Augusta Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a category of technology that is very quickly gaining popularity inside warehouses throughout the world. These types of robots are engineered to move around a warehouse on their own, without the need for employee assistance. They are equipped with sensors and software that let them navigate the facility, track down and pick up products and take them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

One of the primary benefits of using AMRs within distribution centers is the increased capability they are able to provide. By automating tasks like material transportation and handling, AMRs are able to drastically limit the time and effort needed to complete such jobs. This means faster order processing and delivery times in addition to reduced labor fees.

A second advantage to AMRs is their tireless operation without the need for breaks or rest. This means material handling facilities can increase their throughput and productivity, as the robots can work continually without experiencing any fatigue.

AMRs also can improve safety in warehouses because they are configured with software and sensors that allow them to prevent crashes with items and people. This can lessen the risk of accidents and injuries in the facility, which is especially important in environments that include heavy lifting and other physically demanding tasks.

Types of AMRs

There are a few unique kinds of AMRs on the market, individually created for particular environments and jobs. A few typical applications of AMRs are these:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs are available in an extensive array of designs that are meant to reduce picking-related retrieval time. Using AMRs to take goods to the picker gets rid of travel time for hourly staff members and can be highly beneficial relative to cost and efficiency.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit greatly from implementing autonomous mobile robots. Different types of AMRs have a range of handling tools. They can be equipped with everything 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: Contemporary order fulfillment depends on having precise, transparent inventory visibility—knowing where the product is in your warehouse, distribution center and overall supply chain. However, arranging inventory transportation and reconciliation can be challenging and time-intensive for very large and elaborate operations. AMRs that are integrated directly with an inventory database can significantly reduce the time and expenditures necessary to maintain maximum productivity and order precision.

AMR Implementation

Implementing AMRs in a warehouse demands diligent consideration and forethought. It is essential to thoroughly examine the tasks that robots will have to perform and make sure that they are equipped with the necessary sensors and software to address these tasks properly. It is also important to plan for the configuration of the material handling facility and the possible impact on different systems and processes, like the storage and material handling systems.

One of the obstacles of implementing AMRs is consolidating them with existing systems and processes. AMRs frequently should be linked to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other computer systems in order to work well. This sometimes requires considerable time and materials and could mean the development of custom software or connection with third-party systems.

Another difficulty is the necessity for ongoing support and maintenance. AMRs require frequent maintenance and software updates in order to go on running effectively, and it is essential to create a plan to guarantee that such duties are completed in a timely and effective way.

Talk to A Warehouse Automation Expert

Collectively, autonomous mobile robots are able to contribute substantial benefits to distribution centers and warehouses, including increased safety, efficiency and productivity. If you’d like to learn more about engineering and deploying an AMR project, talk to a warehouse automation professional at Carolina Handling now.