Autonomous Mobile Robots

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are transport robots that understand their environment and move safely through it. Without the need to be directly overseen, AMRs intelligently navigate using built-in sensors, laser scanners, cameras and sophisticated software.

AMRs vs AVGs

To fully understand autonomous mobile robots, we will compare it to its predecessor, traditional automated guided vehicles (AVGs). Until recently, these guided vehicles were the only option for internal transportation tasks like bringing parts to the assembly line.

AVGs have minimal on-board intelligence. With only the ability to respond to basic programming instructions, these transporters are guided by wires, magnet strips or sensors that require expensive facility updates. Included in the cost is production time lost in installation and time spent waiting for obstacles to be removed from its path.

In contrast, AMRs navigate by maps created in its software on-site or pre-loaded facility drawings. They create the most direct path to the destination, like a GPS, automatically re-adjusting in the event of obstacles.

AMRs are very flexible. Where AVGs are too costly to change their route, AMRs need only simple software changes.

Safety

While the thought of having a robot directing itself through your facility may sound dangerous, we have found it to be quite the opposite. When it comes to path obstacles, an AMR will safely navigate around them and find the most direct path to its destination. With very responsive and multi-layered sensors, it detects immediate and surprising obstacles in its path.

These robots are designed to be collaborative with your employees, meeting current and future safety standards.