Warehouse robotics technology is a relatively commonplace technology that uses motors, gears, and controllers found in other robotics products. However, the software that powers autonomous mobile robots is much more complex. Warehouse robotics technology is a relatively commonplace technology that uses motors, gears, and controllers found in many other robotics and machinery products. However, the software that powers autonomous mobile robots is much more sophisticated.
Many robots move goods within a specific area, bringing the right products in the right order and at the right time within easy reach of the pickers or packers so that they can fill orders quickly and accurately. A lot of optimization logic is required to determine the best routes and timing to keep this mechanical ballet dance flowing smoothly.
The new direct-to-consumer role of warehouses requires new approaches to automation. Many businesses expect AMR robots to be the solution that helps this type of automation work.
What is AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots)?
Autonomous mobile robots, as the name suggests, are robots that move autonomously from one point to another with the help of sensors in a warehouse or a specific area. It uses built-in sensors to detect and avoid stationary or moving obstacles.
How Does AMR Work? How Can It Become Part of the Warehouse?
AMRs are robots that have the ability to move around the warehouse without needing to be observed and directed by an operator. Since they are robots with sensing features, they can detect obstacles, avoid them and go on the most suitable route thanks to sensors, without the need for an established or drawn route.
Calculates and uses the shortest route while bringing tasks to the road in the most efficient way.
Avoids Fixed obstacles such as shelves, columns, and walls.
It avoids moving obstacles such as forklifts, pallet trucks, and people.
There are other warehouse robots with these features, but only AMRs provide this much flexibility in plotting the shortest, most efficient, and safest routes.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) – works in integration with warehouse management systems and is used in tasks such as transportation, picking, and delivery/product placement.
AMR Types According to Usage Areas
Autonomous robots were first used by NASA for space exploration. Since then, AMRs have been one of the strategic elements of the supply chain. For this reason, they are divided into 3 main categories according to the area of use and the tasks they perform.
AMRs Designed for Transport and Sorting in Warehouses
These robots increase the efficiency of the warehouse by carrying large or small products in the warehouses.
roller conveyors
Tiltable trays
Cross band separators
AMRs Designed to Support the Collection Process
The order preparation phase is one of the most critical and expensive phases of the supply chain in terms of time. Thanks to AMR, the loss of time due to the walking time of the personnel in the warehouse is eliminated.
- Area picking: Area picking is a system in which the robot collects orders by traveling through the areas of the warehouse. While the robot is walking, the operator leaves the listed products in the basket, after collecting all the listed products, the robot moves to the packaging and shipping area.
- Good-to-person picking (GTP): Good-to-person is an order picking and picking process in which orders are picked and brought to the operator by autonomous robots. This process works successfully with Mini Load to automatic box loading systems.