Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a vein of technology that is swiftly growing in popularity within warehouses throughout the world. AMRs are designed to move around a warehouse or distribution center independently, without necessitating human intervention. They have sensors and software installed that let them navigate the premises, locate and pick up things, and take them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

One of the greatest benefits to utilizing AMRs in distribution centers is the enhanced capability they can contribute. By automating jobs such as material handling and transportation, AMRs are able to considerably limit the time and work necessary to fulfill these jobs. This leads to better order processing and distribution times, and decreased labor costs.

A second benefit to AMRs lies in their constant hours of operation, without a necessity for breaks or rest. This enables material handling facilities to elevate their efficiency and throughput, because the robots can operate continually without experiencing fatigue.

AMRs also can increase safety in warehouses, as they are kitted out with software and sensors allowing them to prevent crashes with different items and people. This limits the chance of accidents and injuries in the workplace, which is especially critical in places where heavy lifting and other physically demanding tasks are common.

Types Of AMRs

There are several assorted sorts of AMRs that can be bought on the market, individually designed for specific tasks and environments. Some of the most common uses for AMRs include:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs can be found in a wide variety of styles that are intended to reduce picking-related travel time. Using AMRs to take wares to the picker eliminates travel time for hourly staff members and can be transformative in terms of cost and efficiency.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit substantially from using autonomous mobile robots. Different kinds of AMRs include a variety of handling technologies. It’s possible to equip them with anything from tilt trays to cross belt systems, and can be helpful in high speed parcel sortation, returns handling, and e-com fulfillment.
• Inventory AMRs: Currently order fulfillment depends on having accurate, transparent inventory visibility—knowing where the product is within the warehouse, distribution center, and entire supply chain. However, organizing inventory transportation and reconciliation can be demanding and time-consuming for especially large and complicated operations. AMRs that are integrated directly with an inventory structure can significantly reduce the time and money required to keep at maximum productivity and order precision.

AMR Implementation

Configuring AMRs in a warehouse or distribution center demands extensive planning and consideration. It is critical to attentively examine the duties that that will be completed by the robots, and make sure that they are equipped with the necessary sensors and software to perform these duties effectively. It is also essential to account for the layout of the warehouse or distribution center and the possible impact on different systems and processes, like the material handling and storage systems.

A obstacle of deploying AMRs is consolidating them with current systems and processes. AMRs usually should be connected to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other computer systems in order to function effectively. This sometimes takes significant effort and resources, and might require the development of custom software or connection with third-party systems.

An additional difficulty is the requirement for recurring maintenance and support. AMRs require frequent maintenance and software updates in order to go on functioning properly, and it is important to have a plan ready to make sure that such duties are finished in a punctual and successful manner.

Talk To A Warehouse Automation Expert

Overall, autonomous mobile robots can contribute significant benefits to warehouses and distribution centers, such as elevated productivity, safety, and efficiency. To inquire about configuring and setting up an AMR project, talk to a warehouse automation expert at Raymond West now.

Raymond West's Phoenix facility serves the entire Phoenix Metro area, including Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Goodyear, Tolleson, Peoria and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Phoenix Material Handling Equipment Supplier

2659 E Magnolia St
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 275-2228