Porter AMR | Autonomous Pallet Mover | Ocado Group

Porter is a heavy-duty AMR that uses physical AI to automate pallet and cage movement across putaway, replenishment and cross-docking, while supporting more productive case-picking workflows. Carrying loads of up to 3,300 lb or 1,500 kg, Porter AMR reduces repetitive manual handling and physical strain, lowers the risk of safety incidents associated with powered pallet trucks and reduces dependence on hard-to-hire forklift operators.

Ocado IQ provides the intelligence behind the operation, assigning tasks, planning routes and coordinating associates, robots and workflows in real time. As priorities and conditions change, it dynamically adjusts work to maintain flow, improve efficiency and support reliable execution.

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Porter AMR transporting a pallet of shrink-wrapped cardboard boxes through a warehouse

Keep products moving without tying up skilled labor

Routine pallet and cage journeys consume operator time, add physical strain and increase dependence on hard-to-hire forklift drivers. Porter AMR automates repeatable movement across receiving, putaway, replenishment and cross-docking, as well as transport to and from case-picking areas. Materials reach the next process autonomously and reliably while associates focus on picking, exception handling and decisions that require human judgment. Fewer manual journeys can also reduce exposure to risks associated with forklifts and powered pallet trucks.

Start with one high-volume workflow and expand as operational needs evolve, all connected and coordinated through Ocado IQ. Ocado assesses load types, routes, traffic patterns and handoff points to design each solution around your existing processes and keep materials flowing efficiently across the operation.

Choose the picking strategy that fits the operation

Porter AMR supports two distinct picking strategies. The same robot carries the load in each, while Ocado IQ directs the work and the Ocado IQ App provides guidance to the associate.

Porter AMR carrying a pallet of boxes between warehouse storage racks

Goods-to-Person case picking without fixed infrastructure

Porter AMR brings inventory pallets to a software-defined picking area, where associates remain in place and build outbound pallets using guided prompts. This strategy is ideal for high-case-count operations, enabling associates to pick multiple cases from the same inventory pallet with less travel and higher productivity. Porter AMR then moves completed pallets to the next process.

Because picking areas are defined in software, there is no need to install dedicated workstation hardware or alter the warehouse infrastructure. Operations can reposition picking areas, rebalance work and add capacity as volumes change, making it easier to meet peak demand and expand without the cost or constraints of fixed automation.

Overhead view of a warehouse associate picking boxes beside a pallet

Person-to-Goods case picking with less driving and handling

Porter AMR travels through the aisles alongside the associate, carrying the pallet or cage as cases and bulky items are picked directly onto the load. Once picking is complete, Porter AMR transports the finished load to the next process or drop-off point.

This strategy keeps associates focused on picking instead of repeatedly driving, mounting and dismounting powered equipment. It reduces non-productive travel and physical strain, improves workflow continuity and increases case-picking productivity while reducing dependence on forklifts and powered pallet trucks.

Use Porter AMR across the warehouse flow

Transport and putaway

Move compatible pallets between receiving, storage and working areas. Porter AMR can collect suitable pallets from the floor without dedicated pallet stands.

Cross-docking

Move incoming pallets from receiving towards the outbound area when they do not need intermediate storage.

Replenishment, inventory moves and returns

Move stock to pick faces, transfer inventory between locations and return suitable loads to storage.

Sortation and dispatch

Direct loads towards the appropriate dock door or shipping lane according to the workflow agreed for the deployment.

Warehouse operator monitoring operational dashboards across two computer screens

More flow does not have to mean more forklift journeys

Increasing throughput can create more transport work between receiving, storage, picking and dispatch. Ocado IQ assigns tasks, plans routes and coordinates Porter AMR with associates and other robots, helping each load reach the right place at the right time without relying on an operator for every journey.

Associates receive clear task guidance through Porter AMR’s touchscreen and controls, while the Ocado IQ App can extend that guidance to suitable handheld devices. The Bridge gives supervisors live visibility of robots, tasks, queues and workloads, helping them identify issues and keep material moving as priorities and conditions change.

This software-led approach connects pallet movement to the processes at both ends of every journey, improving flow and giving operators another way to increase capacity before adding more forklifts or transport labor.

Deploy pallet automation in your existing warehouse

Porter AMR is designed to work with existing racking, warehouse layouts and standard Wi-Fi, without requiring an on-premises server. Porter AMR can transport loads of up to 3,300 lb or 1,500 kg, without the counterbalance required by conventional lift equipment. This creates a more compact vehicle footprint, helping Porter AMR maneuver through existing warehouse layouts and use space more efficiently.
Works with existing racking and standard Wi-Fi
With less clearance needed for the vehicle body and turning movements, operators can automate heavy-load transport without redesigning the facility around larger counterbalanced equipment.

Deployment starts with the loads, routes, traffic, handoffs and systems involved in the selected workflow. Ocado then configures Porter AMR and integrates it with the relevant warehouse management, execution or control systems, connecting automated transport to the processes already in place.
Requires no on-premises server
Integrates with established warehouse systems

Detect obstacles from every direction and respond in real time

Porter AMR combines full 360-degree LiDAR coverage with an advanced vision system and intelligent navigation. Together, these technologies create a continuous view of the surrounding environment, allowing Porter AMR to detect people, equipment and other obstacles as it moves through busy, changing warehouse spaces.

When conditions change, Porter AMR can adjust its speed, alter its route or stop as required. This real-time response helps it move safely alongside associates and other equipment without relying on fixed paths or separate operating zones.

Porter AMR carrying an empty wooden pallet through a warehouse

Multiple layers of operational protection

Obstacle detection is supported by emergency-stop controls, stability and overspeed safety systems, and visual and audible signals that make Porter AMR’s presence and movements clear to people nearby. Its functional safety systems are rated to EN ISO 13849-1 PLd, and Porter AMR complies with EN ISO 3691-4 and ANSI B56.5.

Warehouse associate using Porter AMR's manual tiller beside a pallet of boxes

Manual control when intervention is needed

If an unexpected obstacle or automation exception requires human intervention, an associate can use Porter AMR’s manual tiller for precise control. The onboard touchscreen provides a live view from the front-facing camera, helping the operator maneuver the robot safely in manual mode.

Together, these measures help Porter AMR automate heavy-load movement while protecting associates, inventory and equipment across the operation.

Porter AMR handles compatible pallets with payloads up to 3,300 lb or 1,500 kg. Adapters support compatible cages; load dimensions and handling requirements need to be checked.