FEATURE Automated Warehousing
Warehouse robotics for improved effi ciency and faster fulfi lment
Ian Shay, Director at L&S Engineers, discusses the technlogy advancements encountered in modern-day warehouses. Autonomous mobile robots, automated guided vehicles, artificial intelligence and smart navigational maps are just some elements, with even smarter systems to arrive on the scene in the near future
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obots are no longer the future as they permeate all aspects of manufacturing and industrial processes. Now they are also being widely used for fast fulfilment in warehouses across the country. Robots rapidly move materials, helping businesses achieve faster picking times compared to manual tasks. With the ability to operate both day and night, businesses are achieving up to 200% increase in pick rates and up to 300% increase in warehouse throughput.
Autonomous mobile robots According to Barden, many contract- robotics engineers have been working hard over the years to develop new robots, based around artificial intelligence, machine learning and agile warehouse management software. Using sensor technology, autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, deliver inventory throughout warehouses, deftly manoeuvring around various spaces without being guided by tracks or set route around the building. The key thing about AMRs is their understanding of their environment which is enabled by integrated sensors and software allowing for understanding of maps. Using the process of maps, AMRs can navigate around obstacles and people, moving around the warehouse smoothly and with great ease, without needing human interference, which could be considered time-consuming and costly. The idea behind these robots is to considerably reduce the amount of time warehouse workers spend on picking and sorting, therefore utilising manual resources elsewhere in the business. By today’s standards, these robots
54 March 2022 | Automation
It’s a new dawn for warehouses, with autonomous mobile robots and automated guided vehicles running around the space
deliver accuracy, around the clock, 24/7. The level of accuracy provided means inventory levels are consistent and precise. This is done by regular stock counting each day, which makes a considerable difference when compared to counting stock just a few times per year. Businesses can now stay on top of their stock, keeping an eye on changes in numbers.
Automated guided vehicles An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) transports inventory around a warehouse using magnetic strips or tracks. But, not all AGVs follow a track, which means they have additional features for safety and guidance, including software that can map around the warehouse, safely and seamlessly.
AGVs can be navigated by: • Magnetic tape;
• Light detection and ranging – sensors that transmit a laser pulse that measures the distance between objects and the AGV; • Vision guidance – cameras recording the route allowing the AGV to navigate; • Geo-guidance – similar to vision guidance, only the AGV recognises objects around them allowing them to understand their location; • Laser target navigation; • Gyroscopic navigation – computer- controlled AGVs through transponders embedded into the warehouse flooring to determine that the AGV is taking the correct route; • Wired navigation – wire paths for the AGV to follow with a built-in sensor.
automationmagazine.co.uk
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