Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a category of technology that is very quickly increasing in popularity inside warehouses around the world. These robots are made to navigate a warehouse or distribution center on their own, without the need for worker intervention. They come equipped with sensors and software that allow them to move about the premises, track down and retrieve products, and take them to their destination.
Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits
One of the primary benefits of implementing AMRs inside material handling facilities is the heightened efficiency they can provide. Through automating tasks like material transportation and handling, AMRs can significantly limit the time and work necessary to complete such jobs. This can result in better order processing and transport times, and decreased prices for labor.
A second benefit of AMRs lies in their constant operation, without a necessity for rest or breaks. This enables distribution centers to elevate their efficiency and throughput, because the AMRs can operate continually without becoming fatigued.
AMRs also can improve safety in storage facilities, because they have installed software and sensors allowing them to prevent crashes with objects and people. This can reduce the possibility of injuries and accidents in the workplace, which is especially significant in operations that include heavy lifting and other physically demanding tasks.
Types Of AMRs
There are several unique kinds of AMRs available on the market, specifically created for unique workspaces and jobs. A few of the most common applications of AMRs are these:
- Order Picking AMRs: AMRs can be found in an extensive range of configurations that are meant to reduce picking-related retrieval time. Utilizing AMRs to move items to the picker removes travel time for hourly staff members and can be highly beneficial when it comes to cost and efficiency.
- Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit substantially from implementing autonomous mobile robots. Varying styles of AMRs have a range of handling equipment. They can be equipped with anything from cross belt systems to tilt trays, and they can be useful in returns handling, e-com fulfillment, and high speed parcel sortation.
- Inventory AMRs: Modern order fulfillment relies on having accurate, transparent inventory visibility—understanding where the product is inside your warehouse, distribution center, and entire supply chain. However, arranging inventory movement and reconciliation can be demanding and time-intensive for especially large and elaborate operations. AMRs that are integrated directly with an inventory structure can significantly reduce the time and money required to sustain maximum efficiency and order integrity.
AMR Implementation
Configuring AMRs in a material handling facility demands diligent consideration and forethought. It is essential to painstakingly evaluate the jobs that that AMRs will have to do, and ensure that they are configured with the required sensors and software to handle these jobs efficiently. It is likewise necessary to consider the layout of the warehouse or distribution center and the possible effect on other systems and processes, like the material handling and storage systems.
A possible difficulty of configuring AMRs is the need for consolidation of them with existing systems and processes. AMRs frequently should be linked to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other software systems in order to function well. This sometimes takes significant labor and resources, and may require the implementation of unique software or connection with third-party systems.
Another difficulty is the need for ongoing maintenance and support. AMRs must have consistent maintenance and software updates in order to keep operating effectively, and it is essential to make a plan to make sure that these tasks are completed in a timely and effective fashion.
Talk To A Warehouse Automation Expert
Overall, autonomous mobile robots can bring significant gains to distribution centers and warehouses, such as increased safety, productivity, and efficiency. If you’d like to learn more about engineering and setting up an AMR program, contact a warehouse automation expert at Welch Equipment today.
