AMR, AGV & Intralogistics Automation calculator

Material Move Cost Calculator Calculator

Cost per move helps compare manual transport, AMR missions, AGV routes, tugger loops, and conveyor-fed transfers on the same basis. This calculator captures variable move cost plus fixed route, integration, or dispatch cost for a planning period.

What this calculator does

  • Estimate cost per material move from completed moves, cost per move, automation capture share, and fixed route or integration cost.
  • an intralogistics planner needs to estimate the cost impact of pallet, cart, tote, or WIP moves
  • Returns the total move cost for the entered automation, manual, or hybrid material-flow scenario.

Formula used

  • Variable material move cost = completed material moves × variable cost per move × moves captured by automation scenario
  • Total material move cost = variable material move cost + fixed route, staging, or integration cost

Inputs explained

  • Completed material moves: undefined
  • Variable cost per move: undefined
  • Moves captured by automation scenario: undefined
  • Fixed route, staging, or integration cost: undefined

How to use the result

  • Use it for cost-per-pallet, cost-per-tote, route comparison, vendor proposals, and labor-versus-automation business cases.
  • The estimate depends on move definitions, load mix, travel distance, wait time, support labor, exceptions, depreciation, and maintenance assumptions.

Common questions

  • What counts as a completed material move? Use a consistent event such as one pallet move, tote delivery, cart trip, line-side replenishment, or WIP transfer.
  • What should be included in variable cost per move? Include labor, robot operating cost, equipment wear, service fees, or other variable costs tied to each move.
  • What does the capture share mean? It is the percentage of total moves included in this scenario, such as moves assigned to AMRs rather than manual forklifts.
  • How can I use the result? Use it to compare transport modes, estimate project savings, price internal logistics services, or prioritize high-cost routes.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.