A Guide to Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Key takeaways:

• AMR robots travel autonomously using advanced sensors and software to make real-time decisions.
• Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) differ from automated guided vehicles (AGVs) mainly because they don't need fixed guides or routes.
• Types of AMR robots: industrial, service, delivery, and self-driving cars.
• AMR robots use advanced sensors and intelligent software to collect data about their surroundings and navigate around obstacles.
• AMR robots can be integrated with AutoStore to improve workflow efficiency.

What are AMR robots?

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are intelligent machines designed for independent operation in dynamic environments. They stand out from traditional robots by their capacity for autonomous navigation and real-time decision-making, facilitated by advanced sensors and software. Unlike fixed transport industrial robots, AMRs possess the ability to adapt and modify their routes and tasks as needed, enhancing their versatility for applications in dynamic settings.

Differentiating AMR robots and AGVs:

In the field of autonomous robotics, it's crucial to differentiate between two key technologies that are frequently, yet mistakenly, used interchangeably: Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). These distinctions shed light on their respective applications and advantages. Here are the basics:

AMR robots:

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• Equipped with advanced sensors and software
• Navigate autonomously using sensors like lidar, cameras, and machine learning
• Possess adaptability and can modify routes and tasks on the fly, making them versatile for dynamic environments
• Excel in scenarios with high traffic and dynamic route requirements, offering flexibility

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs):

• Follow predefined paths or routes, typically marked with permanent physical guides like magnetic tape or wires
• Possess limited adaptability, as they operate based on fixed paths
• Well-suited for repetitive tasks in controlled environments
• Commonly used in manufacturing and material transport within warehouses where structured routes are feasible

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In summary, while both AMRs and AGVs offer automation benefits, their key differences lie in adaptability and navigation methods. AMRs navigate autonomously and adapt to dynamic environments, making them versatile for various applications. In contrast, AGVs follow predefined paths and are best suited for structured and repetitive tasks in controlled settings.

Types of AMR robots

AMRs are diverse in their categories and applications. Industrial robots automate tasks in manufacturing, particularly repetitive actions like assembly and material handling. Service robots cater to sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail , where they assist with customer service and tasks. Delivery robots revolutionize logistics and they have also entered e-commerce by autonomously transporting goods within warehouses and urban environments. Additionally, self-driving cars, a prominent type of AMR, transform transportation by navigating roads autonomously.

Robotic vacuum cleaners, like the iRobot Roomba, are well-known examples of AMR robots found in households throughout the world.

In short, AMRs exhibit adaptability across a range of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and agriculture. In this blog, we will focus on AMRs in a warehouse operation. But first, let look at how AMRs work.

How do AMRs work?

At the core of AMRs is their ability to operate autonomously, which means they can navigate and perform tasks without human intervention. The main driver behind their autonomy is the integration of advanced sensors and intelligent software.

How AMRs operate:

• Sensory perception: AMRs are equipped with a variety of sensors, including light detection and ranging (lidar), cameras, GPS, and machine learning algorithms. These sensors serve as the robot's sensory apparatus, allowing it to perceive its environment in real-time. For instance, lidar sensors provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings, while cameras capture visual data.
• Data collection: These sensors continuously collect data about the robot's surroundings. This data includes information about obstacles (referred to as obstacle avoidance and collision avoidance), landmarks, and the robot's own position within its environment. This real-time data collection is fundamental to the robot's ability to make informed decisions.‍

• Intelligent decision-making: The collected sensor data is processed by onboard computing hardware, which includes high-performance processors and memory. The real magic happens in the form of control algorithms — software that interprets sensor data, calculates optimal paths, and controls the robot's movements. These algorithms enable AMRs to make real-time decisions, adapt to changes in their surroundings, and navigate efficiently.
• Navigation and actuation: Navigation systems, often integrated with GPS, assist AMRs in determining their precise location and planning routes. The robot's movements are executed by mechanical components, such as wheels or tracks, known as actuators. These actuators enable the robot to navigate its environment and perform assigned tasks.

In summary, AMRs operate autonomously by perceiving their environment through advanced sensors, processing the collected data with intelligent software algorithms, and executing actions through mechanical actuators. This combination of sensory perception, data processing, and intelligent decision-making is what drives their autonomy and allows them to operate efficiently in dynamic environments.

Pros and cons of AMR robots in a warehousing operation

AMRs are making their mark across various industries, offering a range of advantages and challenges. To provide a balanced perspective, let's delve into the pros and cons of AMRs in a warehouse operation and explore when they are a suitable choice and when they may pose challenges.

Advantages of AMRs

Retail restocking: AMRs can be particularly helpful for retail restocking applications where stores require similar SKUs at the same time.

Cost savings: AMRs offer the potential for cost savings as companies optimize their operations. By minimizing errors and potentially reducing labor expenses, businesses can realize financial benefits. Efficient resource allocation and supply chain optimization are additional areas for potential savings.

Improved safety: If proper safety measures have been made, AMRs can contribute to improved workplace safety by handling dangerous or repetitive tasks, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. By automating these tasks, human workers can be freed from physically demanding or hazardous responsibilities.

Flexibility: AMRs are very flexible and do not require physical installation of systems. However, this also implies the need for more space.

Challenges and limitations of AMRs:

Technical limitations: AMRs face technical constraints that may hinder widespread adoption. These include challenges related to battery life, sensor accuracy, and adaptability to unstructured environments. Addressing these limitations is crucial to unlock their full potential.

Dust: As mentioned above, AMRs rely on sensors, cameras, and other navigation technologies to navigate and perform tasks within their operating environments. Operating typically on the floor, these systems can be disrupted by dust and particulate matter, potentially leading to operational inefficiencies and downtime.

