Raleigh Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a type of technology that is swiftly growing in popularity inside material handling facilities worldwide. AMRs are made to navigate a warehouse or distribution center on their own without the need for worker intervention. They come equipped with sensors and software that enable them to traverse the facility, track down and retrieve objects and carry them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

One of the greatest benefits to implementing AMRs within material handling facilities is the enhanced productivity they are able to bring. By automating jobs such as material transportation and handling, AMRs can drastically lessen the time and work necessary to finish these jobs. This leads to quicker order processing and distribution times as well as diminished labor costs.

A second benefit of AMRs lies in their ability to operate at all hours without the need for rest or breaks. This means warehouses are able to optimize their productivity and efficiency because the robots can operate constantly without becoming exhausted.

AMRs also can improve safety in warehouses and distribution centers because they are configured with software and sensors allowing them to avoid impacts with objects and people. This can reduce the chance of injuries and accidents in the workplace, which is extremely important in operations that include heavy lifting and other physically demanding tasks.

Types of AMRs

There are a few unique kinds of AMRs on the market, individually engineered for particular facilities and jobs. Customary implementations of AMRs include:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs come in an extensive range of designs that are meant to cut down on picking-related retrieval time. Having AMRs bring objects to the picker eliminates travel time for hourly workers and can be a game changer relative to efficiency and cost.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit substantially from implementing autonomous mobile robots. Different kinds of AMRs possess a range of handling equipment. They can be equipped with anything from cross belt systems to tilt trays, and they can be used in e-com fulfillment, high-speed parcel sortation and returns handling.
• Inventory AMRs: Modern order fulfillment depends on having precise, transparent inventory visibility—understanding where the item is within your warehouse, distribution center and overall supply chain. However, arranging inventory transportation and reconciliation can be challenging and time consuming for very large and elaborate operations. AMRs that are integrated directly with an inventory structure can significantly lessen the time and expenses necessary to sustain maximum efficiency and order integrity.

AMR Implementation

Implementing AMRs in a material handling facility needs diligent consideration and forethought. It is critical to thoroughly examine the duties that will be done by the robots and ensure that they are equipped with the correct software and sensors to address these duties effectively. It is also important to account for the configuration of the warehouse and the potential impact on other systems and processes, like the material handling and storage systems.

One of the obstacles of deploying AMRs is incorporating them with current systems and processes. AMRs often should be integrated with warehouse management systems (WMS) and other software systems in order to run effectively. This sometimes requires significant time and materials and might necessitate the creation of unique software or incorporation with third-party systems.

Another difficulty is the requirement for continual maintenance and support. AMRs must have regular software updates and maintenance in order to go on operating effectively, and it is essential to create a plan to guarantee that these tasks are completed in a timely and efficient fashion.

Talk to A Warehouse Automation Expert

Collectively, autonomous mobile robots will bring significant advantages to distribution centers and warehouses, including enhanced efficiency, safety and productivity. To get more information about designing and setting up an AMR project, talk to a warehouse automation expert at Carolina Handling now.