Why should plant operators care about AMR and how to optimize the work environment and improve efficiency?

Robotics are increasingly common on the factory floor, but many of these technologies are either stationary or follow predetermined, fixed and unchanging paths within the factory. However, more and more factory operators are finding that they need a robot that can understand and move itself in their environment. This is the role of autonomous mobile robots (AMR). The AMR semi-autonomously or fully autonomously browses its environment. They consist of a mobile platform, most commonly (but not always) wheels, and are equipped with a variety of attachments or manipulators to perform specific tasks. Many AMRs use SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, which helps the robot to locate itself in its environment and adapt its behavior to dynamic situations. These technologies enable them not only to avoid collisions with machines and people, but also to connect with other robots and digital systems to seamlessly integrate with larger operations. This ability to choose their own route in the environment makes them different from their predecessors, autonomous navigation vehicles (AGVs). AGVs perform automated, repetitive tasks in a pre-determined path under the supervision of a human operator.

Why AMR?

These robots can bring huge benefits to businesses in many industries. Here are some of the benefits: Worker Safety
AMR can take on tasks that may be dangerous, or that human workers cannot complete. These operations include cleaning and disinfection of laboratories, transporting hazardous materials, carrying heavy loads, and working in extreme conditions that are uncomfortable or even harmful to humans. AMRs do not require the direct supervision of operators; they can assess and react to the environment in real time while completing their tasks. This ability is useful to a variety of industries.

AMR handles low-skill repetitive tasks such as transporting materials, cleaning, and sorting packages on the production floor. This enables employees to shift their focus to higher-value activities, such as customer support or strategic planning. Employees who may need to supervise robots will also focus on other high-value work, allowing AMR to navigate the workspace on its own.

An AMR doesn't just work on its own-it usually connects to a digital platform and can communicate with other robots and corporate assets. They rely on sensors to navigate autonomously, producing vast amounts of performance data to help create actionable insights. This allows AMR to also serve as a mobile data collection platform, enabling companies to improve business operations, from process efficiency to preventative maintenance to workforce behavior.

Types of AMR

Due to the variety of situations in which AMR can add value to a business, these robots come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and capabilities. Here are a few broad categories of robots that can find a place in your operation: Picking robots Picking robots can identify, pick up and handle items on fixed shelves. In traditional picking, human pickers move from one shelf to another, picking products and placing them on a conveyor belt, trolley, or carrying them themselves. Picking AMR can take on picking and transport items between workers and stations, enabling workers to pick up the items they need without having to move around.

Sorting robots scan packages and determine where in the warehouse they need to deliver them. They autonomously plan and travel the best route, then store the package themselves or wait for a human operator to accept the package.
These driverless forklifts transport heavy materials throughout the facility. There are usually two types: the 1 is a pallet lift, which can transport materials from one location on the floor to another; the other 1 is a pallet stacker, which is used to stack materials.

These robots automate inventory management. They track inventory levels, product locations, schedule compliance, and can confirm product pricing. Inventory tracking, movement and reconciliation can be a time-consuming challenge, especially for large-scale operations such as fulfillment centers-inventory robots can track inventory with a lower chance of error than their human counterparts. Drones Drones are becoming more common for missions such as last -1-mile delivery, autonomous inspection, and even disaster response. These aerial robots provide accurate and continuous monitoring of the facility and workforce. They can deploy high-resolution cameras and other sensors and use AI-powered software for analysis.

These robots are known for their small chassis and low profile, which allows them to be transported on trolleys or under shelves. These machines navigate small spaces with minimal or zero turning radius-and must be able to navigate around workers and other robots. Cleaning Robots These robots perform tasks such as scrubbing, mopping, vacuuming and disinfecting. Cleaning robots, such as automatic scrubbing machines, are relatively new products on the market and are becoming more and more popular as a solution to the limited labor and skills shortage, as well as the increase in cleaning and hygiene awareness due to COVID-19.

Industry examples

Businesses such as warehouses, logistics companies, medical institutions and agricultural operations have been turning to AMR to help them become more efficient, safe and competitive: warehouses.

Various AMRs are available for warehouse environments. Robots such as trolleys and forklifts can be deployed to transport raw materials to processing stations, as well as products and finished products between processing stations to distribution centers. Other robots can be used to take on picking and sorting tasks, while inventory robots and even drones can track the location and movement of products.

Autonomous mobile robot technology has been deployed on construction sites. Autonomous mobile robots can be used for physically intensive work such as painting, drywall and masonry finishing. Autonomous robots can use sensors and cameras for security and inspection-drones could be particularly useful in this regard. And AMR can be integrated into the building information model of large structures, making and marking layouts on existing floors. A 1 AMR is currently being developed for autonomous detection and repair of potholes in the road. AMR is being relied upon by more and more sectors. With the ability to autonomously navigate and solve problems while performing tasks, they unlock great potential for improved efficiency, process optimization, data collection and management, and worker safety. As more and more businesses connect to the Internet of Things, having robots that can dynamically adapt and enhance the work of human employees can change not only your workshop, but your entire industry.