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Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
Intelligent vehicles that navigate the warehouse independently to automate and streamline the internal transport of goods.
The product
Maximum flexibility in automating material flows
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are vehicles designed to transport loads between two points independently. They navigate the warehouse freely based on dynamic routes generated by intelligent software. This software optimises the movements of the AMRs, assigning the perfect route for each task. Through the use of state-of-the-art sensors and scanners, AMRs are capable of identifying and evading obstacles. They can operate safely in collaborative environments alongside other machines as well as people.
Mecalux’s AMRs are highly versatile devices that integrate seamlessly into all types of warehouses, requiring no modifications to existing infrastructure. The series’ different models make up a versatile set that can handle a wide variety of loads, from boxes, trays, bins, totes and packages to shelving and pallets. Implementing AMRs expedites and streamlines internal flows of goods in multiple intralogistics operations, boosting warehouse productivity and efficiency.
Advantages of AMRs
- Autonomous: AMRs navigate freely, orienting themselves by means of virtual maps of their operational environment. They are not confined to predefined paths or closed-loop, delineated navigation circuits.
- Intelligent: their movements adapt to each particular task, and AMRs follow routes generated by navigation software integrated into each robot. This software calculates the most efficient path for their journey. These machines detect and avoid all kinds of obstacles — fixed or moving — readjusting their route in real time.
- Flexible: AMRs adapt perfectly to the warehouse layout without requiring structural modifications, making for a fast and easy implementation.
- Scalable: the fleet can be expanded simply by adding new robots to accommodate a company’s operational growth or seasonal demand peaks.
- Efficient: fleet management software oversees robot traffic and anticipates routes to assign each task to the ideal AMR.
- Accurate: these machines execute their tasks with the highest precision, significantly reducing errors and boosting warehouse efficiency.
- Safe: AMRs operate safely in extremely complex scenarios involving other machines, people, goods and storage systems. A series of highly accurate collision avoidance sensors and scanners make all AMR movements stable and reliable.
- Holistic intralogistics provider: Mecalux’s AMRs are backed by a sector-leading intralogistics solutions business. Our company has extensive global experience and expertise in developing and implementing automated storage systems and warehouse management software tools.
Autonomous mobile robot applications
Robotic solution designed to optimise multiple intralogistics operations
AMRs make the internal transport of materials in warehouses and distribution centres more agile and efficient. Their implementation automates different logistics processes for businesses in various sectors.
Person-to-goods picking
AMR robots simplify order picking in warehouses that employ the person-to-goods method. They act collaboratively, guiding operators as they carry out their tasks. They streamline routes while reducing the physical effort required of employees in certain situations (for instance, they eliminate the need to use picking carts).
Goods-to-person picking
AMRs adapt to goods-to-person order picking strategies by automating the transport of goods from the storage area to the pick stations. They cut down significantly on operator travel in the warehouse and raise productivity.
Pallet flows
AMRs are used to transport palletised goods internally. They replace or complement traditional solutions such as forklifts, conveyors and electrified monorails. They enhance flexibility and safety in the facility by reducing the presence of manually operated handling equipment.
Outbound operations
Autonomous mobile robots speed up internal movements of prepared orders by connecting pick, consolidation and packaging stations with the shipping area.
Production supply
Mecalux’s versatile AMR series features models for moving both light and heavy loads. It is an ideal solution for automating the supply of parts, components and raw materials to workstations and assembly stations on production lines in various industries.
Autonomous mobile robot models
An AMR robot for every load and task
Mecalux’s autonomous mobile robot series features a multi-purpose range of models that cater to various intralogistics transport requirements. The AMR line covers a broad spectrum of loads ranging from 100 to 1,500 kg.
AMR 100 Box
Compact vehicle that automates the internal movement of light loads in various intralogistics operations. It is ideal for transporting boxes, totes, bins, trays and packages. This AMR is equipped with a completely configurable upper conveyor, making it extremely versatile for load transfer operations.
