|

Preparing Your Facility for Mobile Robots: Key Considerations for Seamless Integration

July 19, 2023

Integrating autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) into your facility can optimize materials transport thanks to the robots’ ability to navigate autonomously, adapt to changing environments, and perform a range of tasks. However, successful AMR implementation requires careful consideration of several key factors: space analysis, floor conditions, and environmental factors, among others.

By evaluating and addressing these considerations, organizations can maximize the benefits of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) and revolutionize facility operations. Let’s take a look at each of these factors and see how they can be properly addressed.

1. Analyzing the facility’s physical space.

The first step is to conduct a thorough analysis of the physical space within the facility. Evaluate the layout, pathways, and potential obstacles that could impact AMR navigation. By identifying areas where AMRs can operate effectively, such as wide corridors or open spaces, organizations can optimize movement and minimize disruptions. Careful space analysis ensures seamless integration of AMRs into existing workflows.

2. Examining and correcting for various floor conditions.

Assessing the condition and suitability of the floors is crucial for smooth AMR operation. AMRs typically perform best on flat and even surfaces. Any unevenness, loose tiles, or surface imperfections should be identified and addressed to ensure the stability and reliable navigation of AMRs.

By optimizing floor conditions, organizations can facilitate the efficient movement of AMRs throughout the facility.

3. Taking important environmental factors into account. 

Consider the environmental conditions within the facility that may impact AMR performance. Evaluate factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, and the presence of dust, debris, or hazardous materials. It is important to select AMRs that can operate effectively in these conditions.

Some AMRs may require additional protection or customization to handle extreme temperatures or challenging environmental factors. By considering the environment, organizations can ensure optimal AMR performance and longevity.

4. Ensuring proper obstacle detection and surroundings awareness.

A critical aspect of successful AMR implementation is the robot’s ability to detect its surroundings and navigate safely. Evaluate the work area to minimize or eliminate situations where the AMR may encounter challenges in detecting obstacles, such as intersections or blind spots.

Ensure the chosen AMR possesses advanced sensors and perception capabilities to effectively detect and navigate around obstacles. By optimizing the work area and equipping the AMR with robust detection capabilities, organizations can ensure smooth and collision-free operations.

5. Optimizing integration with infrastructure.

Evaluate how well AMRs can integrate with existing infrastructure and systems within the facility. Assess compatibility with charging stations, Wi-Fi or network connectivity, and access to power outlets. Integration with management systems, such as inventory or warehouse management, enables efficient data exchange, real-time monitoring, and centralized control. Seamless integration optimizes the overall logistics operations and facilitates the flow of information.

6. Promoting task customization and flexibility.

Consider the AMRs’ ability to adapt to different tasks and workflows within the facility. Evaluate whether the robots can be easily programmed, reconfigured, or equipped with additional tools or attachments for specific tasks.

Flexibility in task customization enables AMRs to handle a wide range of logistics operations, such as material transport, inventory management, or collaborative tasks alongside human workers. By leveraging the flexibility of AMRs, organizations can achieve enhanced operational efficiency and agility.

7. Ensuring the availability of maintenance and support.

Maintenance requirements and reliable support are crucial for the sustainable operation of AMRs. Assess the availability of technical support from the vendor and the ease of performing routine maintenance tasks.

Regular maintenance, repairs, and software updates are essential to keep the AMRs functioning optimally. Accessible maintenance and responsive support ensure minimal downtime and promote continuous operation.

By carefully considering and addressing these key implementation considerations, organizations can successfully integrate Autonomous Mobile Robots into their facility logistics.

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Wesco Opens State-of-the-Art Facility in Eastern Canada to Support Influx of Megaprojects in the Region

    Wesco Opens State-of-the-Art Facility in Eastern Canada to Support Influx of Megaprojects in the Region

    Wesco International has recently announced the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art facility on Higney Avenue in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, making this the largest facility of any distributor in the Atlantic region. The new building, facilitated by Touchette Real Estate, a division of Groupe Touchette, will feature Wesco’s comprehensive suite of services and solutions including… Read More…

  • PataBid Nominated for Canadian Choice Award in Software Services

    PataBid Nominated for Canadian Choice Award in Software Services

    PataBid is proud to announce its nomination for a Canadian Choice Award in the Software Services category. This recognition highlights PataBid’s commitment to supporting the electrical contracting community across Canada by providing innovative estimating software solutions that streamline estimating processes and ensure predictable and profitable projects. Read More…


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • How Advanced X-Ray and AI Inspection Technologies Optimize Quality Control and Reduce Costs in SMT Manufacturing

    How Advanced X-Ray and AI Inspection Technologies Optimize Quality Control and Reduce Costs in SMT Manufacturing

    Explore how Omron’s latest X-Ray machines and AI-driven solutions are setting new standards in manufacturing efficiency and quality control. The manufacturing landscape is swiftly evolving, and Omron is at the forefront with its innovative PCB inspection machines. These systems offer profound insights into SMT production process, enhanced quality control, and can significantly reduce labor costs. Advancements… Read More…

  • KUKA Establishes New Software and Digital Business Segment

    KUKA Establishes New Software and Digital Business Segment

    Software is playing an increasingly important role in mechanical engineering. What used to be mostly solved mechanically is now done by electronics and the associated software. “With KUKA Digital, we are expanding our offering in order to position ourselves broadly for a market with strong growth potential. Our customers need products, solutions and consulting approaches to digitalize… Read More…