Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a vein of technology that is swiftly gaining popularity inside warehouses and distribution centers globally. AMRs are made to navigate a warehouse or distribution center on its own, without requiring worker intervention. They come equipped with sensors and software that enable them to traverse the facility, locate and pick up wares, and transport them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

One of the main advantages to implementing AMRs within material handling facilities is the enhanced productivity they are able to provide. Through automating duties like material handling and transportation, AMRs are able to significantly reduce the time and labor required to fulfill these jobs. This can result in better order processing and distribution times, as well as decreased prices for labor.

A second benefit of AMRs is their ability to work around the clock, without any need for rest or breaks. This means warehouses can optimize their throughput and efficiency, as the AMRs can operate around the clock without becoming tired.

AMRs can also improve safety in warehouses, because they are kitted out with software and sensors enabling them to avert impacts with different people and objects. This limits the chance of accidents and injuries in the facility, which is especially critical in places where physically demanding tasks such as heavy lifting are common.

Types Of AMRs

There are a few unique types of AMRs that can be obtained on the market, individually engineered for particular workspaces and tasks. Several prevailing implementations of AMRs include:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs are available in a wide variety of styles that attempt to cut down on picking-related retrieval time. Using AMRs to bring wares to the picker gets rid of travel time for hourly workers and can be significant in terms of cost and efficiency.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit substantially from implementing autonomous mobile robots. Different types of AMRs have a variety of handling technologies. They can be equipped with everything from tilt trays to cross belt systems, and can be helpful in high speed parcel sortation, returns handling, and e-com fulfillment.
• Inventory AMRs: Contemporary order fulfillment is dependant on having accurate, transparent inventory visibility—being aware of whereabouts the item is inside the warehouse, distribution center, and collective supply chain. However, organizing inventory movement and reconciliation can be challenging and time-intensive for very large and complex operations. AMRs that are integrated directly with an inventory structure can significantly reduce the time and expenditures required to maintain maximum efficiency and order precision.

AMR Implementation

Implementing AMRs in a warehouse necessitates extensive consideration and forethought. It is critical to carefully assess the tasks that that will be completed by the robots, and ensure that they are configured with the necessary sensors and software to perform these tasks effectively. It is also important to plan for the configuration of the warehouse and the possible effect on different processes and systems, such as the storage and material handling systems.

One of the challenges of configuring AMRs is the need for consolidation them with existing processes and systems. AMRs frequently need to be linked to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other computer systems in order to work properly. This can need substantial effort and resources, and could necessitate the development of proprietary software or integration with third-party systems.

An additional obstacle is the need for ongoing maintenance and support. AMRs must have frequent maintenance and software updates in order to go on functioning properly, and it is necessary to have a plan figured out to guarantee that these caretaking is finished in a quick and successful fashion.

Talk To A Warehouse Automation Expert

Collectively, autonomous mobile robots will add significant benefits to distribution centers and warehouses, including elevated efficiency, safety, and productivity. If you’d like to ask about configuring and implementing an AMR project, contact a warehouse automation representative at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Spokane branch services Spokane, Airway Heights, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Coeur d'Alene, Medical Lake, Cheney, Pullman, Moscow, Moses Lake, Yakima, Wenatchee, Lewiston, Clarkston, Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, Walla Walla and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Spokane Material Handling Equipment Supplier

11002 E Montgomery Dr #100
Spokane, WA 99206
(509) 728-6000