Planning for a successful AMR project

Anyone who wants to implement an AMR project needs to clarify processes to be automated and KPIs to aim for, before they start. AMRs are not the only way to automate processes in the warehouse. However, for many applications, such as goods-to-person picking, implementing AMRs pays off compared to traditional automation technologies:

The key advantages of AMR solutions

• Increased efficiency (in the triple-digit percentage range for picking solutions) and cost-effectiveness
• Rapid implementation
• Short payback periods
• Flexible scalability to cover for growth or seasonal peaks
• High availability, working for 2-3 shifts

AMRs can move freely around the workspace and interact with employees and other systems. This is their strength, but it also means that AMR projects require a lot of planning. This includes routes and handover points, their role in the overall concept, interaction with other systems, physical factors such as space constraints, obstacles and uneven floors – all of this must be carefully examined and adjusted if necessary. On the software side, in addition to the software usually supplied by the AMR manufacturer, the overarching processes need to be assessed, coordinated and visualised using a WCS (warehouse control system).

The right technology for each individual case

Once basic requirements have been met and a rough framework has been defined, it’s time to choose the design, manufacturer and operating principle. Assuming that the AMRs will be used for goods-to-person picking, this decision leads to a choice between two basic systems:

Bin handling system

• AMRs transport goods in containers to employees
• High storage density and space efficiency

Mobile rack system

• AMRs move entire racks
• Greater flexibility in terms of the size and weight of stored goods
• Little fixed infrastructure required

Both technologies can significantly reduce travel times and search intensity in the warehouse. As is generally the case when planning this kind of solution, the decision as to which is the best solution for my project depends on the individual circumstances. The decisive factors include project requirements, such as the desired throughput, as well as local conditions, for example the height of the ceilings.

The bottom line

The total cost depends not only on the robots themselves, even though they usually account for the lion's share of the cost. There are also investments in charging infrastructure, shelving, workstations, maintenance areas, software integration, the communication network and, if necessary, structural rebuilds as mentioned above.

Unlike conventional technologies, the scalability of AMR solutions allows their scope and the associated investments to be adapted to individual needs in small steps. In addition to this, investment costs can be shifted to operating costs via as-a-service models and so spread over longer periods of time.

AMR projects require detailed, holistic planning, broad market knowledge of the available software and hardware solutions, as well as experience in planning, implementation and commissioning. However, every project is unique. That’s why it’s so important to check in advance whether the solution you are planning will lead to success. By simulating possible scenarios in the planning phase, you can find the best individual solution for your use case before the first step is taken.

Körber has years of experience in planning, implementation, and commissioning AMR projects. We can help you turn your facility into the warehouse of tomorrow: highly automated, efficient, and configurable to your needs. Feel free to contact us using our contact form.