Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a category of technology that is rapidly growing in popularity within warehouses worldwide. These types of robots are designed to navigate a warehouse or distribution center by themselves, without the need for employee intervention. They have software and sensors installed that allow them to navigate the facility, find and pick up products, and take them to their destination.
Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits
A great benefit of implementing AMRs within material handling facilities is the increased capability they can contribute. By automating jobs like material transportation and handling, AMRs are able to significantly reduce the time and work needed to finish these jobs. This can result in better order processing and delivery times, in addition to diminished labor prices.
Another advantage to AMRs is their tireless operation, without any need for rest or breaks. This means distribution centers are able to optimize their throughput and productivity, because the AMRs can work continually without experiencing any fatigue.
AMRs can also increase safety in warehouses and distribution centers, because they are configured with software and sensors that enable them to prevent impacts with people and items. This lessens the chance of injuries and accidents in the facility, which is extremely significant in operations that include heavy lifting and other physically demanding tasks.
Types Of AMRs
There are a few unique kinds of AMRs that can be found on the market, individually created for unique jobs and environments. Some of the most common applications of AMRs are these:
- Order Picking AMRs: AMRs can be found in a wide array of configurations that aim to limit picking-related travel time. Utilizing AMRs to move items to the picker removes travel time for hourly employees and can be transformative relative to cost and efficiency.
- Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit significantly from implementing autonomous mobile robots. Varying kinds of AMRs have a variety of handling tools. They can be equipped with everything from tilt trays to cross belt systems, and they can be useful in returns handling, e-com fulfillment, and high speed parcel sortation.
- Inventory AMRs: Contemporary order fulfillment relies on having precise, transparent inventory visibility—understanding where the item is within the warehouse, distribution center, and entire supply chain. However, organizing inventory movement and reconciliation can be difficult and time-consuming for very large and complex operations. AMRs that are directly integrated with an inventory system can significantly limit the time and money required to sustain maximum productivity and order precision.
AMR Implementation
Deploying AMRs in a warehouse needs extensive forethought and consideration. It is critical to carefully examine the jobs that the AMRs will be doing, and ensure that they are outfitted with the necessary sensors and software to address these tasks effectively. It is likewise essential to account for the configuration of the warehouse or distribution center and the possible impact on other systems and processes, like the storage and material handling systems.
One of the challenges of implementing AMRs is consolidating them with existing systems and processes. AMRs often need to be linked to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other computer systems in order to function effectively. This sometimes requires considerable labor and materials, and may necessitate the implementation of custom software or connection with third-party systems.
One more difficulty is the necessity for ongoing support and maintenance. AMRs need consistent maintenance and software updates in order to go on operating properly, and it is important to have a plan figured out to ensure that such tasks are completed in a systematic and effective way.
Talk To A Warehouse Automation Expert
To summarize, autonomous mobile robots can add considerable benefits to material handling facilities, such as elevated productivity, efficiency, and safety. If you’d like to find out more about configuring and setting up an AMR project, talk to a warehouse automation professional at Welch Equipment right away.
