Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a type of technology that is swiftly gaining popularity in material handling facilities worldwide. These robots are designed to navigate a warehouse or distribution center on its own, without necessitating worker intervention. They include sensors and software that let them move about the premises, locate and retrieve things, and take them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

A main advantage of using AMRs inside material handling facilities is the increased efficiency they are able to bring. By automating jobs such as material handling and transportation, AMRs will significantly lessen the time and work needed to fulfill such jobs. This means better order processing and delivery times, as well as decreased labor costs.

Another benefit to AMRs lies in their ability to work all the time, without a need for breaks or rest. This enables distribution centers to optimize their efficiency and throughput, as the AMRs can operate constantly without experiencing weariness.

AMRs also can improve safety in material handling facilities, because they have installed sensors and software that enable them to avert impacts with other items and people. This can limit the possibility of accidents and injuries in the facility, which is particularly critical in operations where physically demanding tasks like heavy lifting are common.

Types Of AMRs

There are several unique sorts of AMRs that can be found on the market, respectively engineered for specific workspaces and jobs. Some of the most common uses for AMRs include:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs can be found in an extensive diversity of styles that attempt to limit picking-related travel time. Having AMRs move goods to the picker removes travel time for hourly employees and can be significant relative to efficiency and cost.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit greatly from using autonomous mobile robots. Assorted kinds of AMRs have a range of handling tools. It’s possible to outfit them with everything from cross belt systems to tilt trays, and can be useful in returns handling, e-com fulfillment, and high speed parcel sortation.
• Inventory AMRs: Modern order fulfillment depends on having precise, transparent inventory visibility—understanding where the item is inside your warehouse, distribution center, and overall supply chain. However, arranging inventory transportation and reconciliation can be difficult and time-intensive for very large and elaborate operations. AMRs that are integrated directly with an inventory database can exceptionally lessen the time and expenditures necessary to maintain maximum efficiency and order precision.

AMR Implementation

Configuring AMRs in a warehouse necessitates careful forethought and consideration. It is critical to closely look at the jobs that the AMRs will be performing, and make sure that they are outfitted with the correct software and sensors to address these jobs efficiently. It is also essential to consider the configuration of the warehouse or distribution center and the potential effect on separate processes and systems, such as the storage and material handling systems.

One of the challenges of implementing AMRs is the need for consolidation them with existing processes and systems. AMRs usually must be integrated with warehouse management systems (WMS) and other computer systems in order to work properly. This sometimes takes substantial labor and materials, and could necessitate the creation of proprietary software or connection with third-party systems.

An additional difficulty is the need for ongoing support and maintenance. AMRs must have consistent software updates and maintenance in order to keep running correctly, and it is important to make a plan to guarantee that such caretaking is finished in a quick and careful manner.

Talk To A Warehouse Automation Expert

Overall, autonomous mobile robots are able to contribute considerable features to distribution centers and warehouses, including elevated efficiency, productivity, and safety. If you’d like to learn more about laying out and implementing an AMR program, talk to a warehouse automation expert at Raymond West right away.

Raymond's Portland service operation includes all of Western Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Oregon City, Gladstone, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Gresham, Troutdale, Woodburn, Salem, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Longview, Kelso and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Portland Material Handling Equipment Supplier

3148 NE 181st Ave
Portland, OR 97230
(800) 675-2500