MREs for AMRs.

AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) are becoming more popular and in demand; as a result, the call for MREs (Mobile Robot Equipment) is also surging.

In this article, we are going to talk about some of the different types of work that AMRs typically perform, as well as some of the existing solutions that you can tap to augment the performance of your mobile robot.

Some Applications that AMRs can Fulfill

These are some of the most common use cases that call for AMRs.

Material Handling and Lifting

AMRs hold a lot of materials and can go from point A to point B uninhibited by passing people and obstructions. Additionally, some add-ons can be utilized that will lift the products up from the AMR to a plane of a different height.

Racking Solutions

One of the most successful applications we have worked with is racking solutions with the AMR. This process involves having an end-of-line conveyor fill up a rack that needs to be delivered to a storage location for additional fulfillment.

The AMR docks at the bottom of the rack and drives it to a new location, often bringing a fresh rack for minimal downtime for the processing line.

Bin Picking Solutions

Bin picking pulls products from a set jumbled location, sometimes regardless of orientation. This will require an add-on robot, typically a collaborative, but fixing a collaborative robot atop a mobile robot provides an incredibly versatile solution to almost any warehouse.

Line Re-Stocking and Waste Removal

As a production line is in full swing, there will always be a need for more parts and the removal of waste/trash. AMRs do a great job of transferring materials to a set location and retrieving items from a set location.

This process is effectively the same but inverted depending on location.

So there will be a set bin for waste that the AMR will retrieve and escort to a dumping location. Or there will be a rack/cart/bin that contains replacement materials the production line is calling for.

Automated Line Changeover

This is a little more nuanced but incredibly effective. Either by pushing a conveyor line between positions or being the transitory conveyor itself (through mounting a conveyor atop the AMR;), the mobile robots manage the direction of the production line.

Some Examples of MREs for AMRS

ROEQ Cart Solutions

ROEQ, a distributor of high-quality MREs for AMR has released a cart that can be set up to function with Omron’s mobile robots.

“The TMC500 cart solution can handle payloads up to 500 kg whilst keeping a small footprint for easy maneuverability, e.g., in busy work areas. With pick up and drop off in free space and a cart that is easy to handle and simple to customize, this solution is flexible to set up and use.”

Dorner 2700 Conveyor Topper

Recently, Mechatronic Solutions helped facilitate a collaboration between Dorner Conveyors and Omron Mobile Robots. The result was a fully functioning Dorner 2700 Medium Conveyor mounted to the top of an Omron AMR.

Watch our Mechatronic Minute On it

Collaborative Augmentation – TM on LD | Coffee Delivery.

Omron has had multiple use cases of adding a collaborative TM robot to the top of a mobile robot. In the example here, you can see the setup acting as a robot barista and receiving a coffee order and serving the beverages to a respective location.

Are AMRs Right For You?

Often we see an argument about whether you should purchase an AMR or an AGV. We are advocates for AMRs and the versatility they provide. If you are curious about the potential return on investment of AMRs in your facility, contact us today to speak with an automation specialist or visit us in person, where you can see the Dorner 2700 and Omron LD demo in person.

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