Movements: autonomous navigation
AMR 100 Multi-Box
Device that integrates perfectly with multiple collaborative picking scenarios. It can supply pick stations in addition to accompanying operators in the follow-me mode. Its versatile mast is suitable for transporting several types of unit loads (totes, boxes, bins, trays, etc.).
Movements: autonomous navigation
AMR 600 Rack
Innovative vehicle capable of executing 3 types of movements: autonomous navigation, load lifting and load rotation. It is specifically designed to transport shelving, fostering shelf-to-person picking.
Movements: autonomous navigation, load lifting and load rotation
AMR 1500 Pallet Conveyor
High-load-capacity platform for safe, controlled in-house pallet movements. It adapts to various operations — e.g., supplying automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) or shipping areas — and is equipped with an upper conveyor for load transfer.
Movements: autonomous navigation
AMR 1500 Pallet Lifter
Robust device for transporting palletised loads autonomously in all types of logistics facilities. It transfers pallets using a lifting platform integrated into the robot’s upper surface. It can pick up and deliver pallets to and from fixed platforms as well as conveyors specifically designed for this type of transfer.
Movements: autonomous navigation and load lifting
Autonomous mobile robot components
Mecalux’s AMRs are cutting-edge transport robots that maximise the flexibility of logistics flows in the warehouse. Thanks to a series of high-tech tools, they adapt easily and quickly to all types of environments. Moreover, they work safely and efficiently in scenarios of varying operational complexity.
Autonomous mobile robots are robust vehicles capable of travelling smoothly and safely. Their compact design and versatile movements allow them to navigate various settings, including open spaces, narrow aisles and areas in which people and machines are present.
A set of state-of-the-art devices enables the AMR robots to navigate independently, mapping their surroundings and positioning themselves with great accuracy. Likewise, their sophisticated collision avoidance system identifies obstacles of different shapes and sizes, whether fixed or moving.
Mecalux’s AMR robots operate using advanced software programs that use intelligent algorithms to monitor robot traffic, distribute work orders and create routes tailored to the tasks to be performed.
Wheels
Each AMR robot is equipped with 2 drive wheels, located in the centre, and 4 freewheels, positioned on the corners. This configuration ensures stable movements and smooth changes in direction.
Lights
The AMRs are outfitted with two clearly visible rings of multicoloured lights. They indicate the robot’s status, operating mode and certain manoeuvres, such as changes in direction.
Screen
Each vehicle has a screen equipped with a simple, intuitive interface. This enables users to inquire about the robot’s status and manage certain maintenance tasks.
Battery
The AMR robots use high-performance lithium batteries with extended autonomy times. They allow for uninterrupted operation, ensuring the full availability of the fleet.
Lifting platform
The AMR 600 and AMR 1500 models incorporate a platform on the upper surface of the vehicle. The platform slightly lifts the goods being handled to ensure a controlled, efficient transfer of loads.
Emergency stop buttons
These safety stop buttons are positioned in clearly visible, easily accessible locations for use in emergency situations. When pressed, the AMR comes to a complete stop.
LiDAR scanner
This laser scanner surveys the surroundings with a high degree of accuracy to provide an exact map of the AMR robot’s operational environment. It enables the vehicle to move independently and safely by determining its positioning and detecting obstacles that could obstruct its path.
Ultrasound sensor
This detection device identifies objects placed at ground level along the AMR’s route. It complements the LiDAR scanner to cover areas outside its scanning plane. It reinforces the robot’s collision avoidance system by extending the obstacle detection range.
Navigation software
Integrated into each robot in the fleet, this tool dynamically calculates the best path for each task, selecting the most efficient route. Likewise, the software reacts to obstacle detection, readjusting the vehicle’s trajectory in real time to ensure uninterrupted operation.
Fleet management software
This program oversees robot traffic and manages the assignment of tasks. It distributes them among the AMR robots according to variables such as planned routes, distances to cover and availability. The software monitors the AMRs’ battery charge levels and organises charging cycles adapted to the fleet’s workload.
