uplink |
| Serial | Wired | Configuration and diagnostics, wheel drive (legacy) | Low-cost commissioning and status link |
| USB | Wired | Configuration and diagnostics | Direct technician connection for setup, updates, and troubleshooting |
| Wi-Fi | Wireless | Fleet management | Remote monitoring, teleoperation video, fleet telemetry |
| Cellular | Wireless | Fleet management | Wide-area fleet telemetry beyond Wi-Fi coverage |
| Bluetooth LE | Wireless | Configuration and diagnostics | Local pairing and lightweight diagnostics from a handheld device |
| NFC | Wireless | Configuration and diagnostics | Tap-based identification and credential handoff |