Traffic jam: Scaling and managing a large fleet of AMRs operating autonomously on the warehouse floor requires highly sophisticated software and continuous maintenance. The larger the fleet, the higher the likelihood of traffic jams, potentially halting operations.

Regulatory hurdles and standards: Navigating regulatory hurdles and establishing safety and interoperability standards is paramount for the responsible integration of AMRs. Ensuring that AMRs operate safely and effectively requires collaboration among stakeholders.

Increased space requirements: For storage and retrieval/picking operations, AMRs require significantly more space compared to other robotic systems. For example, compared to the cube storage robotic system, they require up to 300% more space.

Safety and security: As AMRs become integral to daily operations, it's essential to safeguard against potential risks such as hacking or misuse. Ensuring secure operation is a critical consideration in their deployment. AMRs have collision avoidance and obstacle avoidance that enables them to stop automatically in case there is something blocking the route. However, they operate autonomously and often in the same environment as humans, making safety measures and employee training essential.

When are AMRs a good choice for warehouse operations?

When evaluating whether to adopt AMR robots for your warehouse operations, you should consider the following specific factors:

When to choose AMRs for warehouse operations:

1. Variable workloads: AMRs offer flexibility, making them ideal for warehouses with fluctuating workloads. They can be deployed or scaled back as needed, aligning with changes in demand.
2. Repetitive tasks: AMRs are well-suited for tasks that are repetitive and prone to human error, such as material transport, sortation, and replenishment.
3. Avoiding conveyors: Installing conveyor technology is a commitment, and implies predictability in future operations. AMRs can take over the role of conveyors, and give more flexibility to the operation.

When not to choose AMRs for warehouse operations:

1. Low workload or static environment: If your warehouse has a low and consistent workload or operates in a highly structured and static environment, the benefits of AMRs may not justify the initial investment. Furthermore, if you have a low SKU base with very little travel, they may not be a good fit. AMR robots typically show value in eliminating long walks during picking.
2. Complex terrain or unstructured spaces: AMRs may face challenges in environments with complex terrain, narrow aisles, or highly unstructured spaces. In such cases, traditional material handling methods may be more suitable. Also, if your warehouse has insufficient Wi-Fi, AMRs will struggle to operate efficiently.
3. Regulatory or safety concerns: Industries with stringent regulatory requirements or safety concerns may find it challenging to integrate AMRs. Ensuring compliance and safety standards can be a significant undertaking.
4. Human interaction requirements: If your warehouse tasks involve frequent interaction between employees and the materials being handled, AMRs may not be the most suitable choice. Human-operated equipment or processes may be necessary.
5. High throughput: In general, AMR robots are not considered optimal for high-throughput fulfillment and unsuitable for high throughput operations within small spaces. They're best-suited for medium- to low-throughput environments with high SKU and travel footprints.

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In summary, the decision to choose AMRs for warehouse operations should align with your specific business needs. AMRs are a valuable asset in scenarios that require flexibility and repetitive tasks. However, they may not be the best fit for warehouses with complex terrain, stringent regulations, high throughput, or tasks requiring frequent human interaction. A thorough assessment of your warehouse's unique requirements is essential in making the right choice.

Integrating AMR robots with AutoStore AS/RS for efficiency

Integrating AMRs with the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) can be a smart move for improving warehouse efficiency. AMRs can transport target totes, racks, and Bins from the AutoStore system, making it more flexible and adaptable than traditional AGVs and conveyors.

Third-party logistics (3PL) provider Active Ants integrates GreyOrange AMRs into their fulfillment processes. Items are picked from CarouselPorts directly into boxes carried atop the GreyOrange robots. The AMRs then carry the boxes from the AutoStore Grid to packing machines and sort them before shipping, as shown in this video.

Efficient transport: AMRs autonomously move target totes and racks to their destinations in the AutoStore Grid.

Bin handling: They can also handle Bins, which is especially useful in dynamic manufacturing environments. For instance, AMRs can transport Bins to kitting lines, enhancing production workflows.

Flexibility: Unlike AGVs, AMRs can adapt to changing warehouse layouts, optimizing operations, which is highly suitable for the flexible and customizable AutoStore system.

Workflow enhancement: By integrating AMRs with AutoStore, warehouses and manufacturing facilities can improve efficiency, reduce manual labor, and streamline order processing.

In summary, integrating AMRs with AutoStore enhances warehouse operations by offering flexibility, efficient transport, and workflow optimization. This integration represents a significant advancement in warehouse automation, driving productivity and operational excellence.

Conclusion

AMR robots offer significant potential for transforming industries and shaping the future of technology. Their versatility, efficiency, and benefits are evident, yet they also entail distinct challenges. The path to harnessing AMRs' potential while addressing their limitations will influence the future of work and technology in our increasingly automated world.

FAQ

What is AMR in robotics?

AMR stands for autonomous mobile robot. It refers to a type of robot that can move autonomously in dynamic environments, making real-time decisions based on sensor data and navigation algorithms.

What is AMR and AGV?

AMR (autonomous mobile robot) and AGV (automated guided vehicle) are both used for material handling and transport. AMRs are more flexible and adaptable, while AGVs typically follow fixed paths or tracks.

How much are AMR robots?

The cost of AMR robots can vary widely depending on their size, capabilities, and specific applications. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per unit.

How much is an AMR vs AGV?

The cost of an AMR compared to an AGV can also vary significantly based on factors like size, features, and brand. Generally, AMRs tend to be more versatile and may come with a higher price tag compared to AGVs, which are typically more specialized and have a narrower range of applications. However, AGVs that carry large payloads are more costly than AMRs.