Charlotte Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a type of technology that is swiftly growing in popularity within material handling facilities all over the world. These robots are made to navigate a warehouse or distribution center by themselves without the need for worker assistance. They come equipped with software and sensors that enable them to navigate the storage location, track down and pick up products and take them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

One of the greatest advantages of implementing AMRs inside material handling facilities is the heightened efficiency they are able to provide. By automating jobs such as material transportation and handling, AMRs can drastically reduce the time and effort needed to fulfill these tasks. This can lead to quicker order processing and delivery times in addition to reduced prices for labor.

Another advantage to AMRs is their tireless operation without a need for breaks or rest. This enables warehouses to increase their productivity and efficiency, as the robots can work constantly without experiencing any exhaustion.

AMRs also can increase safety in storage facilities because they come configured with sensors and software allowing them to avoid crashes with objects and people. This reduces the chance of accidents and injuries in the facility, which is extremely relevant in operations that include heavy lifting and other physically demanding jobs.

Types of AMRs

There is a variety of unique kinds of AMRs on the market, each created for particular tasks and facilities. A few of the most common uses for AMRs are these:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs can be found in an extensive array of designs that are intended to cut down on picking-related retrieval time. Utilizing AMRs to take items to the picker eliminates travel time for hourly workers and can be a game changer in terms of efficiency and cost.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit significantly from the use of autonomous mobile robots. Varying styles of AMRs have an assortment of handling equipment. It’s possible to outfit them with anything from tilt trays to cross belt systems, and they can be helpful in returns handling, e-com fulfillment and high-speed parcel sortation.
• Inventory AMRs: Currently order fulfillment relies on having accurate, transparent inventory visibility—being aware of where the item is within the warehouse, distribution center and entire supply chain. However, coordinating inventory transportation and reconciliation can be difficult and time intensive for particularly large and elaborate operations. AMRs that are integrated directly with an inventory database can significantly lessen the time and expenses required to maintain maximum efficiency and order accuracy.

AMR Implementation

Implementing AMRs in a warehouse needs diligent planning and consideration. It is critical to thoroughly evaluate the tasks that AMRs will need to do and make sure that they are configured with the necessary sensors and software to address these jobs properly. It is also necessary to plan for the configuration of the warehouse or distribution center and the possible influence on separate systems and processes, like the storage and material handling systems.

An obstacle of implementing AMRs is consolidating them with current systems and processes. AMRs often need to be connected to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other computer systems in order to run properly. This can require substantial effort and materials and could require the development of custom software or connection with third-party systems.

An additional obstacle is the requirement for recurring maintenance and support. AMRs must have regular software updates and maintenance in order to go on operating effectively, and it is essential to develop a plan to ensure that such tasks are done in a systematic and effective manner.

Talk to A Warehouse Automation Expert

In general, autonomous mobile robots will contribute substantial gains to warehouses and distribution centers, such as elevated safety, productivity and efficiency. To get more information about engineering and deploying an AMR project, contact a warehouse automation expert at Carolina Handling right away.