Transport automationColumn vol.5
Is this task still impossible?! Automation that was previously impossible is already a reality thanks to smart AMRs.
table of contents
AMRs are used in a variety of manufacturing processes
AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) have been used in a variety of locations over the past few years, such as in manufacturing processes within factories and logistics warehouses to load parts and products, or tow carts loaded with parts and products. Collaborative robots, which previously worked in fixed locations, are now being mounted on AMRs, allowing them to move flexibly between locations to perform their work.
Let's take a bird's-eye view of factories and warehouses and see in what specific situations AMRs are being used.
AMR usage scenarios in factories, warehouses, etc.
- 1. Cart towing
- 2.Conveyor transfer
- 3. Cart towing by arm grip
- 4. Equipped with a robotic arm
- 5. Lift transport
- 6. Karakuri mechanism
We hope you now understand that AMRs are widely used in manufacturing processes within factories, between processes, in logistics warehouses, etc. We will now briefly explain each of these use cases.
Introduction of each usage scenario
1. Cart towing
Equipped with a top module that can pull a cart (trolley) using mechanisms such as pins and bars, the AMR slips under the cart and docks with it, transporting the loaded items along with the cart. A variety of items can be placed on the cart (trolley), including shelves, mechanisms, and pallets, making it suitable for any purpose. For this reason, we are currently receiving inquiries about its introduction at many work sites.
Cart undercarriage towing application example (DENSO USA)
DENSO introduced the autonomous mobile robots (AMR) "MiR250" and "MiR Shelf Carrier 250" at its US factory to automate cart transport operations. This freed employees who previously walked more than 1km a day from repetitive tasks, creating an environment where they could focus on higher-value-added tasks. The system was rolled out to all lines within six months of implementation, with a payback period of less than one year, shorter than usual. Employee awareness has improved and work processes have become more streamlined, resulting in a change in corporate culture.
2.Conveyor transfer
An AMR equipped with a conveyor top module automates the transport process between conveyor lines. It is ideal for automating large-scale factories and floors, such as feeding workpieces onto conveyors and receiving workpieces off conveyors.
Conveyor transfer application example (Interroll)
Interroll, a Swiss company, introduced the MiR250 and a proprietary conveyor top module. MiR not only navigates accurately in dynamic environments, but also independently calls elevators to move around. Furthermore, by analyzing the operation status of MiR, the company has optimized business processes and minimized downtime. This has reduced transportation tasks that were previously performed manually, creating an environment where employees can focus on skilled tasks that require creativity and judgment.
3. Cart towing by arm grip
The AMR grasps and tows the cart with the arm of the top module. Unlike crawler-type robots, this has the advantage of being able to use the carts already on-site. It can also be used on-site where carts of different sizes are mixed. It is chosen by companies seeking flexibility.
Cart towing by arm gripping: Example of use (Kashiyama Kogyo)
Kashiyama Kogyo, a vacuum pump manufacturer, introduced the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) "MiR Hook 1" to accommodate an increase in transport distances (up to 4km per day) due to factory expansion. By using existing carts with only minor modifications, the company was able to reduce installation costs. Furthermore, MiR's flexibility in automatically avoiding obstacles has reduced manual work, allowing employees to focus on more value-added tasks. The company plans to further automate the transportation of parts from the parts warehouse to the manufacturing department.
4. Equipped with a robotic arm
Equipped with a robotic arm, the AMR picks up workpieces and moves autonomously. Now equipped with a robotic arm, the AMR can flexibly work in any location.
Robot arm mounted application example (hospital in Sweden)
Two hospitals in Sweden handle between 2 and 6,000 specimens daily and have introduced the MiR13,000, an autonomous mobile transport robot (AMR) equipped with a collaborative robot, for transporting specimens. Equipped with a robotic arm, the MiR250 automatically collects racks containing specimens, stores them in a secure cabinet, and transports them. It then navigates the hospital's doors and elevators, opening and closing them on its own, to deliver specimens to the lab. After delivery, it collects the empty racks and transports them to the designated location. This has improved the accuracy and stability of specimen handling, allowing medical staff to focus on patient care.
5. Lift transport
Various sensors are used to detect and avoid obstacles, allowing for the safe transport of heavy loads. They are used in logistics warehouses and logistics areas within factories where there is a lot of goods coming and going.
Lift transport use case (ICM)
Danish logistics company ICM introduced three high-capacity AMRs equipped with lifts to automate pallet transport operations. By using the AMRs to transport materials to high-altitude racks, which was previously done by staff, the company has reduced work time by approximately 3 hours per week. The AMRs navigate autonomously within the warehouse, and operators can check their location on a tablet to carry out their work smoothly. The company uses the integrated management software "MiR Fleet" for route control and task management. This reduces the burden on staff, allowing employees to focus on higher-value-added tasks. In the future, the company plans to expand the scope of automation to include picking and shipping operations.
6. Karakuri mechanism
By attaching a mechanical mechanism to the AMR, it is possible to connect multiple delivery locations. As it is fully autonomous, it can safely avoid people, which has the advantage of allowing them to share aisles.
Karakuri mechanism usage example (Johnson Controls Hitachi)
Johnson Controls Hitachi's Vacarisses plant introduced MiR, equipped with shelves equipped with mechanical mechanisms, to automate the transport of materials to the assembly line and the collection of packaging waste. MiR automatically transports parts and waste from the warehouse to the production line, covering a distance of approximately 750 km per year, or up to 1 km per day. As a result, the plant was able to reduce work time by three hours per day compared to manual transport using carts. This labor-saving system also eliminated the need for forklifts to travel back and forth, improving safety on-site and the stability of the production line.
What do you think.
As you can see, many AMRs are already optimally deployed at current production sites both in Japan and overseas, working collaboratively with humans in a variety of situations.
My Feelings, Then and Now
Because they operate in factories and warehouses, we don't usually notice them, but the rapid advances in technology are rapidly increasing the number of environments and tasks in which humans and robots can work together. AMRs are smart robots that make it possible to automate tasks that were previously impossible. Perhaps that is the true value of AMRs.
When introducing AMRs into environments where they will work collaboratively with humans, it is important to select AMRs that have safety features that comply with ISO3691-4, the safety standard for automated guided vehicles.
Regarding the safety features of the AMR "MiR" introduced in this case study,This articleWe have introduced it on the website, so please take a look if you are interested.
As experts in transport automation, we provide support tailored to the challenges faced on-site, from designing AMR systems to selecting models, installation, and operation. Please feel free to contact us for any inquiries.
