Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a kind of technology that is swiftly gaining popularity inside warehouses worldwide. These robots are designed to navigate a warehouse independently, without necessitating human supervision. They are equipped with sensors and software that let them move about the premises, track down and retrieve things, and transport them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

A primary advantage to using AMRs inside material handling facilities is the increased productivity they can bring. Through automating jobs like material transportation and handling, AMRs can drastically lessen the time and labor required to finish these tasks. This means quicker order processing and distribution times, in addition to decreased prices for labor.

Another benefit of AMRs lies in their ability to operate around the clock, without any need for breaks or rest. This means warehouses can increase their productivity and throughput, due to the fact that the AMRs can work around the clock without becoming weary.

AMRs also can increase safety in warehouses and distribution centers, because they are equipped with programming and sensors enabling them to avert collisions with different people and objects. This lessens the chance of injuries and accidents in the facility, which is particularly critical in places where physically demanding jobs such as heavy lifting are common.

Types Of AMRs

There are several unique types of AMRs currently on the market, each created for particular facilities and jobs. Some customary implementations of AMRs include:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs are available in an extensive diversity of designs that strive to limit picking-related retrieval time. Utilizing AMRs to take goods to the picker eliminates travel time for hourly employees and can be transformative when it comes to efficiency and cost.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit greatly from implementing autonomous mobile robots. Different kinds of AMRs possess a variety of handling equipment. They can be equipped with everything from tilt trays to cross belt systems, and can be useful in returns handling, e-com fulfillment, and high speed parcel sortation.
• Inventory AMRs: Currently order fulfillment relies on having accurate, transparent inventory visibility—knowing whereabouts the item is within the warehouse, distribution center, and entire supply chain. However, coordinating inventory movement and reconciliation can be difficult and time-intensive for very large and elaborate operations. AMRs that are directly integrated with an inventory database can significantly limit the time and expenses required to maintain maximum efficiency and order exactness.

AMR Implementation

Deploying AMRs in a warehouse necessitates careful planning and consideration. It is essential to attentively look at the duties that that will be done by the AMRs, and make sure that they are equipped with the necessary sensors and software to perform these jobs effectively. It is also important to account for the layout of the material handling facility and the possible influence on other processes and systems, such as the material handling and storage systems.

A obstacle of implementing AMRs is consolidating them with existing processes and systems. AMRs frequently must be integrated with warehouse management systems (WMS) and other software systems in order to work effectively. This can need significant effort and resources, and may mean the development of custom software or incorporation with third-party systems.

An additional obstacle is the necessity for continual maintenance and support. AMRs must have regular software updates and maintenance in order to continue operating properly, and it is important to have a plan in place to guarantee that such caretaking is done in a quick and effective manner.

Talk To A Warehouse Automation Expert

Altogether, autonomous mobile robots can contribute substantial features to warehouses and distribution centers, such as enhanced productivity, safety, and efficiency. To find out more about laying out and implementing an AMR program, talk to a warehouse automation expert at Raymond West right away.

Raymond West's Stockton facility serves much of the northern Central Valley, including Stockton, Lathrop, Lodi, Tracy, Modesto, and Merced.

Raymond West | Stockton Material Handling Equipment Supplier

19107 Christopher Way
Lathrop, CA 95330
(800) 675-2500