5 major AMR issues

Key questions that customers need to ask when considering an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solution are presented.

Interest in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) is rising rapidly. The classic combination of cameras and QR code navigation robots is proliferating in logistics environments across the UK for goods receiving, shipping and order picking. This is due to the declining cost of technology and the growing number of reasons to make this investment-including changing labor demographics, restrictions on supply and the movement of goods, supply chain disruptions, the growth of online retail triggered by Covid, and the growing interest in industrial 4.0 technology and the continuous drive to increase productivity.

In a world where uncertainty becomes a daily experience, companies in all industries must strive to improve accuracy, efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. The key consideration must be to gain a competitive advantage, as those who do not or leave too late will be left behind.

Many logistics operations are reconfiguring their warehouse networks around flexible, scalable solutions to provide fast, reliable fulfillment with a growing number of customers closer to urban centers. The scarcity of available property in these areas and traffic constraints often lead to the need to rethink storage areas and interior decoration. They are looking for new ideas on how to best serve these facilities with material handling equipment. Automated material handling solutions that do not require dedicated infrastructure such as AMR are at the forefront of flexibility. This means they can contribute to future-oriented warehouse operations while improving operations.

Many people still regard mobile robots as a cutting-edge technology and are only now considering AMR solutions for the first time. In doing so, they should ask the 5 key question:

1.What can AMR carry?

This consideration is divided into two parts, the load capacity is usually the initial part. For many AMRs, this may be a limiting factor, but AMRs capable of carrying loads of up to 1.5 tons will be suitable for a wide range of applications in warehouses and operations centers. The other half of the bearing problem is what type of bearing unit can AMR handle? Most warehouses will see a variety of load devices coming in and out, especially with the increase in the number of suppliers and the diversification of locations. This may lead to the mixed use of traditional pallets, European pallets, roll cages, plastic containers, etc. An AMR that can handle all of this would be an incredible asset for warehouse versatility.

Some systems will need to perform specific tasks, focusing on a single bearer unit. For example, handling roll cages is a fundamental part of grocery retail intralogistics operations. The ability of mobile robots to transport roll cages safely and reliably meets the requirements of this field; in addition, a single AMR can handle two roll cages at the same time, with a total load of 1,300kg, which will be even more attractive. Given the height of the roll cage, a lower height profile will facilitate smooth passage through the entrance. The low height also allows the device to be mounted under any surface or load-bearing unit.

2. Under what circumstances will AMR operate?

The warehouse may look very similar, but an AMR navigating around the building will have a different perspective. First of all, will the weather be too cold-or in rare cases, will it even be too hot-for the operation of mobile robots? If so, there is a need to 1 an AMR that can operate comfortably in the temperature range of -25°C to +40°C without reducing battery life. Freezers looking for ways to minimize the often demanding energy use will be particularly fond of mobile robots, which can carry two roll guards at the same time to quickly move more products in cold areas, while also ensuring that the cold storage door stays closed for most of the day.

Speaking of batteries, this type of operation will seek 16 hours of battery life, with timely charging to maximize uptime. It would be convenient to go from 10% fully charged to 100 in 1.5 hours. Given that many warehouse floors are relatively rough, the sturdy and durable AMR can withstand the rigors of long-term continuous driving, this will be a great benefit.

3. Is AMR safe in warehouse?

AMR technology enables productivity benefits without compromising operator health and safety. Route-planning software prevents robots from heading toward fixed obstacles, such as walls or shelves, and movable objects, such as workers, detected by machine sensors. An AMR with a lidar array will navigate in "safe areas" for forward or backward motion-if anything is detected in these areas, the AMR's motor will stop and apply the brakes.

Using AMR to automatically transport goods, roll cages, pallets and other storage units between these areas in the warehouse is 1 efficient way to separate human and vehicle traffic to avoid collision risks.

4. Can I rely on mobile robots?

Warehouse operations are often strict, requiring long shifts to repeatedly transport heavy loads on rough floors. Obviously, this suggests careful consideration of the mass of the robot itself. What is it made of? How well does it do? Various AMR suppliers that promote mobile robots for warehouse applications will provide systems with different build qualities. Some are built to ensure low cost, while others are designed to provide better life cycle cost-effectiveness and will go through a comprehensive quality process.

Compliance with local standards is fundamental: for example, buying a 1 fleet of mobile robots without certification would be at great risk. The ability to provide local support and components for rapid response will be important.

5. Will I get the solution instead of the product?

Every business is different. Vendors who design and manufacture their own robots and use their own software will be able to tailor solutions to meet the specific needs of individual applications. In terms of internal transportation, properly conceived and designed AMR solutions will always remain flexible, because unlike AGVs or conveyor belts, they do not require fixed infrastructure. Distribution centers typically use a combination of pallets and roll cages, the proportions of which may change over time

The AMR allows quick and simple replacement of the carrier frame, which can be easily converted from a cage transporter to a pallet or trolley, and vice versa.

Smart mobile robots provide a 1 and flexible solution that can easily adapt to changing needs, which makes this technology an ideal choice for supporting warehouse operations, which are facing increasing e-commerce channels and store orders for shorter and shorter delivery times.