Wake up and smell the R2-D2 because the age of robots is here.
While robots don't yet possess the same level of humanity as classic examples like C-3PO and R2, they can already handle many jobs that previously required human intervention.
Autonomous mobile robots are one such example.
Many industries have already revolutionized their processes by integrating these ever-evolving machines.
If you haven't begun to investigate this technology and its potential benefits for your business, it's time to start. The AMR revolution is underway, and you don't want to get left behind.
Read on for a primer on autonomous mobile robots, including what they are, how they benefit you, and where they could be helpful in your process.
"Robot" is something of a catch-all term, but there are significant distinctions within that grouping.
One of those subsets is the autonomous mobile robot (AMR). In the simplest terms, AMRs are a category of robots that can navigate their work area and complete tasks without human assistance. This broad grouping encompasses a wide swath of technologies. Consequently, there are many types of autonomous mobile robots. Yet, each design unifies under the general umbrella of product handling. AMRs automate repetitive product handling tasks, allowing human workers to focus on more complex tasks.
So what’s the difference between AMRs and AGVs?
AMRs and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) share some significant overlap in function. However, the core difference comes down to navigation. AGVs use physical guides, such as wire, magnetic tape, or similar infrastructure. AMRs use natural navigation systems like LiDAR to sense and map their environment. This adaptive feature enables many to navigate around obstacles.
Removing the need for predefined routes enables AMRs to adapt more effectively to a changing environment.
AMRs aren’t just cool new tech.
They provide six primary advantages. These benefits span numerous industries and create significant value. To such an extent that AMRs generally pay for themselves faster than many other technologies.
Let’s look at each of these benefits in detail.
Warehouse workers waste up to 60% of their day walking between tasks.
Without automation, that time is just a sunk cost because there are few other ways to move product around the facility. Yet, wasting human beings on this kind of repetitive labor is a serious misuse of resources. AMRs eliminate this waste, allowing your staff to focus on adding value rather than mundane tasks.
Reclaiming this wasted time offers significant savings for your company.
Labor shortages are a growing issue for many businesses.
The sources of these are diverse and layered, but the results are the same, unfilled positions. Many of these positions are challenging to fill, particularly those that involve mind-numbing repetition. AMRs and cobots can do these jobs, eliminating productivity-killing labor shortages.
AMRs will not replace your workforce, but they can overcome labor gaps.
Except for the rare bug, robots perform their functions the same way every time.
This is not true of humans. Research suggests that human workers make 50 to 80 mistakes per day. With many spending roughly half of their waking hours at work, each associate may make up to 40 errors every shift. That’s a lot of lost revenue that could be eliminated by AMRs.
Likewise, AMRs are constantly aware of their environment.
Their navigation systems require this unwavering attention to operate. Humans, on the other hand, often become distracted. Distractions can lead to accidents. However, AMR navigation systems make them reactive to their surroundings, meaning that even if your team members aren’t paying attention, your AMRs are.
This constant situational awareness reduces accidents and saves you money.
Maximizing your storage capacity requires careful use of space.
AMRs require less operational space.
AMRs can generally work in tighter quarters than human solutions. For example, they can navigate cube storage structures common in dark warehouses. This economy of space allows you to reclaim more of your footprint.
Consequently, you can fit more into the same area than ever before.
AMRs are fast and efficient.
While your human workers are doing their jobs, AMRs take care of the repetitive work. This collaboration makes for smoother processing and reduces bottlenecks. With fewer speed bumps in your daily operations, productivity improves.
Increased throughput is a natural result of teamwork between human and robot workers.
However, AMRs allow you to start small and scale with your business's growth. You can begin with a single unit and seamlessly integrate additional units as workload and budgets permit. This makes AMRs an excellent choice for small or medium-sized businesses seeking to leverage automation on a limited budget.
AMRs are often the simplest way to dip your toe into the world of automation.
We’ve touched on the general benefits of AMRs, but how do real facilities actually use them?
The applications for autonomous mobile robots continue to expand as the technology evolves. Currently, there are eight typical applications for these impressive machines, making them invaluable to many industries. These applications are:
These everyday, repetitive tasks are ideal for AMR technology, especially in AMR warehouses.
The autonomous warehouse robot revolution is here and chugging along at full speed.
If you haven't yet begun to investigate automation for your warehouse, there has never been a better time. These technologies advance by the day, enabling them to complete increasingly complex tasks. AMRs eliminate menial labor, allowing your human workforce to focus on adding value. Already, many industries are embracing autonomous solutions such as AMRs:
This list of industries will only continue to grow as trends predict the AMR and AGV industry will reach $20 billion by 2028.
Bottom line, companies that don’t evolve with technology are doomed to extinction.
AMRs are a rapidly evolving technology, making it challenging to keep up.
That's where you need a trusted partner like Southern States Toyotalift. Our experts stay on the cutting edge of this technology so that we always provide the best recommendations for the present and future of your facility. Let us help you stay ahead of the robotics revolution, so you can keep your business thriving.
To learn more about AMRs or other autonomous solutions, contact us online or visit one of our locations:
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Jacksonville
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Further Reading
How Much Do Picking Errors Cost Your Business?
Labor Shortage Problem? Why Automation is a People-First Solution
Warehouse Automation and Robotics Trends for 2025