What Are Autonomous Mobile Robots?

Key takeaways

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to move independently in changing environments. Here are some important things to know:

• Grand View Research expects the global market value of AMRs to increase from an estimated $4.07 billion in 2024 to $9.56 billion by 2030 [1].

• Common designs for AMRs are cart robots, service robots, automated forklifts, and inspection robots.

• You can begin a career in robotics by learning about artificial intelligence.

Learn more about how AMRs operate, the different designs for AMRs, the pros and cons of this technology, and the necessary skill set to work in this field. If you plan to begin working towards a career in robotics, consider enrolling in IBM’s AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization, where you can learn about generative AI, business intelligence, deep learning, and more in as little as four weeks. 

The rise of autonomous mobile robotics

The market for AMRs will likely continue to grow, as Grand View Research expects the global market value of AMRs to increase from an estimated $4.07 billion in 2024 to $9.56 billion by 2030 [1]. More companies are investing in AMRs because of the benefits these machines offer, such as enhanced workflow efficiency, improved safety, and increased employee retention. For example, instead of having your workforce perform manual labor, such as lifting and carrying goods in a warehouse, AMRs can complete this work. This allows your employees to focus on more important duties. By devoting their efforts to more satisfying tasks, your workers tend to be happier in their jobs, which can lead to higher employee retention rates. Companies using AMRs as part of their operations include DHL, Walmart, Nike, and Amazon.

How do autonomous mobile robots work?

AMRs operate by using sensors, data processing, localization, AI, and other technologies to move independently through an environment. These technologies allow AMRs to devise the best route based on the environment. Discover these aspects of AMRs in more detail:

Sensors

AMRs utilize sensors, cameras, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology to gather detailed information about their environments, especially in terms of identifying potential obstacles and what objects they can move. LiDAR is useful because this technology bounces lasers against objects in the vicinity and then determines the distance between the AMR and the object based on how long it takes for the laser to return. Using this approach, LiDAR can construct a 3D map of the surrounding environment.

Data processing

After collecting data about the environment, the AMR sends the information to a warehouse execution system (WES). This smart software analyzes the received data using algorithms to establish routes and help navigate the AMR.

Localization

For the AMR to determine its location in your warehouse, the system utilizes simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM) algorithms. By integrating the sensor data with pre-existing or real-time maps, the AMR can ascertain its position and move efficiently through its environment.

Artificial intelligence

With AI and machine learning (ML), your AMR can analyze previously established routes in your warehouse, spot patterns, and then identify more efficient paths for it to take. In terms of computer vision, AMRs employ ML models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), to identify a variety of objects, such as walkways, hazardous areas, and loading docks. 

Reinforcement learning (RL) can also assist your AMR because, through trial and error, the mobile robot can enhance its navigation strategies over time. You can even find AMRs with natural language processing (NLP) capabilities, which means you can simply speak aloud the task you would like it to accomplish.

What are common designs for autonomous mobile robots?

Depending on the environment, you can purchase AMRs built for various functions, with a few of the designs being cart robots, shelf-stocking robots, service robots, automated forklifts, and inspection robots. Choosing the right AMR design depends on the tasks you want it to complete and its environment. Learn more about what these AMRs can do:

• Cart robots: Warehouses and manufacturing complexes use cart robots to transfer goods across short distances. They typically operate low to the ground and contain a receptacle for carrying objects. By using advanced perception systems, cart robots can adapt to changing environments.

• Shelf-stocking robots: Because these robots can select and replace items, e-commerce warehouses tend to use them to fulfill orders. These machines can move through aisles, grab products from shelves, and bring those goods to stations for packaging. 

• Service robots: Service robots are customized for specific tasks such as patrolling an area for security purposes, cleaning a facility, or even delivering medical supplies throughout a hospital. For example, a service robot designed for cleaning can scrub, vacuum, and sanitize floors.

• Automated forklifts: You can use these AMRs for several functions in your warehouse, such as lifting pallets, transferring products, and stacking materials. Also, since automated forklifts can use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, these machines can autonomously scan and locate items, which means you can utilize them for inventory management.

• Inspection robots: Because these robots contain advanced sensors and cameras, you can employ them to inspect products and equipment in warehouses and manufacturing facilities to ensure quality control. For example, an ultrasonic inspection version of this robot can hit an object with ultrasonic waves and use the returning data to determine if it contains flaws or irregularities beneath its surface.

What is the difference between AGV and AMR?

