Replace or Complement Other Material-Handling Technology

Certainly, AMRs have advantages, but with conveyors, forklifts and other material-handling options having served fabricators for decades, why switch or supplement the options now?

“Unlike conveyors, AMRs and AGVs can be planned with convenient fixed paths or can dynamically navigate changing shop layouts without fixed paths,” Kandasamy says, noting that some AMRs employ artificial-intelligence-powered Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) navigation that delivers high precision and efficient movements without physical references. “Their modularity and scalability make them ideal for evolving fabrication needs and adaptation to different payloads. And, AGVs and AMRs reduce forklift dependency—especially critical in high-mix, low-volume fabrication environments—while enhancing workplace safety and ergonomics by reducing hazardous manual forklift tasks.”

These systems also integrate seamlessly with MES and ERP platforms for real-time logistics coordination, optimize space utilization, and support lean manufacturing principles. Overall, consider AMRs and AGVs as complementary, adds Kandasamy, as they can coexist safely with forklifts, other manual equipment and operators.

Suppose a fabricator is sold on the benefits of AMRs on the shop floor. What’s involved in programming, operation and maintenance?

“Implementing AMRs requires an initial phase of mapping and configuration,” Kandasamy says—and AMR providers offer mapping technology for doing so. “Seamless integration with existing MES, ERP or WMS is essential to achieve full automation and real-time logistics coordination.”

Also, operators will require basic training in fleet-management software, monitoring tools and troubleshooting. Again, AMR suppliers may have solutions to help. For its part, Kandasamy offers, ABB has developed an intuitive new software platform, AMR Studio, that requires no coding knowledge and helps ease in these efforts.

As to maintenance, AMRs require regular sensor calibration, battery health checks and software updates. Many AMRs offer remote diagnostics and predictive-maintenance features to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation.

Job-Shop Ready

Fabricators may be running dedicated jobs and/or operate as job shops. How do AMRs fit into these diverse environments?
“AMRs are particularly well-suited for job-shop operations due to their adaptability, flexibility and dynamic-navigation capabilities,” Kandasamy says. “They can reroute in real time, making them ideal for custom part flows and low-volume/high-mix environments. And, unlike AGVs, AMRs do not require fixed infrastructure, an advantage for facilities implementing frequent layout changes. Their software enables flexible task assignments and route optimization, and job shops benefit from the modularity and scalability of AMRs.

“Dedicated lines also can benefit from AMRs for tasks such as scrap removal, line supply or inter-process transport,” he adds. “For repetitive, high-volume tasks with fixed paths, AMRs still can be cost-effective and reliable solutions. Moreover, AMRs remain valuable in flexible cells for operations such as kitting, scrap handling or dynamic transport between processes.” 

Quiz Potential AMR Providers

Kandasamy concludes with sage advice to fabricators on essential questions for prospective AMR suppliers:

What is the deployment time?

How quickly can ROI be realized?

How do the AMRs perform in dynamic production environments?

Can AMRs safely coexist with forklifts, operators and other manual equipment?

Can the AMRs handle expected part, sheet and scrap payloads (size and weight)?

What types of AMR top modules and interfaces are available—how flexible are these AMR solutions?

What’s the learning curve for software, and what can be expected when scaling up or integrating with MES, ERP and other fab-shop systems? 

What are the details on long-term maintenance, vendor support and service models, and how will future upgrades be managed? MF 

See also: ABB Press Automation Solutions

Technologies: Pressroom Automation

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