They are small, flexible, easy to install and fast to install: (AMR) are increasingly entering the field of internal logistics. Not only is the number of participants in the AMR market growing, but also the application field of mobile vehicles is expanding at an alarming rate. From inbound to outbound, AMR can already undertake many processes -- and the task portfolio is far from exhausted.
AMR is emerging and brings a decisive advantage: unprecedented flexibility. They open up new degrees of freedom for the design of warehouses. Because the intended use or defined route of AMR can be easily adjusted (compared with permanently installed conveyor technology). In addition, you can use them flexibly to deal with peak orders or unexpected situations, which previously required long-term planning and cost intensive conversion of transmission lines.
Frank heptner, automation solutions expert of Kaiao group, said: "in the long run, AMR is likely to replace many internal logistics standards, such as conveyor technology. We notice from our customers that more and more adaptive concepts are being used and less and less fixed devices." Last but not least, in order to meet the growing demand, more and more internal logistics experts, such as Linde material handling, are using AMR in their portfolio.
The following overview shows where and how AMR can be used:
Simple transportation solution
AMR works when goods need to be moved from a to B in the warehouse. For example, pallet movement plays a central role in the entry and exit of goods. Here, AMR replaces the transmission technology and transforms the previous rigid path into a flexible design space. From a single box to an entire pallet, small robots can move various loads to any location in the warehouse. You can also receive the goods on the table, and then AMR will pick them up and take them to the warehouse.
Sorting system
AMRS are also used for cargo sorting: in baggage handling at parcel centers or airports, they replace conveying technology and, when a certain capacity is reached, the sorting system. The flexible AMR only needs to drive in circles and eject goods at the appropriate station.
Combination of storage, picking and picking
AMR's first models not only redefined the field process, but also climbed higher: some suppliers' AMR in the field of small parts combined conveyor technology and stacker to "climb up the shelf" and obtain goods from each shelf and then to the picking station without using conveyor technology there. There is also a "warehouse AMR" as a stacker in the small parts area. These take over the storage and retrieval in the warehouse and hand over to the "transportation AMR". AMR transportation moves under the shelf and synchronously receives goods from AMR warehouse at the location coordinated by the transportation management system.
Seamless cooperation between AMR in large loading areas and automated narrow channel equipment has been successfully implemented: this has created dynamic new application areas and opened up a lot of potential for further creative solutions in the warehouse.
Production supply
When a certain capacity limit is reached, AMR can also take over the supply of industrial production lines, otherwise these production lines will be used by trailers or driverless transportation systems. Here, AMR can also be combined with proven systems, such as when providing materials for trains unloaded by AMR. The same principle applies to production disposal. AMR can transport goods to buffer zone or send goods. AMR has great advantages. It is very flexible even in narrow space, so it can also maneuver through obstacles.
Pick
With AMR, "people to goods" is immediately converted to "goods to people": this increases productivity and minimizes errors - all without major intervention in infrastructure. AMR delivers the goods to the table and provides services to the right picker at the right time. This is how to create an efficient multi selection scene.
Whether sorting, transportation or picking, whether large-scale or small-scale: the scope of AMR for different application scenarios is expanding. Nevertheless, multifunctional robots also have limitations, because they can only use a certain capacity and speed. Therefore, small piece warehouses, multi piece transporters and companies continue to find their scope of application. At the same time, more and more applications can be realized with the help of AMR, which can only be realized through a lot of efforts. The next few years will bring more solution concepts in this field.
