Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for Enhanced Efficiency & Seamless Automation

Shamanth Rao | 19 July 2023

AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) have emerged as a distribution or manufacturing operation game-changer. For those seeking solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and streamline operations, AMRs offer a cost-effective solution. These versatile robots can move and operate independently, revolutionizing various industries and opening new possibilities for automation. AMRs can meet various application process needs, allowing them to easily fit into existing company operations.

Various Application Capabilities of AMRs

• Order Picking and GTP (Goods-to-Person) Systems: AMRs can be seamlessly integrated with conveyor systems, enabling efficient order picking and goods placement. Ecommerce and manufacturing industries can leverage this technology to optimize their processes, improving productivity and reducing human error.
• ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) Infeed and Outfeed: For high-end and cost-effective automation, AMR forklifts can be integrated with ASRS infeed and outfeed conveyors. This integration streamlines loading and unloading operations, enhancing efficiency and minimizing manual labour.
• Transportation between Factories and Warehouses: AMR forklifts play a crucial role in transporting finished goods or palletized items between factories and warehouses. With their autonomous capabilities, these robots ensure safe and timely delivery, eliminating the need for human involvement in hazardous material handling.
• Pharmaceutical and Hospital Applications: When it comes to carrying hazardous materials in a safe manner, AMRs are the ideal choice. These robots can transport such materials to designated disposal zones without any human interaction, ensuring maximum safety and efficiency in pharmaceutical and hospital settings.
• High-Speed Parcel Sortation and Distribution: AMRs excel in sorting parcels and products rapidly and efficiently. These robots significantly reduce the reliance on manual labour and floor space, while offering the flexibility to expand or contract the system based on factory requirements.

Technical Details of AMRs

To comprehend the remarkable capabilities of AMRs, let’s understand the technical intricacies to fine-tune your operations to achieve maximum efficiency, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall productivity:

• Sensors: AMRs are equipped with advanced sensors like cameras, LiDAR and sonars, enabling them to navigate their surroundings and avoid obstacles effectively.
• Actuators: These robots often employ actuators such as motors and wheels to move and manoeuvre autonomously within their environment.
• Navigation: AMRs utilize sophisticated algorithms and software for mapping, localization and path planning. These systems ensure accurate and efficient navigation.
• Control Systems: AMRs rely on control systems to monitor and regulate their sensors and actuators. This includes feedback control, state estimation and control algorithms.
• Power Systems: AMRs operate on power supplied by batteries, fuel cells, or other sources, enabling prolonged autonomy and continuous operation.
• Communication Systems: Some AMRs are equipped with onboard communication systems to facilitate seamless interaction with other robots or a centralized control centre.
• Computation: AMRs incorporate onboard computers and processors to process sensor data, perform navigation tasks and execute control algorithms efficiently.
• Environmental Considerations: AMRs are designed to operate and be stored within a temperature range of 10 to 40 degrees Celsius. The humidity levels should be non-condensing to ensure optimal performance.
• Load Capacity: Depending on the application, AMRs can support load capacities ranging from 50 kg to 2000 kg.
• Bumps and Gaps: AMRs are engineered to handle various floor obstacles, such as bumps and gaps. It is advisable to minimize travel over these objects to reduce wear and tear and maintain peak efficiency. For instance, some AMR self-driving vehicles can traverse a 7 mm sharp-edged bump or a 13 mm bevelled bump. Other, larger capacity AMRs can navigate a 6 mm sharp-edged bump. Bumps exceeding 16 mm may cause emergency stops, system faults or payload instability.

A Road Ahead

AMRs are not just robots; they are catalysts for change. By embracing their technical intricacies and harnessing their potential, industries can forge a path towards a future where automation drives efficiency, productivity, and success. The future of industries is intricately tied to the continued development and integration of AMRs. As technology evolves, so will the capabilities of these robots. Industries that embrace this transformative technology will unlock new possibilities, revolutionizing their operations and gaining a competitive edge.

The journey has just begun and the future of industries with AMRs is brimming with endless possibilities. Ready to discuss a possible application? Bastian Solutions experts can help you find the right fit and technology solution to optimize your warehouse operations.

Author: Shamanth Rao