Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are finding applications in the mobile robotics ecosystem as automation becomes the new normal for businesses in the era of Industry 4.0 to achieve higher efficiencies and lower costs, says GlobalData report.
Automotive
Automobile major Ford has developed a KUKA-built AMR Javier that can operate a 3D printer to print car parts. The automobile giant claims that Javier is accurate in its motions, takes short breaks to recharge the batteries, and completes tasks on time while leveraging printer data to learn and enhance its performance over time.
Logistics
Chinese logistic startup Geek+ partnered with domestic smart logistics and integrated solutions provider Engero to create the world’s first fully automated intelligent cold chain port warehouse in Tianjin, China. The goods requiring cold chain storage are transported by Geek+’s MP1000R AMRs to the depot area for customs inspection and disinfection, and then moved to the storage area for processing and distribution.
Packaging
Amazon has launched its first fully-autonomous robot Proteus that can autonomously move through facilities to pick up and place goods transporting carts (GoCarts) containing packages. It can be automatically instructed to autonomously carry out its function and move around employees without the need to be confined to any fixed working areas. The e-commerce giant is currently testing a prototype of Cardinal, a robotic arm for handling packages of around 20kg.
Retail
California’s technology startup Ottonomy developed the world’s first fully autonomous delivery robot Ottobot, which uses the company’s contextual mobility navigation software to navigate through crowded and unpredictable environments. CVG Airport, Cincinnati has partnered with the startup to use Ottobots for delivering retail and food items at the airport. Retailer Presto has selected the company for the delivery of its orders with Ottobots.
Kiran Raj, Practice Head of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, said: “The advent of AMRs as smarter and more adaptable substitutes to the automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for a range of applications in industrial operations is receiving a lot of attention.”
