Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR): Technology and Applications (2024)

An Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) is an intelligent, self-navigating robot designed to perform various tasks without human intervention. Unlike traditional automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which rely on fixed paths or external guidance, AMRs use advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning algorithms to understand and navigate their environments dynamically. This capability allows them to adapt to environmental changes, avoid obstacles, and optimize routes dynamically.

AMRs are equipped with a variety of sensors, including LiDAR, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors, which provide them with a comprehensive understanding of their surroundings. These sensors work in conjunction with software algorithms to enable the robot to make decisions on the fly. For example, if an obstacle is detected in its path, the AMR can calculate an alternative route to reach its destination without human intervention. This level of autonomy makes AMRs highly versatile and capable of operating in dynamic and unpredictable environments.

• Cart Robots : These robots are used for transporting goods in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. These AMRs are typically low to the ground and have a flat surface or bin for carrying items. They are ideal for moving small to medium-sized loads over short distances.
• Shelf-Stocking Robots : These robots are equipped with shelving systems for picking and placing items, often used in e-commerce fulfillment centers. These robots can navigate through aisles, pick items from shelves, and deliver them to packing stations, significantly speeding up the order fulfillment process.
• Tugger Robots : These robots are designed to pull carts or trailers loaded with goods, ideal for moving heavy loads over long distances within a facility. Tugger robots are commonly used in manufacturing plants to transport raw materials and finished products between different stages of production.
• Service Robots : These robots are customized for specific applications such as cleaning, security patrol, or medical supply delivery in hospitals. These robots are designed to perform specialized tasks that require a high degree of precision and reliability.
  

AMR technology has advanced significantly in recent years, enabling these robots to be used in a wide range of applications. In warehouses, AMRs can operate 24/7 without fatigue, significantly increasing productivity. They also reduce the risk of workplace injuries by taking over repetitive and physically demanding tasks, leading to lower insurance premiums and fewer lost workdays.. These warehouse robots can pick, pack, and transport items, streamlining the entire logistics process.

In industrial settings, AMRs are used to transport raw materials and finished products between different stages of production. These industrial robots can operate in harsh environments and handle heavy loads, making them ideal for manufacturing applications. The integration of AMR technology in industrial robots has led to significant improvements in productivity and safety.

AMR companies are continuously innovating service robots to develop new applications. For example, in healthcare, AMRs are used to deliver medical supplies and equipment within hospitals, reducing the workload on staff and ensuring timely delivery of critical items. In retail, AMRs are used for inventory management, helping stores keep track of stock levels and reduce out-of-stock situations.

In the healthcare sector, AMRs are used to transport medical supplies and equipment within hospitals, reducing the workload on staff and ensuring timely delivery of critical items. In retail, AMRs are used for inventory management, helping stores track stock levels and reduce out-of-stock situations. In hotels and restaurants, AMRs are used for room service and food delivery, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. These robots have been widely applied across various fields, demonstrating their versatility and efficiency.

Depending on the on-site requirements, AMRs need to be equipped with different wireless connectivity technologies. In confined areas, Wi-Fi is a common choice, providing stable connectivity. In larger areas, 4G/5G and GPS modules are better options, ensuring continuous operation over a wide range.

Additionally, installing IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensors on the AMR body is recommended. These sensors allow the robot to confirm its position even in network-limited situations, ensuring operational stability and accuracy.

Depending on the level of interaction with humans, AMRs need to be equipped with different sensors. In fixed equipment scenarios (unmanned), depth cameras are ideal, accurately measuring distances and identifying objects. In environments with frequent human interaction and changing scenarios, RGB cameras are recommended, allowing the robot to detect objects and people at any time and make more behavioral decisions, enhancing the robot's flexibility and adaptability.

The communication technology and data transmission of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) are crucial for achieving efficient operations and real-time responsiveness. These technologies enable AMRs to perform real-time communication and data exchange in dynamic and complex environments, thereby improving their operational efficiency and flexibility.

Firstly, AMR communication technology allows real-time data transmission during operation. AMRs are typically equipped with various communication modules such as Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, and Bluetooth, which can transmit operational data in real time, including location, speed, battery status, and task progress. For example, when an AMR operates in a warehouse, the Wi-Fi module can help transmit location and task data in real -time, ensuring that the central control system can understand its operational status and perform effective scheduling and management.

Secondly, AMR data transmission technology enables efficient data exchange and processing. Through advanced data transmission technology, AMRs can transmit and receive large amounts of data in real -time and perform data analysis and processing through the central control system. For example, when an AMR operates in a factory, data transmission technology can help transmit production data in real- time and perform data analysis through the central control system, identifying bottlenecks and improvement opportunities in the production process, thereby improving production efficiency.

