What is an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot)? Explaining the Differences in Transportation and Operation Methods Compared to AGV

AMRs, which stands for Autonomous Mobile Robots, are gaining attention as automated solutions for material handling in logistics settings. AMRs offer advantages such as not requiring magnetic tapes and enabling collaboration with humans. However, many people may be unsure about the differences between AMRs and a similar solution called AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle). In this article, we will introduce the differences between AMRs and AGVs, as well as the unique benefits of AMRs.

What is an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot)?

An AMR, short for Autonomous Mobile Robot, is a type of robot that automates material handling tasks in logistics settings. AMRs leverage technologies such as self-judgment and self-positioning to autonomously navigate and transport goods to appropriate locations in narrow spaces like warehouses or factories. They utilize sensors and vision technologies to perceive their surroundings, avoid collisions with people and obstacles, and ensure safe and efficient transportation.

As a solution to address the serious issue of labor shortages in logistics settings, AMRs have gained significant attention in the logistics industry in recent years.

How AMRs Work

AMRs can avoid collisions with people and obstacles because they create environmental maps using cameras and sensors (sensing technology) and estimate their own positions. They also identify the positions of people and obstacles, search for optimal travel routes, and navigate to their destinations. Furthermore, AMRs do not require the installation of guidance systems like magnetic tapes, allowing for smooth route reconfiguration even if the layout of the facility changes.

AMRs are often considered similar to AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) mentioned later. Both are robots that perform automated material transportation, but what are the differences between them?

Differences Between AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle)

AGV, which stands for Automated Guided Vehicle, refers to a wheeled robot that automates material transportation tasks, similar to AMR. While both can perform automated transportation, there are various differences in terms of ""transportation method,"" ""travel range,"" ""obstacle avoidance capability,"" and more.

Transportation Method

As mentioned earlier, AMRs use cameras and sensors to understand their surroundings and set their own travel routes. On the other hand, AGVs follow predetermined routes based on guidance systems such as magnetic tapes installed on the floor. Therefore, the first difference lies in the fact that AMRs have an autonomous driving mode, while AGVs have a guided driving mode.

Travel Range

AMRs can freely change their travel routes by creating map data, allowing them to move in a wide range. In contrast, AGVs can only travel along predetermined routes defined by guidance systems. Expanding the travel range for AGVs requires installing more guidance systems, resulting in the need for additional space.

Obstacle Avoidance Capability

AMRs can continuously detect the positions of people and obstacles, autonomously avoid obstacles, and perform rerouting based on the surrounding environment. On the other hand, AGVs cannot avoid obstacles on fixed routes and will stop when encountering obstacles. The ability to avoid obstacles is another distinguishing factor.

Installation Method

AMRs can be quickly deployed without the need for installing guidance systems. They can freely move once map data is incorporated. In contrast, AGVs require installation work for guidance systems such as magnetic tapes, magnetic bars, or 2D barcodes. This installation process takes time.

Cost

In terms of the initial cost of the robot itself, AGVs are generally cheaper. However, AGVs incur maintenance costs for guidance systems such as magnetic tapes or 2D barcodes. Additionally, if there is a need to change or add routes due to layout modifications, additional construction costs will be incurred. Although AGVs may initially appear to have lower costs, considering the running costs, the difference with AMRs may not be significant.

For a detailed explanation of the differences between AGVs and AMRs, you can refer to the following articles

Benefits of Implementing AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot)

Implementing AMRs improves work efficiency and contributes to labor reduction. It also offers benefits such as reducing the burden on workers and cutting down on training time and costs. While these benefits apply to both AMRs and AGVs, AMRs have three unique advantages

No Need for Guidance System Installation

When implementing AGVs, the installation of guidance systems such as magnetic tapes or 2D barcodes is required. In contrast, AMRs, being autonomous mobile robots, do not require the installation of guidance systems. This reduces the time and cost associated with installation work and guidance system maintenance.

No Need for Route Setting or Teaching

When changing transportation routes due to layout modifications, AGVs require reinstallation of guidance systems or teaching of new routes through programming. On the other hand, AMRs have autonomous driving capabilities enabled by sensing, eliminating the need for detailed route setting or teaching.

Collaboration with Humans

AGVs can only travel along predetermined routes, making it challenging to collaborate with humans who perform irregular and complex movements. To avoid collisions, AGVs need to operate in separate areas from workers. In contrast, AMRs are designed for collaboration with humans and have the ability to automatically avoid humans and obstacles. This allows for effective collaboration between humans and robots.

Scenes Where AMRs Should Be Implemented (Scenarios Where AGVs Struggle)

Although it is a well-known fact that AGVs are generally cheaper in terms of initial costs, there are scenes in logistics and production sites where AGVs struggle to achieve automation. Here are two scenarios where AMRs can be beneficial

Scenarios involving collaboration with humans

The first scenario is where collaboration with humans is expected. For example, in apparel warehouses, where various types and sizes of clothing require detailed work, manual labor is essential. To streamline transportation in such scenarios, AMRs with autonomous driving capabilities are recommended. By combining AMRs with robot hands capable of handling soft products like clothes and RFID tags (non-contact IC tags that use radio waves), transportation tasks can be further optimized, leading to improved productivity.

Frequent changes in processes or factory/warehouse layouts

The second scenario is in factories or warehouses where processes or layouts change frequently. It is common for facilities, personnel assignments, and manufacturing/transportation processes to change frequently in scenarios where products or items vary depending on the season or where multi-variety, small-batch production is performed. When such layout or process changes occur, AMRs can automatically sense the environment and set new routes.

For more detailed explanations of utilizing AGVs and AMRs in logistics and manufacturing sites, the following article provides insights

Considerations when Implementing AMRs

When implementing AMRs, it is essential to consider whether the site requires collaboration with humans or if simple transportation between predetermined points can be achieved with AGVs. This is because, as mentioned earlier, AMRs often involve higher initial investment costs, including the cost of the robot itself. Additionally, development processes are required to enable automatic creation of environmental maps. Moreover, as the number of AMRs increases, not only interactions with humans but also interactions between AMRs need to be carefully managed to avoid congestion. It is crucial to assess the unique characteristics of your site, the objectives of implementation, the processes to be automated, and the associated costs before making a decision.

LOGITO Provides AMR and AGV Solutions

LOGITO, a logistics automation solution service provided by Daiichi Jitsugyo, offers solutions for both AMRs and AGVs. By conducting site surveys and understanding factors such as the items to be transported and the condition of the floor surface, we can check the feasibility of implementing AGVs or AMRs and consider factors such as the number of units and routes during the design phase. We provide comprehensive support from implementation to after-sales service, ensuring a reliable operation.

The following resources provide explanations with a checklist for AGV implementation:
Moreover, we also offer AMRs equipped with autonomous driving algorithms. If you are interested, please refer to the resources below.。