Modern warehouses are going vertical. Multi-floor designs help maximize space, but they also bring a new challenge: how do autonomous forklifts move between floors?
Unlike traditional forklifts operated by humans, AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) forklifts must navigate elevators on their own—without supervision, without buttons, and without mistakes.
In this article, we’ll explore how AMR forklifts achieve fully automated multi-floor operations, and what you need to prepare to make it work in your facility.
Why Multi-Floor Access Matters
In older factories and urban warehouses, space is limited. Building upward is more cost-effective than expanding outward. But without automation across floors, you’ll still rely on:
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Manual forklift transfer
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Labor-intensive elevator coordination
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Bottlenecks in vertical movement
That’s where AMR forklifts with elevator integration come in. They enable fully autonomous material flow across all levels of your facility—24/7, without operators.
How AMR Forklifts Ride Elevators Automatically
Here’s how it works in practice:
1. Elevator Mapping and Recognition
AMRs use sensors (like LiDAR or 3D cameras) to locate the elevator, recognize door status, and align precisely with the entrance.
2. Communication with Elevator System
There are two common ways an AMR communicates with elevators:
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Dry contact integration (wired signal exchange)
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IoT or network-based control (e.g., via RS485, Modbus, TCP/IP)
The AMR sends a request to call the elevator. Once the door opens and it’s safe, it enters and triggers the desired floor.
3. Safety and Position Confirmation
Once inside, the robot:
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Confirms door closure
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Monitors elevator motion
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Confirms arrival via floor sensors or elevator feedback
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Exits only when fully aligned and doors are open
4. Autonomous Path Resumption
After exiting, the AMR resumes its planned route on the new floor—seamlessly and autonomously.
What’s Needed to Make It Work?
To implement AMR forklifts in a multi-story warehouse, you’ll need:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Elevator Compatibility | The elevator must allow external control (via API or I/O signals) |
| Stable Wi-Fi or Mesh Network | Ensures real-time communication between AMR and elevator system |
| Precise SLAM Navigation | Enables accurate docking and safe movement |
| Customized Deployment | Floor-by-floor mapping and testing is required |
Tip: Some AMRs support plug-and-play elevator riding. For example, Reeman’s AMR forklift supports autonomous elevator use, even in older buildings with narrow access and minimal retrofitting. It’s ideal for small to mid-sized factories looking for scalable automation.
Is It Reliable?
Yes—when done right.
Leading AMR systems have:
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Redundant safety protocols
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Failsafe communication with elevator controllers
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Built-in error handling, such as returning to charging or retrying calls when the elevator is busy
These systems are already in use in real-world deployments across Asia and Europe.
Conclusion
Automated multi-floor transport is no longer a high-end feature—it’s becoming standard in scalable warehouse automation. With the right forklift model and a compatible elevator, your AMR fleet can move goods across floors without human help.
If your warehouse is running out of space—or if you’re already using vertical logistics—consider AMR forklifts that support elevator access. Brands like Reeman offer ready-to-use solutions designed for fast deployment, old factory adaptation, and full-floor autonomy.