Greensboro Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a type of technology that is swiftly growing in popularity within warehouses and distribution centers globally. These robots are made to move around a material handling facility by themselves without requiring worker assistance. They include software and sensors that let them traverse the storage location, track down and retrieve objects and transport them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

One of the primary advantages of using AMRs inside material handling facilities is the increased efficiency they can bring. By automating tasks such as material transportation and handling, AMRs can drastically reduce the time and effort necessary to complete such jobs. This means better order processing and distribution times as well as decreased prices for labor.

An additional advantage to AMRs lies in their tireless operation without any necessity for rest or breaks. This enables distribution centers to increase their efficiency and productivity, as the robots can work continually without becoming tired.

AMRs also can improve safety in warehouses and distribution centers, as they have installed programming and sensors enabling them to prevent collisions with people and items. This limits the possibility of accidents and injuries in the workplace, which is extremely important in environments that include heavy lifting and other physically demanding jobs.

Types of AMRs

There are several different styles of AMRs available on the market specifically created for particular environments and jobs. Sample customary implementations of AMRs include:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs can be found in an extensive array of styles that aim to reduce picking-related retrieval time. Utilizing AMRs to move items to the picker removes travel time for hourly employees and can be a game changer relative to efficiency and cost.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit greatly from implementing autonomous mobile robots. Different types of AMRs possess a range of handling technologies. It’s feasible to outfit them with anything from tilt trays to cross belt systems, and they can be used 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 inside the warehouse, distribution center and overall supply chain. However, arranging inventory transportation and reconciliation can be challenging and time consuming for especially large and complicated operations. AMRs that are directly integrated with an inventory structure can significantly reduce the time and expenses needed to maintain maximum efficiency and order integrity.

AMR Implementation

Deploying AMRs in a warehouse requires diligent consideration and planning. It is critical to carefully evaluate the duties that the AMRs will be doing and ensure that they are outfitted with the necessary software and sensors to perform these tasks properly. It is likewise important to plan for the floorplan of the warehouse and the potential impact on separate systems and processes, like the material handling and storage systems.

One of the challenges of configuring AMRs is the need to consolidate them with current processes and systems. AMRs often must be linked to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other software systems in order to work well. This sometimes takes significant labor and resources and may necessitate the implementation of unique software or connection with third-party systems.

Another difficulty is the requirement for ongoing support and maintenance. AMRs need regular software updates and maintenance in order to continue operating properly, and it is essential to make a plan to ensure that such tasks are finished in a routine and capable way.

Talk to A Warehouse Automation Expert

In general, autonomous mobile robots are able to add substantial advantages to warehouses and distribution centers, including elevated productivity, safety and efficiency. To learn more about engineering and deploying an AMR program, talk to a warehouse automation representative at Carolina Handling right away.