Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) can significantly enhance warehouse productivity. However, selecting the right robot for your specific intralogistics needs is essential to get the most out of this innovative technology. In this blog post, we’ll share key tips to help you choose the right AMR for your warehouse.

As e-commerce continues to grow and labour shortages persist, many industries are turning to warehouse automation to stay competitive and keep up with the increasing demand. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are a popular solution, capable of reducing shipping time by 30% to 50% while also improving safety, scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, not all AMRs are the same, and finding the right one depends on your specific warehouse requirements. Let’s explore the various factors to consider when selecting the best AMR for your operations.

How to Choose the Right AMR for Your Warehouse

1. Know your Operational Needs

The first step is to consider which tasks the robot will handle in the warehouse. These operations could range from transporting and sorting products to assisting with assembly workflow. The AMR you choose should be based on these specific needs. For example, while agile AMRs like arculees are a great option for underload carrier and pallet transportation, other mobile robots such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are more suitable for vertical lifting.

2. Check the Pay Load Capacity

Load capacity is another major factor when choosing an AMR. The type of materials a warehouse handles will determine whether a robot with a lower or higher load capacity is more suitable. For instance, for moving lighter items, like textiles or consumer goods, an AMR with a lower payload capacity will work best. On the other hand, a robot designed to carry high loads is a better option for transporting heavier machine parts. Matching the AMR’s payload to the product weight is crucial for ensuring smooth operations.

3. Analyse the Cost

Budgeting is an essential step when investing in a new technology, but the lowest upfront cost doesn’t always guarantee the best value. Beyond the initial price, it’s crucial to factor in expenses like maintenance, integration, software updates, and energy usage. For instance, AMRs that seem cheaper at first may demand frequent servicing or complex integrations, driving up long-term costs. Balancing these factors will help you ensure a more cost-effective investment for your business.

4. Prioritise Safety

Integrating AMRs into warehouses involves regular interaction between robots and humans in shared spaces, making safety a critical concern. To minimise risks and maintain a hazard-free environment, it's essential to choose robots that comply with safety standards like TÜV SÜD and DIN protocols. This ensures both secure and efficient intralogistics operations.

5. Look for a Scalable and Adaptable Robot

Successful integration of AMRs also depends on their flexibility. As industries evolve and warehouse needs change, robots that can adapt to new environments, navigate obstacles using sensors, and respond to real-time data are highly desirable. The good news is that being easily programable and able to accommodate fluctuating workloads, AMRs are generally scalable. When purchasing an AMR fleet, it's important to prioritise flexibility in their operations.

 6. Find a Supportive Vendor

Finally, choosing the right service provider for successful AMR integration goes a long way. When selecting a vendor, consider your specific warehouse needs and look for a partner that offers comprehensive solutions. For fully automated warehouses, a provider like Jungheinrich can supply a wide range of technologies, from AMRs to Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and forklifts, ensuring seamless integration.

In Short

Integrating Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in the supply chain facilities is an effective option to support the workforce and tackle the ever-increasing demands of manufacturing. However, for maximum benefit, industries must opt for autonomous robots that are best suited to their need. To achieve that goal, companies must understand their operational requirements, research product specifications, analyse the cost-benefit ratio, and then choose the right AMR to make their warehousing processes safe, efficient, and optimal.