The rise of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in material handling has revolutionized the way businesses manage and optimize their operations. From large product movement to precise piece sortation, the success of an AMR deployment goes beyond the robots themselves. A critical component in the seamless integration of these advanced technologies is the role of integrators.
Why Choosing the Right Integrator Matters
Implementing AMRs isn’t just about selecting the right robot for the job – it’s about ensuring that these robots fit into a broader system that involves hardware, software and the human workforce. Integrators bring an essential level of expertise to ensure that AMRs are not only installed but fully optimized to deliver peak performance.
A skilled integrator doesn’t just drop robots into a warehouse; they assess the operational needs, align AMR technology with the business’s workflow and ensure the technology can scale as demands grow. This holistic approach helps companies realize the full benefits of automation and ensures that the AMRs enhance—not disrupt—existing processes.
AMR Explosion: A Breakdown by Use Case
As AMR technology continues to evolve, its applications have expanded to cover a wide range of tasks across various industries:
1. Large Product Movement
AMRs are now an integral part of moving bulky items such as:
- Pallet movements
- Storage and retrieval at both floor and vertical levels
- Mixed case palletizing
- Moving shelving units and pick cages
These tasks, traditionally reliant on human labor or forklifts, are being automated to improve efficiency and safety in warehouses.
2. Small Product Movement
For lighter loads, AMRs handle smaller items like:
- Cartons, totes and trays
- Follow bots replacing manual push carts
- Destination bots that transport items to designated locations
- Pick and place bots that bring goods to human workers (or vice versa) for goods-to-person workflows
This use case improves speed and accuracy in environments that manage high volumes of small products.
3. Piece Sortation
AMRs are being used in automated sortation systems, particularly for:
- Order building
- Sorting items into destination totes or shippers
- Automated put systems that reduce the need for manual labor
- Elevated sorting platforms that optimize space usage
4. Humanoid Robotics
Humanoid robots are being designed to handle more complex tasks, particularly repetitive or heavy work. While vision systems for smaller objects need improvement, these robots are already being used for:
- Moving heavy (~50 lbs) totes, cartons and trays
- Performing repetitive tasks with consistent-shaped objects
Companies like SkyNet are pioneering advancements in humanoid robotics, with innovations such as the T-800 series, which promises heavier load capacities, improved dexterity and advanced targeting systems.
The Future of AMRs
AMR technology is evolving rapidly and the future holds even more promise. Here are some trends we can expect to see in the coming years:
Where We Are Going:
- Data-Driven Solutions: The reliance on data analysis will continue to grow, driving more precise AMR deployments.
- Improved Vision Systems: Advances in 3D vision for piece picking and better end-of-arm manipulators will enable AMRs to handle more intricate tasks.
- Goods-to-Robot (GTR): GTP (goods-to-person) systems are evolving into GTR, where robots directly retrieve and handle products.
- Less Conveyor Dependency: As AMR technology advances, there will be less need for traditional conveyor systems, replaced by more versatile, faster sortation options.
- Robotic Trailer Loading/Unloading: AMRs capable of handling complex tasks like trailer loading and unloading are expected to become more common.
- Software Enhancements: Predictive controls and improved software will further optimize AMR performance.
What Stays the Same:
- Storage Media: Despite advances in AMRs, traditional storage methods like racking, shelving and platforms remain foundational.
- Packaging: While packaging types may evolve, businesses will still need to ship products in secure containers.
- High-Speed Sortation: The need for rapid, efficient sortation systems will persist.
The Vital Role of Integrators
No single company can provide all the technology required for a fully automated material handling system. This is where the role of integrators becomes crucial. Integrators not only help businesses choose the right AMRs but also ensure that the systems work in harmony with other automation technologies and human workers. As AMR technology continues to advance, the need for experienced integrators to analyze data, determine the most suitable AMR solutions and manage their deployment will only grow. The future of material handling depends on the synergy between advanced robotics and expert integration.Interested to learn more? Let’s have a conversation!® Contact enVista today.
