Autonomous Mobile Robots address Automated Guided Vehicle challenges
Although Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) may seem very similar, they are far apart from each other. As the name indicates, Automatic Guided Vehicles follow specified driven paths. In contrast, AMRs are more intelligent and come with pre-integrated sensors, providing the capability to autonomously navigate via pre-loaded facility maps.
AGVs come with predefined fixed routes to navigate, and more routes can be added at an additional cost. They can follow some simple programming instructions. An AGV’s navigation is guided by wires, magnetic strips and sensors which demand extensive and cost-heavy installation of facility updates. Hence, it’s not advisable to navigate with AGV as it may get deviated, and the production process can be interrupted.
AMRs are packed with a range of sensors and cameras, enabling them to detect the nearby surroundings. An AMR is empowered with intelligence, making it capable of autonomously performing actions and identifying any upcoming barriers. AMRs are flexible and adaptable to navigate intelligently, creating their own paths to travel swiftly and efficiently in any facility. AMRs offer quick adjustments as per demand in operational differences.
Autonomous Mobile Robots Resolve Operation Dilemmas
Industrial robots are rapidly evolving from efficient, stationary machinery to sophisticated, mobile platforms to meet a wider range of automation needs. Automated mobile robots can be configured in any facility, wherever product transport is needed. AMR is incredibly easy to deploy and can be incorporated into all sorts of indoor environments, including dynamic plant floors. As compared to AGV, AMRs require less human intervention, permanent wires, magnetic strips and floor sensors which make the plans inflexible.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned above, simple implementations and lack of changes in existing factory designs during the introduction of AMR, allows lower initial cost for businesses. Also, AMRs are more reliable automated system, capable to continually stretch their service for multiple hours, without having any halts in between. They can also automatically return to their station for charging, without any human supervision.
Manufacturing or distribution facilities are becoming more complex as they run less smoothly. Within these environments, operational robots will have a significant commercial opportunity to implement process automation without disturbing the regular operational environmental workflow.
