Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are an efficient way to up your business. However, introducing them to a working environment can be a challenging and lengthy process – there are many aspects to consider if you want to end up with a smooth-working automation. That’s why we’ve prepared this short guide that will help you understand AMRs and their introduction process. Don’t be mistaken, though – these will be general directions, rather than a ready-made solution, as each company is different and implementing AMRs reflects that fact.
Advantages of AMRs
One of the biggest advantages of AMRs is undoubtedly their affordability – they are significantly cheaper than traditional robotic arms. This means that robots are no longer an exclusive option for big businesses – nowadays even medium and small-sized ones can afford to embrace automation technology.
Another important feature of this type of robot is flexibility – they can be relatively easily implemented into diverse manufacturing processes and businesses with various infrastructures and resources.
Besides these two, adopting AMRs will also lead to:
- Increased productivity and higher production rates;
- Better quality products;
- Optimal materials’ usage;
- Faster internal transport;
- Reduced lead times in factories.
Some people still mistake AMRs for AGVs (Automatic Guided Vehicles), which are less advanced and require a precise predetermined path to navigate and operate – they can’t pick an alternative route on their own. Some even mix up their names, referring to them as autonomous guided vehicles, which is fundamentally wrong – something that is guided, isn’t autonomous.
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Main characteristics of an Autonomous Mobile Robot
Although it may seem simple from the outside, an autonomous mobile robot is a sophisticated device with complex structure. The main parts of this structure are hardware, software, and specialized components.
Robots are typically categorized based on their navigation skills, which basically defines their autonomy. As their name suggests, AMRs are at the top of the autonomy ladder – they will actively pick the most efficient route to their destination and adjust their path based on the dynamic changes in the work environment. However, navigation is nothing more than a functionality – the architecture of autonomous mobile robots is far more important and that is what you should look into when planning your facility’s automation.
Here is a rough idea of what the architecture of an AMR consists of:
- Hardware – frame, sensors (laser, cameras, accelerometers etc.), drives, motion components etc.
- Propriety hardware
- Off-the-shelf components
- Software – various programs, protocols, and interfaces
- Operational – databases, communication protocols, security, user management etc.
- Functional – fleet management, navigation, path planning, function specific etc.
- APIs – management systems, automation environments, 3rd party software etc.
- Development tools
What does the AMR introduction process look like?
Each implementation of autonomous mobile robots is different, as each object/facility has its nuances and various needs, so there’s no simple answer here. However, the “bare bones” remain the same. Let’s take a closer look at the basic steps of introducing mobile robotics into your business.
Selecting the right hardware
The first thing you should consider, what physical elements your robot would need – this depends largely on the function it will have and its work environment. For example, more advanced sensors would be a great boon in a crowded space and a more powerful motor allows the robot to move faster. Other equipment includes breaks, wheels, batteries, and encoders. Of course, you will also need to consider safety regulations.
AMRs can have fixed hardware, made for performing a specific task or have a modular build that allows for swapping work modules, making them able to perform other tasks. For example, lift modules made for moving heavy loads can be changed to rollers for picking orders directly from a production line or warehouse conveyor belts.
A deep dive into AMR tasks will help you select the best suited hardware for your needs.
Picking the appropriate functional software
This category includes components which the robot needs to complete a given functionality. Let’s say you want a robot that picks up materials from a conveyor belt and moves it to a designated area. The functional software for such a machine would include visual processing and scanning for identifying its cargo and pick up/drop off points. The robot also needs the ability to receive instructions and communicate with other devices.
The key functionalities are also navigation, localization, and motion planning. With these, the robot will always know its position and be able to complete its tasks without being overseen directly. True autonomous mobile robots will also utilize mapping of its environment and be able to avoid obstacles. Functional programming will also tell it how to interact with people. All the info needed to do this comes from the robot’s sensors.
After you know what your robots should be able to do, you should build a list of requirements and things that need to be done in the AMR adoption process. It’s a good moment to consider the possibility of adaptation, customization, and expansion of your robot fleet – knowing where it could grow is a key element in automation. This is also the moment to look for functional components that can support multiple applications (if you need that).
And finally – check, for how long your chosen manufacturer provides maintenance. This is crucial as after the maintenance period ends, you most probably won’t be receiving security updates.
Choosing the AMR operational software
Like all other devices, AMRs have to be integrated into the work ecosystem. Moreover, robot fleets in warehouses and other plants require instructions on what they should be doing at any given time. Plus, as the environmental conditions change, so can the optimal ways to execute tasks.
Thus, functional components require operational ones that will provide e.g., communication between robots, interfaces linking to other systems, and ways to convey information to humans supervising them. Depending on the system you use, you might also require dedicated automation integrators to make robots compatible with your IT infrastructure.
Setting up an operating system
All the digital components mentioned above need to be set upon an operating system. Such a platform can be customized from an existing distribution or built from scratch. You should keep in mind that the final build can differ from the basic distribution version to the point of incompatibility. In cases of heavily customized systems, the robots manufacturers delivering them should provide long-term maintenance of such platforms. Therefore, you need to make sure that your chosen provider has the resources (documentation, engineering skills, infrastructure etc.) needed to maintain a fully operational system.
You should also pay attention to security measures – your robots must be at least as secure as the rest of your computer network.
Introduction to AMRs – summary
AMRs differ from other industrial robots mainly because of their complete autonomy, which gives them tremendous flexibility. Modern AMRs utilize such technologies as machine learning and artificial intelligence to perform their tasks in the most efficient way – no matter if it’s moving pallets, delivering cargo, or providing room service. However, introducing them into your business requires a good douse of planning and adjustments to your current processes. A big part of adapting robots is selecting the right manufacturer and software provider. This may be troublesome, as currently there are over 300 AMR manufacturers around the world. If you are looking for affordable AMRs and operating systems that can be easily suited for your business, visit https://versabox.eu/ and check their offer.
