Autonomous Mobile Robots are divided into three main categories：
AMRs used in the picking area
AMRs used for flexible sortation
AMRs that increase inventory visibility
Let’s dive into the various types of AMRs to help you better understand which type will be most effective at improving your warehouse automation.
AMRs used in the picking area
AMRs come in various shapes and sizes, all of which are designed to cut down on picking time. This is accomplished by bringing a specific product to the picker, which reduces the picker’s overall travel time.
For example, an AMR takes a bin to a shelving location within a zone where a picker assigned to that zone can then choose inventory from nearby locations to complete the order.
When the order is finished, the AMR collects the order and transports it to the next zone for further picking or delivers it to a packing station for final shipping.
This process is repeated multiple times with multiple AMRs operating and transporting to multiple picking stations. As a result, a worker can spend more time picking orders and less time walking around and looking for them.
AMRs used for flexible sortation
Sorting can also benefit from the use of AMRs. For instance, AMRs can bring an empty bin or pallet to a workstation where a worker is located. Then, after the product’s barcode is read, the AMR takes the product to its destination and drops it off.
When the order is finished, either an operator or the AMR takes it to shipping, another AMR brings in an empty container, and the process repeats itself.
AMRs that increase inventory visibility
Modern order fulfillment relies on accurate, clear inventory visibility, which includes knowing exactly where a product is located in a distribution center, warehouse, and overall supply chain.
Inventory movement and reconciliation, on the other hand, can be a time-consuming and challenging process to coordinate for large and complex warehouse operations.
A fleet of AMRs enables warehouse automation, reducing the time and cost required to maintain maximum productivity and order accuracy. Each task is directed by the operating system, including built-in checking processes to detect inventory irregularities and anomalies.
