New challenges of intra-logistics systems are playing a bigger role in the evolution of supportive systems. Why not leave repetitive tasks for automated devices such as AGVs (automated guided vehicles) or even AMRs (autonomous mobile robots)? What is the difference between the two? Both can help automate tasks and leave human capacity on more complex tasks. In a world where complexity arises, it is more and more important to focus on intelligent logistic automation.

Fixed routing versus independent navigation

Automated Guided Vehicles intelligence is minimal and can obey given routing instructions. It needs to be guided by magnetic strips, wires or sensors. This involves the need to build up special and expensive facility updates. The basic AGV is able to follow a pre-set route, but is unable to drive around blockage on the way and has to wait for an obstacle to move out.

On the other hand, AMR navigates using given maps of the facility from the control center and is able to behave more autonomously. Navigation is done using an indoor GPS. AMRs are able to compute the best path between given points. Its functions completely autonomously and is able to navigate around blockage, humans, or other devices on the path. The same robot can apply for different missions one after another and is more flexible to be assigned to various tasks in one batch. Tasks can be configured by a fleet management center for multiple robots at the same time. The central system is responsible for prioritizing tasks and selecting best suited AMRs for work based on position and availability. Modifications to the production system can be done easily only by changing the floorplan map.

Cost-effective versus expensive

Thanks to it flexibility and intelligence AMR are in many situation cheaper solution. You will save money on facility upgrades and be more elastic on reconfiguring system based on new production requirements if needed.