Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a vein of technology that is rapidly increasing in popularity inside warehouses all over the world. These robots are engineered to move around a warehouse or distribution center on its own, without requiring human assistance. They include sensors and software that allow them to traverse the premises, track down and pick up things, and take them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

One of the main benefits of using AMRs in material handling facilities is the heightened capability they can provide. By automating tasks like material transportation and handling, AMRs can considerably lessen the time and labor required to complete such tasks. This can mean quicker order processing and distribution times, and reduced labor prices.

A second advantage to AMRs lies in their tireless hours of operation, without a requirement for rest or breaks. This enables material handling facilities to optimize their efficiency and productivity, as the robots can work continually without becoming weary.

AMRs can also increase safety in warehouses, because they are kitted out with sensors and programming allowing them to avoid impacts with other objects and people. This lessens the possibility of injuries and accidents in the facility, which is especially essential in places that include heavy lifting and other physically demanding jobs.

Types Of AMRs

There are a selection of assorted types of AMRs available on the market, individually created for particular tasks and facilities. A few customary applications of AMRs include:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs are available in a wide variety of designs that strive to limit picking-related retrieval time. Utilizing AMRs to take goods to the picker gets rid of travel time for hourly employees and can be transformative when it comes to efficiency and cost.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit significantly from the use of autonomous mobile robots. Varying types of AMRs possess an assortment of handling equipment. It’s feasible to equip them with anything from tilt trays to cross belt systems, and can be helpful in returns handling, e-com fulfillment, and high speed parcel sortation.
• Inventory AMRs: Currently order fulfillment is dependant on having precise, transparent inventory visibility—knowing where the item is inside the warehouse, distribution center, and collective supply chain. However, arranging inventory movement and reconciliation can be challenging and time-intensive for particularly large and elaborate operations. AMRs that are integrated directly with an inventory structure can exceptionally limit the time and expenditures required to keep at maximum productivity and order precision.

AMR Implementation

Implementing AMRs in a material handling facility demands diligent consideration and planning. It is essential to carefully assess the duties that that will be done by the robots, and ensure that they are configured with the required software and sensors to handle these duties effectively. It is likewise important to consider the configuration of the material handling facility and the possible effect on separate processes and systems, like the material handling and storage systems.

A obstacle of configuring AMRs is integrating them with existing processes and systems. AMRs often must be linked to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other software systems in order to function properly. This sometimes takes significant time and resources, and may require the implementation of custom software or connection with third-party systems.

An additional obstacle is the requirement for recurring support and maintenance. AMRs need regular maintenance and software updates in order to continue functioning correctly, and it is necessary to have a plan figured out to ensure that these tasks are done in a punctual and successful fashion.

Talk To A Warehouse Automation Expert

Collectively, autonomous mobile robots are able to contribute significant up sides to material handling facilities, such as increased productivity, efficiency, and safety. If you’d like to learn more about designing and deploying an AMR project, talk to a warehouse automation representative at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Santa Barbara County service area includes Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Santa Barbara Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Santa Barbara County, CA
(805) 749-2777