Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a kind of technology that is rapidly increasing in popularity in material handling facilities globally. These types of robots are designed to navigate a warehouse on their own, without requiring human intervention. They come equipped with software and sensors that allow them to traverse the storage location, find and grab objects, and carry them to their destination.
Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits
A great benefit to implementing AMRs within material handling facilities is the enhanced capability they are able to provide. Through automating tasks like material transportation and handling, AMRs can considerably reduce the time and effort necessary to complete such jobs. This can lead to quicker order processing and distribution times, as well as decreased costs for labor.
An additional advantage to AMRs lies in their ability to work at all hours, without the need for breaks or rest. This means distribution centers are able to increase their efficiency and throughput, as the AMRs can operate around the clock without becoming tired.
AMRs also can improve safety in warehouses, as they have installed sensors and software allowing them to avoid crashes with people and objects. This can limit the chance of injuries and accidents in the workplace, which is especially important in places that include heavy lifting and other physically demanding jobs.
Types Of AMRs
There is a variety of unique styles of AMRs available on the market, individually designed for unique tasks and workspaces. A few of the most common applications of AMRs are these:
- Order Picking AMRs: AMRs are available in a wide range of designs that are meant to limit picking-related retrieval time. Using AMRs to bring objects to the picker gets rid of travel time for hourly workers and can be transformative when it comes to cost and efficiency.
- Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit significantly from using autonomous mobile robots. Different kinds of AMRs include an assortment of handling equipment. It’s possible to outfit them 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 is dependant on having precise, transparent inventory visibility—knowing where the item is in the warehouse, distribution center, and collective supply chain. However, organizing inventory transportation and reconciliation can be demanding and time-intensive for very large and elaborate operations. AMRs that are directly integrated with an inventory system can drastically lessen the time and money required to maintain maximum efficiency and order integrity.
AMR Implementation
Deploying AMRs in a warehouse or distribution center demands careful planning and consideration. It is important to carefully 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 duties efficiently. It is likewise necessary to consider the floorplan of the warehouse or distribution center and the potential impact on different systems and processes, such as the material handling and storage systems.
A challenge of configuring AMRs is the need for consolidation of them with present processes and systems. AMRs usually need to be linked to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other software systems in order to work properly. This sometimes needs substantial effort and materials, and might mean the implementation of unique software or connection with third-party systems.
Another obstacle is the necessity for continual maintenance and support. AMRs must have consistent maintenance and software updates in order to keep running effectively, and it is necessary to have a plan figured out to ensure that such tasks are finished in a systematic and effective manner.
Talk To A Warehouse Automation Expert
To summarize, autonomous mobile robots are able to contribute significant advantages to distribution centers and warehouses, including increased efficiency, productivity, and safety. To get more information about engineering and implementing an AMR program, contact a warehouse automation representative at Welch Equipment now.
