The advent of Industry 4.0 has brought about significant changes in the manufacturing sector. Incorporating smart technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), automated storage solutions, warehouse management systems (WMS), and machine learning has revolutionized how factories and warehouses operate. One automated solution that is transforming technology in the manufacturing industry is Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). This blog will explore how AMRs are fueling increased productivity for warehouse staff.
What Are Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)?
AMRs are self-guided vehicles that use sensors, cameras, and lasers to navigate their environment without human intervention. They can carry out various tasks such as material handling, picking and packing, and transportation. The use of AMRs in the manufacturing industry has been making waves in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue.
AMRs automatically move materials from one place to another within a storage location, such as a rack or zone. For example, an AMR can shuffle products from zone 1 to zone 2, ensuring products sit in zone 2 until a downstream process requests them for production.
Market Insights
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global autonomous mobile robots market size was valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3% from 2021 to 2028. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for automation in various industries such as e-commerce, healthcare, and manufacturing.
AMRs Are Leading to Increased Productivity & Safety
One of the key benefits of using AMRs is the increase in productivity that they offer. AMRs can work around the clock without needing breaks or rest periods. This means they can complete tasks much faster than humans, which increases business productivity and efficiency. According to a McKinsey report, using AMRs in warehouses can increase productivity by up to 50%.
In addition to increased productivity, AMRs also offer improved accuracy and safety. They are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that allow them to detect obstacles and avoid collisions, reducing the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. They also can carry out tasks with a high degree of accuracy, which reduces errors and waste.
How Industry 4.0 is Being Fueled by AMRs
A recent study highlights the significance of Industry 4.0 in transforming manufacturing and production landscapes into collaborative networks that balance and combine resources. In this context, digitizing material flow is crucial to creating a reactive production system that can adapt quickly to real-time decisions.
The study focuses on exploring the possibilities of increasing responsiveness in production by considering an AMR-based material handling system that can adapt rapidly to changes. The research demonstrates that AMRs offer a suitable alternative to traditional material handling equipment for decentralizing material flow, enabling greater flexibility in production systems. The research results show that production networks with AMRs are suitable for meeting the increased demand for high-product mixes in process industries, enabling high productivity and increased flexibility.
McMurray Stern’s AMR Offerings to Increase Productivity
At McMurray Stern, we partner with premium AMR provider, Addverb, to offer our clients an automated storage solution. Our AMRs are designed to optimize warehouse and storage operations by improving productivity, efficiency, and safety. They can be customized to suit the specific needs of our clients and can be integrated with existing warehouse management systems.
McMurray Stern’s AMRs are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and cameras. They can carry out various tasks, such as transporting goods from one location to another, picking and packing, and material handling. They can also be programmed to work collaboratively with humans, which allows for increased flexibility and efficiency in the workplace.
Our AMR offerings include:
- Dynamo 1T
- Dynamo 100
- Dynamo 200
- Dynamo 500
- SortIE
- Veloce
If you’d like to learn more, please schedule a call with one of our storage solutions experts.
The Bottom Line
The use of AMRs in manufacturing and distribution is set to continue growing in the Industry 4.0 period as businesses seek to improve their productivity. With their advanced capabilities and flexibility, AMRs offer an ideal solution for businesses looking to optimize their warehouse and storage operations.
At McMurray Stern, we are committed to providing our clients with the latest and most innovative technologies to help them stay ahead of the competition. Contact us today to learn more about our AMR solutions and how they can benefit your business: https://mcmurraystern.com/free-consultation/
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