Warehouse management system
The WMS controls inventory traceability in the facility. It generates entry and exit orders transmitted to the fleet manager, which can communicate with various WMSs and is optimised for automatic integration with Mecalux’s Easy WMS.
AMR robot fleet operation
Autonomy and flexibility for fully optimised operations
Autonomous mobile robots are characterised by their ability to operate completely independently. These intelligent vehicles adapt to their environments to navigate safely and autonomously, completing assigned tasks with the utmost efficiency.
Initial mapping and configuration
When implementing the system, an AMR travels around the warehouse, scanning it to generate a virtual map of its working environment. The map obtained is then configured through a highly intuitive interface to tailor it to the facility’s operational requirements (creating loading and unloading points, signalling slow zones, etc.). Finally, the enriched virtual map is downloaded onto all robots in the fleet.
Intelligent task assignment
The fleet manager receives work orders from the warehouse management system (WMS) and administers tasks by distributing them among the various AMR robots. To do this, it monitors real-time traffic and fleet status, applying predictive analytics tools to anticipate the robots’ routes. It assigns each task to the ideal AMR based on location, availability and distance to be covered.
Autonomous, optimised navigation
The designated AMR robot (chosen by the fleet manager) receives the corresponding order and sets off to perform the assigned task. The navigation software integrated into the AMR calculates the best route to complete each task. It relies on a preloaded virtual map of the warehouse containing information about loading and unloading points, as well as real-time mapping generated by the LiDAR scanner. This enables the robot to navigate independently and fully adapt to its operational environment.
Obstacle detection and route adjustment
The integrated LiDAR scanner and ultrasonic sensor allow the AMR to identify any type of obstacle reliably. Upon detecting that a person or object (whether stationary or in motion) interferes with the planned route, the navigation software adjusts the trajectory to circumvent the obstacle and continue on its path without interruptions.
Battery recharging
The fleet management software also monitors the AMR battery charge levels and organises charging cycles. It employs an opportunity charging strategy, managing battery recharging based on the facility’s workload. This strategy takes advantage of off-peak activity periods to minimise interference and ensure continuous AMR availability.
Catalogues
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
Intelligent and autonomous vehicles that automate and streamline internal transport
DownloadFAQs
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are vehicles designed to travel and move goods independently. They operate without human intervention, using virtual maps of their environment. Their paths, generated by innovative navigation software, adapt to each task and can readjust in real time to evade any type of obstacle.
Like AMRs, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are transport robots designed to automate internal flows of all kinds of materials in warehouses and production centres. The main difference between the two systems lies in their navigation technology. AGVs move along preset routes in a closed-loop configuration by means of various guidance systems, e.g., magnetic wires embedded in the floor or laser signals. AMRs, on the other hand, move freely in their working environments along dynamic routes tailored to each task. AMRs are the natural evolution of AGVs. They perform the same functions but provide greater flexibility and efficiency. Moreover, AMR implementation is simpler and faster.
Mecalux’s line of autonomous mobile robots includes models designed to transport light loads, such as the AMR 100 (conveyor) and the AMR 100 (mast). These AMRs primarily handle boxes, trays, totes and packages and have a maximum load capacity of 100 kg. Mecalux’s AMR range also features solutions for medium and heavy loads. The AMR 600, used to move shelving units, supports up to 600 kg. The series’ most robust models — the AMR 1500 (conveyor) and AMR 1500 (lift) — can handle pallets weighing up to 1,500 kg.
Yes, AMRs are safe vehicles. Each mobile robot is equipped with a sophisticated anti-collision system consisting of sensors, scanners and cameras. This system enables the AMRs to identify obstacles to effectively avoid them and continue on their path. AMRs are capable of operating safely alongside other machines, people, goods and storage systems in the facilities where they are deployed.
AMRs are extremely compact devices suitable for all types of warehouses. They move freely and independently in complex environments and small spaces. However, AMRs are also high-performance vehicles equipped with batteries that provide them with a high degree of operational autonomy. They can travel long distances to connect distant points within the warehouse.
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