Six Mistakes to Avoid with AMR Technology

Introduction

Industrial production and retail have experienced a change towards agile company operations, personalised products, and flexible practices of the organisation over the past few years. By fulfilling customer needs for uniqueness and customisation and via process innovation, digital transformation, AI, and IoT enable a massive shift.

To maximise operational effectiveness, pace, accuracy, and security, warehouses, logistical firms, agricultural businesses, and healthcare organisations seek creative solutions. And this is when AMRs, or autonomous mobile robots, come into the picture.

However, if automation is done incorrectly, it may have a detrimental effect on data utilisation, business operations, employee satisfaction, and client satisfaction.

Let’s dive deeper into AMR technology and mistakes to avoid!

What is AMR?

A robot capable of understanding and navigating its environment on its own is called an autonomous mobile robot. AMRs use sophisticated sensors, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computation for path planning to perceive and navigate their environment without being constrained by wired power.

Autonomous mobile robots have cameras and sensors, so if they come across an unanticipated obstacle while navigating their surroundings, like a fallen box or a crowd of people, they will use a navigation technique like collision avoidance to slow down, stop, or reroute their path around the object and then carry on with their mission.

According to Statista, the global market for autonomous mobile robots was 2.4 billion dollars in 2021. By 2028, the market is projected to have grown at a CAGR of over 23% and be worth over 10.5 billion USD.

AMRs differ from autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), typically supervised by operators and relying on tracks or predetermined paths. Here are the critical differences between AMR and AGV.

AGV vs AMR

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

Unmanned electric vehicles, called Automated Guided Vehicles, transport materials across a facility. They depend on pre-programmed software for instructions and follow set courses that require infrastructure. AGVs are a type of automation Solution. However, they are not artificially intelligent.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

The upgraded form of AGVs, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), transport materials around facilities using vision and navigational algorithms. They are not constrained to a specific path.

Using AMR Technology the Wrong Way

Several factors might make or destroy a technology implementation effort. We have seen a few typical errors that frequently slow down AMR deployments, affect their results, or end them abruptly. Please continue reading to learn the five most frequent mistakes people make while assessing AMR solutions and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1

Assuming all AMRs are the Same

Autonomous mobile robots come with a dizzying array of options, procedures, and limitations that might be difficult to navigate independently. Systems using AMRs make use of numerous autonomous navigational methods. By being aware of the fundamental distinctions between these technologies, you can choose an autonomous guided vehicle that is dependable, accurate, and appropriate for the application at hand for your business. Your choice of AMRs will significantly impact the performance and the outcome of your automation project. Thus, be sure you are thoroughly aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the various technologies available.

Mistake 2

Insufficient Diligence

An innovative new technology choice for many warehouses is autonomous mobile robots. Robots in the warehouse have long been discussed, but most organisations haven’t found them practical until lately. It can be enticing to select the first robotics option that seems appropriate for their needs if you’re a forerunner or someone who wants to keep your organisation on the cutting edge. To find the finest AMR solution for your problems, it’s crucial to keep an open eye and consider all available possibilities. A successful project will be achieved by taking the time to carefully consider all available AMR solutions because not all of them will be an ideal fit.

Mistake 3

Lack of Testing Time

Automation systems only function correctly, provided the algorithms and rules are perfect. Although the technologies may appear simple, they are harsh if misconfigured. They can swiftly sabotage corporate data and fail to produce the desired business result.

Ensure testing thoroughly analyses the entire process, not just the programming and automation features. While using your chosen automation technologies, thoroughly test and audit the data integrity.

Mistake 4

Recognising Quick Failure

Improvements need to be made if you want to get the most out of your autonomous mobile robot installation. Developing a detailed project plan at the concept stage that accommodates changes is essential for a project to succeed. Yet no strategy is perfect; honing the procedures might take some time. This might be a frustrating process that makes an organisation think about giving up on the endeavour. Although it takes a while to get things perfect, it’s crucial to see the changes through to reap the rewards. Here, it’s critical to identify the causes of any hitches or failures and act fast to address them.

Mistake 5

Automated Processes as Simple Job Replication

To improve the end-to-end process and enhance the customer and employee experience, automation technologies should be used to mimic exactly what is being done manually. This avoids losing one of the key AMR benefits. The business goal you were hoping to accomplish might not be realised if process redesign is not a part of the automation process. A reengineering process technique should be thoroughly evaluated and used before deploying new process automation tools to ensure automation can produce results as effectively as possible.

Mistake 6

Ignoring the Effects on Culture and Employees

The impact on personnel must be considered in addition to how to deploy and scale automation, particularly if roles are removed or reinvented. Consider how employees could respond, and ensure that your automation teams actively discuss how they will implement change, where appropriate, incorporating change management and HR.

Play Right Without a Playbook

A well-executed investment in autonomous mobile robots can boost productivity, lower material handling expenses, and improve workplace safety. Many things can go wrong, though. Be careful to avoid three crucial errors — strategy, execution, and impact — to increase your chances of success.

Emphasise automation projects that result in distinct, measurable business objectives and for which your organisation has the necessary resources to achieve success.

Conclusion

The automation procedure is not simple. It necessitates extensive planning and a thorough knowledge of your operational processes. This article walks you through the critical elements of autonomous mobile robots to showcase their capabilities and outline what to look for.