Greenville Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a category of technology that is rapidly gaining popularity within material handling facilities globally. These robots are designed to move around a warehouse independently without the need for human supervision. They include sensors and software that let them move about the facility, find and retrieve objects and carry them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

One of the main benefits of utilizing AMRs within warehouses is the enhanced capability they can bring. Through automating tasks like material transportation and handling, AMRs are able to drastically lessen the time and work needed to complete such tasks. This can mean better order processing and delivery times in addition to diminished costs for labor.

Another advantage to AMRs lies in their ability to run at all hours without any requirement for breaks or rest. This enables distribution centers to elevate their efficiency and throughput due to the fact that the robots can operate continually without experiencing any exhaustion.

AMRs can also increase safety in warehouses, as they come configured with software and sensors that allow them to avert crashes with objects and people. This lessens the chance of accidents and injuries in the facility, which is especially relevant in places where heavy lifting and other physically demanding jobs are common.

Types of AMRs

There are several unique types of AMRs that can be found on the market, each engineered for unique jobs and facilities. A sample of customary applications for AMRs includes:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs can be found in an extensive array of designs that are intended to cut down on picking-related travel time. Using AMRs to take objects to the picker gets rid of travel time for hourly employees and can be a game changer when it comes to efficiency and cost.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit significantly from using autonomous mobile robots. Different kinds of AMRs have a variety of handling equipment. It’s possible to equip them with everything 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: Modern order fulfillment is dependent on having accurate, transparent inventory visibility—understanding where the product is inside your warehouse, distribution center and overall supply chain. However, arranging inventory transportation and reconciliation can be demanding and time-consuming for especially large and elaborate operations. AMRs that are integrated directly with an inventory structure can significantly limit the time and expenditures needed to sustain maximum efficiency and order integrity.

AMR Implementation

Configuring AMRs in a material handling facility requires diligent consideration and forethought. It is critical to thoroughly examine the tasks that twill be completed by the robots and make sure that they are equipped with the necessary software and sensors to handle these duties efficiently. It is likewise essential to plan for the floorplan of the warehouse or distribution center and the potential effect on different systems and processes, like the storage and material handling systems.

A challenge of implementing AMRs is the need to incorporate them with current systems and processes. AMRs often need to be linked to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other software systems in order to work effectively. This sometimes requires considerable time and materials and could necessitate the development of unique software or incorporation with third-party systems.

Another obstacle is the requirement for ongoing maintenance and support. AMRs require frequent software updates and maintenance in order to continue running properly, and it is essential to have a plan in place to ensure that such duties are completed in a routine and effective fashion.

Talk to A Warehouse Automation Expert

Collectively, autonomous mobile robots can add considerable benefits to material handling facilities, including elevated productivity, safety and efficiency. If you’d like to find out more about configuring and setting up an AMR project, contact a warehouse automation expert at Carolina Handling now.