Why should manufacturing enterprises adopt AGV and AMR?

Robotics are becoming more common in manufacturing. However, many of these robots are either fixed in one place or traverse the factory space along pre-planned, constant and unchangeable trajectories. Increasingly, however, plant operators are realizing that what they actually need is 1 robot that can intelligently sense the environment and navigate itself. This is where autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) show their importance. This type of robot is mainly composed of a movable platform, usually (but not necessarily) equipped with wheels, and equipped with a variety of accessories or mechanical arms to perform various specialized tasks. A large number of AMRs make use of SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, which allows them to accurately position themselves in the environment while adjusting their actions to real-time conditions. With these advanced technologies, they can not only avoid collisions with other machines or people, but also connect with other robots and digital systems, enabling seamless integration with the broader operating environment. This ability to choose their own path of travel in the environment makes them distinct from their predecessor, the automated guided vehicle (AGV). AGVs travel along pre-set paths and perform a variety of automated, repetitive tasks, primarily under the supervision of a human operator.

Why should businesses adopt AMR?

Worker safety
AMR can take on tasks that may be dangerous or impossible for human workers to perform. These operations include cleaning and disinfection of laboratory areas, transporting hazardous materials, carrying heavy loads, and working in extreme conditions that are uncomfortable or even harmful to humans.

Higher flexibility
The job shop won't grind to a halt as a robot encounters a fallen box or crowd. AMR does not require the direct supervision of operators; they can assess and react to the environment in real time while completing their tasks, a capability that is useful in a variety of industries.

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

Generate data

AMR can not only work alone, it is usually connected to digital platforms and can communicate with other robots and corporate assets. The sensors they rely on for autonomous navigation generate vast amounts of performance data to help create actionable insights. This allows AMR to also act as a mobile data collection platform, enabling companies to improve business operations, from process efficiency to preventative maintenance to employee behavior.

Types of AMR
Because AMR can add value to a business in a variety of situations, these robots are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and capabilities.
Here are a few broad categories of robots that could have a place in your operations:

Picking robot
Picking AMR can identify, pick and process items on fixed shelves. In traditional picking, a manual picker moves from one shelf to another, picking products and placing them on a conveyor belt, cart, or carrying them by himself. Picking AMR can undertake the work of picking and transporting items between workers and stations, so that workers can take the items they need without walking.

Sorting robot
The Sorting AMR scans the package and determines where in the warehouse the package needs to be delivered. They autonomously plan and drive the best route, then store the package on their own or wait for the operator to accept it.

automatic forklift
These driverless forklifts transport heavy materials throughout the facility. There are usually two types: pallet trucks, which can transport materials from one location on the floor to another; and pallet stackers, which can stack materials.

Inventory robot
These robots automate inventory management. They track inventory levels, product location, planogram 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, where inventory AMR can track inventory manually and is less likely to make mistakes.

Drone
It is becoming increasingly common in tasks such as last -1-mile delivery, autonomous inspection, and even disaster response. These onboard robots provide accurate, continuous monitoring of the facility and workforce. They can deploy high-resolution cameras and other sensors and use AI-powered software for analysis.

automatic tractor
These AMRs help automate material transport in dynamic and high-flow environments. They reduce the number of trips, especially when they tow many items with trucks; they can also react to unexpected changes to avoid collisions, thereby helping to increase production efficiency and enhance worker safety.

automatic guided vehicle
It is known for its low chassis and small appearance, so it can be transported under a trolley or shelf. Cleaning Robots These robots can perform tasks such as scrubbing, mopping, vacuuming, and disinfecting. Cleaning AMR (such as automatic washing machines) is a relatively new product on the market, and it is becoming more and more popular as a solution to the shortage of limited labor and skills, as well as the increased awareness of cleaning and disinfection brought about by COVID-19.

Industry examples
Enterprises such as warehouses, logistics companies, healthcare organizations and agricultural operations have been using AMR to help them improve their efficiency, safety and competitiveness.

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

Autonomous mobile robots have begun to be used in construction sites. Autonomous mobile robots can be used for physically intensive tasks such as painting, drywall and masonry finishes. Autonomous robots can use sensors and cameras for security and inspection-drones are particularly useful in this regard. In addition, AMR can be integrated into the building information modeling of large buildings, making and marking layouts on existing floors. A 1 AMR is currently being developed to automatically detect and repair potholes on the road. AMR can autonomously navigate and solve problems while performing tasks, unlocking great potential in improving efficiency, optimizing processes, collecting and managing data, and ensuring worker safety. As more and more operations are connected to the Internet of Things, having robots that can dynamically adapt and enhance the work of human employees can not only change your workshop, but also change the rules of the game in the entire industry.