Mobile robots in production logistics
Many industries are facing staff shortages. Robotization and automation provide key solutions for completing more work with the same number of people, especially in production environments. Mobile robots can take over parts of the production logistics, such as transport of materials. Allowing you to deploy your staff where you need them most: on the assembly line.
Mobile robots have become even more efficient and intelligent in recent years. The number of Automated Mobile Robots available has also increased significantly. But how do you know which type of mobile robot best matches your production process? We explain the differences between two common types of robots in production logistics: the Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) and the Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and explain the best option to consider for your situation.
Many types of mobile robots: AMR versus AGV
Both Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are designed to transport materials from A to B. However, the way they do that is completely different
What is an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)?
An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) is an unmanned, computerized load carrier that moves through spaces following a predetermined route. An AGV typically uses wires, magnetic strips, or sensors to navigate. The AGV can detect obstacles, but it cannot navigate around them. So, it remains stationary until the obstacle is removed.
The advantage of an AGV is that it is very predictable: it always follows the most efficient predetermined route. The fact that it needs expensive hardware to navigate is a disadvantage. If the layout of the room is changed, the hardware must be adjusted accordingly to create new routes.
What are Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)?
An Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) is an unmanned, computerized load carrier that uses software to calculate the most efficient route from A to B. When an AMR encounters an obstacle, it will move around it and calculate an alternative route.
The advantage of an AMR is that it can be flexibly (re)programmed based on the layout of the plant. Besides, an AMR can bypass obstacles and take an alternative route. One of the disadvantages, however, is that the flexible bypassing of obstacles takes time and thus reduces efficiency. You have less control over the route the robot is taking. Moreover, the AMR cannot be used in narrow spaces, as there is not enough room to change routes.
The ideal combination
So, both the AGV and the AMR have their advantages and disadvantages. In the ideal world, you combine the AMR’s flexibility with the efficiency and safety provided by an AGV. Thanks to years of experience and innovation, Nipper has managed to develop a product combining those features: The Nipper AGV.
Nipper’s mobile robots: The best of both worlds
Nipper has developed a fleet of mobile robots combining the advantages of a classic AGV with the AMR’s intelligence. These mobile robots use predetermined routes, like a classic AGV. However, these routes are software-based instead of hard-ware based, so you do not have to invest in expensive hardware. These virtual routes can be easily adjusted and optimized based on the production environment. If the layout is changed, because an additional assembly line is installed for example, it can easily and autonomously adjust its route accordingly, without the need for any additional investments.
Thus, providing the perfect balance between flexibility and predictability. Predictability is important because it allows for smooth processes. With efficiency in mind, we choose to not drive around obstacles. Instead, we train people to put the materials in the right places so that there won’t be any obstacles. This way, we control the most ideal route, and make sure it can also be used in narrow spaces.
Is a mobile robot the right choice?
Whether a mobile robot is suitable for a production environment depends on several factors. In some cases, a mobile robot may not be the best option and a conveyor system may be more suitable for transporting materials.
The most important factors to consider are flexibility, capacity, and the available space and conditions within a factory.
Production environments are constantly subject to change. A mobile robot can be deployed much more flexibly within a facility than a fixed conveyor system. It can also be easily adapted to a new situation when the production setup changes.
- In situations with a very high output (more than 80 pallets per hour per production line), a conveyor system is often more suitable than a mobile robot. Nipper can also support you with these solutions. Because Nipper is a knowledge expert in the entire field of transporting and packaging, we evaluate what truly fits your situation. If a conveyor system is more suitable than a mobile robot, we will always recommend that option.
- In dusty environments, a conveyor system often performs better. However, in confined spaces with a lot of traffic from people and goods, a mobile robot is often the safer and more efficient solution.
Your process as the starting point for automation
When looking for an automation solution for internal or production logistics, it is always important to start with the conditions and processes within your production environment.
Nipper offers a broad portfolio that goes beyond simply moving goods from A to B. We analyze your existing processes and, based on that analysis, recommend a tailored solution. We do not simply advise a product—we provide a complete solution for your specific situation. This naturally includes full installation and after-sales support.
A mobile robot may be part of that solution, but we may also recommend a conveyor system or a combination of both.
We do not only adapt the automation solution to your current way of working—we also look at how your processes can be optimized through automation. This ensures you get the maximum benefit from your new automated system.
We achieve optimal efficiency by enabling our mobile robots to communicate with your existing business software. In this way, internal transport integrates seamlessly with your other operational processes, allowing us to achieve the best possible results together.
