Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are a kind of technology that is swiftly gaining popularity in material handling facilities all over the world. AMRs are engineered to navigate a warehouse or distribution center alone, without requiring employee supervision. They include software and sensors that let them move about the storage location, locate and pick up things, and transport them to their destination.

Autonomous Mobile Robot Benefits

One of the main benefits to implementing AMRs inside distribution centers is the heightened efficiency they are able to provide. Through automating duties like material handling and transportation, AMRs can considerably limit the time and effort required to complete these tasks. This can lead to better order processing and distribution times, as well as reduced costs for labor.

A second advantage of AMRs lies in their ability to run around the clock, without the need for rest or breaks. This allows material handling facilities to elevate their throughput and productivity, because the robots can work all the time without experiencing tiredness.

AMRs can also increase safety in warehouses and distribution centers, because they have installed sensors and software that allow them to prevent collisions with different people and items. This lessens the possibility of injuries and accidents in the workplace, which is especially critical in environments that include heavy lifting and other physically demanding tasks.

Types Of AMRs

There are a few different kinds of AMRs that can be bought on the market, individually designed for specific tasks and workspaces. Some customary uses for AMRs encompass:

• Order Picking AMRs: AMRs can be found in an extensive variety of configurations that are intended to reduce picking-related travel time. Having AMRs move wares to the picker eliminates travel time for hourly workers and can be significant relative to cost and efficiency.
• Sortation AMRs: Sortation can benefit significantly from the use of autonomous mobile robots. Different sorts of AMRs have a variety of handling technologies. It’s possible to outfit them with anything from tilt trays to cross belt systems, and can be helpful in e-com fulfillment, high speed parcel sortation, and returns handling.
• Inventory AMRs: Currently order fulfillment depends on having precise, transparent inventory visibility—being aware of whereabouts the product is within the warehouse, distribution center, and collective supply chain. However, arranging inventory transportation and reconciliation can be demanding and time-consuming for very large and complex operations. AMRs that are directly integrated with an inventory structure can exceptionally reduce the time and expenditures required to keep at maximum efficiency and order accuracy.

AMR Implementation

Implementing AMRs in a warehouse requires diligent planning and consideration. It is critical to attentively examine the tasks that that AMRs will need to do, and make sure that they are outfitted with the correct software and sensors to handle these duties efficiently. It is also necessary to plan for the floorplan of the warehouse or distribution center and the potential influence on different processes and systems, such as the material handling and storage systems.

One of the challenges of deploying AMRs is incorporating them with existing systems and processes. AMRs frequently need to be linked to warehouse management systems (WMS) and other computer systems in order to function properly. This sometimes needs substantial labor and materials, and might require the creation of proprietary software or connection with third-party systems.

An additional challenge is the requirement for ongoing maintenance and support. AMRs require frequent maintenance and software updates in order to go on functioning effectively, and it is necessary to develop a plan to ensure that these tasks are completed in a quick and successful fashion.

Talk To A Warehouse Automation Expert

Altogether, autonomous mobile robots are able to contribute significant features to distribution centers and warehouses, such as elevated efficiency, safety, and productivity. If you’d like to inquire about configuring and deploying an AMR project, contact a warehouse automation representative at Raymond West now.

Raymond West's Santa Clarita / Valencia facility serves the northern region of Los Angeles County and the San Fernando Valley, including Valencia, Santa Clarita, San Fernando, Sylmar, Sun Valley, Reseda, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Hollywood and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Santa Clarita / San Fernando Valley Material Handling Equipment Supplier

28303 Industry Dr
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 206-0462