Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a vein of technology that is rapidly growing in popularity inside warehouses and distribution centers worldwide. These robots are made to move around a warehouse alone, without requiring employee supervision. They have software and sensors installed that allow them to navigate the facility, locate and grab items, and take them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

One of the main benefits of utilizing AMRs inside warehouses is the heightened productivity they can bring. By automating duties such as material transportation and handling, AMRs will considerably reduce the time and effort needed to finish these tasks. This can lead to quicker order processing and transport times, and lesser labor costs.

A second benefit of AMRs results from their constant hours of operation, without the necessity for breaks or rest. This means material handling facilities are able to elevate their productivity and throughput, because the AMRs can work all the time without experiencing weariness.

AMRs can also increase safety in warehouses and distribution centers, because they have installed sensors and software enabling them to prevent impacts with other objects and people. This limits the chance of accidents and injuries in the workplace, which is particularly critical in places where heavy lifting and other physically demanding jobs are common.

Types Of AMRs

There are a selection of assorted kinds of AMRs that can be obtained on the market, individually created for specific facilities and tasks. A few prevailing implementations of AMRs include:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs can be found in an extensive diversity of styles that attempt to cut down on picking-related retrieval time. Using AMRs to move items to the picker eliminates travel time for hourly workers and can be substantial in terms of cost and efficiency.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit significantly from the use of autonomous mobile robots. Varying sorts of AMRs have a variety of handling equipment. They can be equipped with everything from cross belt systems to tilt trays, and can be used in high speed parcel sortation, returns handling, and e-com fulfillment.
• Inventory AMRs: Modern order fulfillment depends on having accurate, transparent inventory visibility—knowing whereabouts the product is within your warehouse, distribution center, and entire supply chain. However, arranging inventory movement and reconciliation can be demanding and time-consuming for particularly large and elaborate operations. AMRs that are integrated directly with an inventory database can drastically limit the time and expenses necessary to maintain maximum effectiveness and order accuracy.

AMR Implementation

Configuring AMRs in a warehouse or distribution center requires careful consideration and planning. It is important to attentively assess the tasks that the AMRs will be performing, and make sure that they are equipped with the required software and sensors to handle these tasks properly. It is also important to account for the floorplan of the warehouse and the potential influence on different systems and processes, like the storage and material handling systems.

One of the obstacles of deploying AMRs is incorporating them with present processes and systems. AMRs usually must be connected to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other software systems in order to work well. This sometimes takes considerable labor and materials, and could necessitate the development of unique software or connection with third-party systems.

Another difficulty is the requirement for ongoing support and maintenance. AMRs need frequent maintenance and software updates in order to go on operating properly, and it is important to have a plan in place to ensure that these caretaking is completed in a punctual and effective fashion.

Talk To A Warehouse Automation Expert

Overall, autonomous mobile robots can add considerable features to distribution centers and warehouses, such as elevated productivity, efficiency, and safety. To find out more about designing and implementing an AMR program, talk to a warehouse automation expert at Raymond West now.

Raymond West's Long Beach service area includes Long Beach, North Long Beach, Wilmington, San Pedro, Lomita, Torrance and nearby surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Long Beach Material Handling Equipment Supplier

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(562) 444-1222