The primary difference between AMRs and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) is that while AMRs can navigate around obstacles without intervention, AGVs need you to remove the obstacle before continuing on a fixed path.

Advantages and disadvantages of autonomous mobile robots

When considering adding AMRs to your operation, you may want to be aware of some pros, such as function in unstructured environments and reduced costs, and cons, such as requiring uniform Wi-Fi and battery recharging, before making your decision. Explore the benefits and challenges when dealing with AMRs:

Advantages of autonomous mobile robots

Because they’re autonomous, these mobile robots offer the following advantages: 

• Function in unstructured environments: AMRs contain advanced sensors and cameras that allow them to operate effectively in unpredictable and unstructured environments. If the layout of a warehouse changes, these robots can quickly adapt.

• Reduce operational costs: AMRs offer scalability, meaning you can incorporate more of these robots as needed, which is less expensive than having to replace a fixed system. AMRs tend to make fewer mistakes than human workers, increasing workplace safety and lowering the costs resulting from errors.

• Perform repetitive tasks: Once you have AMRs performing repetitive, manual labor tasks, your employees can focus on more important, higher-level responsibilities, which can make your entire operation more productive. 

• Increase customer satisfaction: Using advanced sensors and AI algorithms, AMRs commit very few errors when picking items from your inventory, resulting in greater customer satisfaction.

Disadvantages of autonomous mobile robots

Although the advantages of AMRs far outweigh the disadvantages, you may notice a few challenges when using this advanced technology: 

• Require uniform Wi-Fi: Since AMRs need data in order to function properly, you may need to install Wi-Fi coverage throughout your facility.

• Need to be recharged: Even AMRs require a break to recharge their batteries, so you’ll need to schedule time for these machines to spend at charging stations.

• Require high startup cost: Because AMRs need advanced sensors to function autonomously, you may be looking at a high investment initially. Also, if your facility uses older systems, you may need to spend additional money upgrading them before integrating AMRs.

What are autonomous mobile robots used for?

AMRs assist many industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, health care, restaurant, and retail to enhance efficiency and productivity. In the agriculture industry, AMRs can increase efficiency in orchards by picking fruit from the trees, which also reduces human labor. If you run a manufacturing facility, AMRs can help maintain the flow of materials down the assembly line. For instance, Tesla employs AMRs to ensure its assembly line functions smoothly. 

To allow staff, such as nurses, to spend more time with patients, hospitals use AMRs to transfer supplies and medications throughout the facility. If you own a restaurant, these robots can buss tables and provide automated ordering, allowing servers and bartenders to spend more time with your customers. In the retail industry, Walmart, for example, utilizes AMRs to ensure the shelves remain stocked and the inventory count is accurate.

Skills for building and working with AMRs

Since robotics engineers need to be able to design, construct, test, and control robots, you want to develop a diverse set of abilities comprising both technical and workplace skills. Discover what you need to know in more detail:

Technical skills for AMRs

• Math and science: You need to develop a strong foundation in algebra, calculus, geometry, and physics.

• Programming: Robots interact with software, hardware, and electronics, and different manufacturers produce these components. As such, working in robotics can require a background in multiple languages, such as C, C++, Python, and Java.

• Mechanical and electrical engineering: Robots use hardware, including sensors, motors, and circuits, so you need to know how to design and integrate these parts.

• AI and ML: You need the ability to create algorithms for building AI and ML applications for robotics.

Workplace skills for AMRs

• Teamwork: When building a robot, you may be working with other engineers, a project manager, product developers, and an individual specializing in user experience. Because of this, you need to know how to work well with others.

• Problem-solving: You may need to fix unexpected bugs in how the robot operates, which also requires a proficient level of adaptability with ongoing advancements.

To work in this field, you also need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the following specializations: robotics engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering. If your goal is to work in the research and development sector of robotics engineering, you probably need to earn a master’s degree. 

Fortunately, if you decide to pursue this career, you can expect to earn a good salary. According to Glassdoor, the median total pay for a robotics engineer is $139,000 per year [2]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Stay current with robotics and automation

To keep up with trends and opportunities in the robotics industry, subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. You can also explore these other robotics-related free resources:

• Watch on YouTube: Beginners: Start Your AI Journey with These 3 Skills

• Learn about AI: The AI Advantage: 9 Questions with UC Davis AI Instructor Sadie St. Lawrence

• Review the terminology: Artificial Intelligence Glossary: Learn AI Vocabulary

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