Additionally, AMR communication technology and data transmission enable intelligent collaboration and multi-machine coordination. In multi-machine collaboration scenarios, AMRs can perform real-time data exchange and collaborative work through communication technology. For example, in a large warehouse, multiple AMRs can communicate in real time through Wi-Fi or 5G networks, sharing task status and environmental information, and performing task allocation and path planning through collaborative algorithms, ensuring that each robot can efficiently complete assigned tasks.

AMRs are not just mobile robots; they also possess powerful intelligent operations management capabilities. These robots are equipped with advanced sensors and processors, capable of collecting and analyzing large amounts of operational data. Through this data, businesses can gain deep insights into their operational processes, identify bottlenecks, and find improvement opportunities.

For example, AMRs can monitor the flow of items in a warehouse in real -time, providing accurate inventory data to help businesses optimize inventory management.

Additionally, AMRs can analyze transportation routes and times to find the most efficient transportation methods, thereby improving overall operational efficiency. These intelligent operations management capabilities make AMRs an essential tool for business digital transformation.

• Flexibility and Scalability :Businesses need AMRs that can easily adapt to changing environments and scale operations as needed.
  
• High Efficiency and Productivity : AMRs must be capable of continuous operation and handling various tasks to maximize productivity.
• Advanced Navigation and Perception :The ability to navigate complex environments and avoid obstacles is crucial for the effective operation of AMRs.
• Integration with Existing Systems :Seamless integration with existing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) is essential for smooth operations.

• Complex Integration : Integrating AMRs with existing systems and processes can be challenging and time-consuming.
  
• Maintenance and Support :Ensuring the reliability and performance of AMRs requires ongoing maintenance and support, which can be resource intensive.
• Safety Concerns :Ensuring the safe operation of AMRs in environments where they interact with humans and other machines is a critical issue.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) represent a significant advancement in automation technology, offering unparalleled flexibility, efficiency, and intelligence. They are capable of dynamically navigating complex environments, handling a wide range of tasks with minimal human intervention. Understanding the costs, and efficiently integrating designs within limited resources is crucial for AMR developers to stay competitive and achieve effective deployment in a rapidly evolving market. At Advantech, we study the most current trends and demands from the market, integrate all needs, and tailor the designs of AMR controller boards/ systems for customers to assemble to AMR vehicles.

The AFE-R360 is designed for dynamic environments with high human interaction, focusing on MIPI/GMSL sensors and CPU performance, utilizing Intel's latest AI CPU. Its small size makes it suitable for small-bodied robots, such as industrial cart robots, warehouse shelf-stocking robots, and service robots.

The AFE-R770 prioritizes durable and reliable chassis design: wide voltage tolerance (9~36V), wide temperature tolerance, and isolation design. It can be equipped with Movella Xsens IMU sensors, making it suitable for environments where networking is not possible or in rugged conditions, such as shelf robots and tugger robots.

Advantech also offers a comprehensive software suite, including vehicle control, scene simulation, SLAM & navigation, and pallet detection, providing a complete solution for AMR deployment.

Advantech's latest AMR controllers, such as the AFE-R360 and AFE-R770, are designed to meet the critical market needs and alleviate customer pain points identified in the AMR sector. These controllers feature enhanced image processing and noise reduction capabilities, enabling precise and efficient operation in diverse and complex environments.

The AFE-R360 supports high-resolution image processing and AI analysis, making it ideal for applications requiring high AI performance and advanced navigation. On the other hand, the AFE-R770 is designed for high stability, capable of operating 24/7 under unmanned conditions, suitable for demanding industrial applications where reliability and continuous operation are crucial.

By integrating high-performance components and robust design, Advantech's solutions ensure that businesses can leverage the latest advancements in AMR technology to achieve superior operational efficiency and flexibility.

The comprehensive software suite, including vehicle control, scene simulation, SLAM & navigation, and pallet detection, addresses the need for seamless integration with existing systems and enhances overall productivity.

Whether you need robots for light tasks or heavy-duty applications, Advantech's AMR controllers provide the reliability and performance required to meet your operational needs.

As various industries continue to adopt AMR technology, Advantech remains at the forefront, offering innovative solutions to help businesses stay ahead in a competitive market. By addressing key market needs such as flexibility, efficiency, and advanced navigation, and alleviating customer pain points related to integration, maintenance, and safety, Advantech ensures that its customers can successfully implement and benefit from AMR technology.