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Numina Group Blog

Why AMR Cart Payload Capacity Matters in Warehouse Operations

October 14, 2024

Choose the Right Size to Maximize Order Picking Efficiency

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming increasingly common in warehouse operations as a flexible, more cost-effective technology option than traditional product storage and retrieval and other goods-to-person solutions.

Among the many benefits AMRs offer, companies are choosing them because:

  • AMRs can be rapidly deployed within the storage aisles of existing facilities and offer a cost-effective technology option for new facilities.
  • AMRs, when combined with voice-picking technology, increase picking productivity by 2X or 3X.
  • AMRs, as a goods-to-person solution, reduce manual labor and increase job satisfaction, lowering turnover.

(Blog: Goods-to-Person Solutions for Companies of All Sizes)

Multiple AMR Options Available

With such promising results, many companies are now interested in AMR technology. The good news is that buyers can now choose from a broad selection of AMR models to determine the most efficient and cost-effective for their fulfillment requirements.

One of the most important factors is the AMR’s payload capacity. A larger payload capacity AMR can manage a larger workload than smaller AMRs, reducing the number of AMRs required to accomplish the same work.

Numina Group’s large capacity RDS™ AMR Batchbot™, compared to the capacity limits of smaller AMRs, is proven to deliver enhanced productivity, better resource utilization, and, ultimately, improved profitability. AMR Batchbot also reduces the number of AMRs required to achieve throughput goals, resulting in a lower technology investment requirement.

AMR Payload Capacity Ranges

Payload capacity is the maximum weight that can be loaded onto an AMR during fulfillment before it needs to be off-loaded and re-inserted into the workflow. Large-capacity AMRs deliver the following benefits:

  1. Higher Carrying Capacity: Small AMRs have roughly a 250-lb. capacity, while an RDS AMR Batchbot has a 6,000-lb. capacity, resulting in fewer trips and less time required for order picking and transportation.
  2. Multiple Picking Scenarios: Large capacity carts enable workers to handle more picking locations within a single trip. Smaller AMRs typically handle 6-12 picking locations, while AMR Batchbots can cover 25-30 locations in a single trip, an immediate positive increase in throughput.

Comparison: Small AMR Bots vs RDS Batchbot 

To highlight the advantages of larger payload capacity, consider the following infographic that contrasts small AMR applications with Batchbot picking applications:

Efficiency Gains from RDS AMR Batchbot

  • Higher Pick Rates: Warehouse workers can pick 250 to 400 items/worker/hour when they work alongside, significantly more than lower AMR pick rates of 90-150 items/worker/hour .
  • Greater Equipment Utilization Rates: Idle time is greatly reduced due to the flexibility of RDS AMR Batchbots, which can be configured for constant motion to self-direct to pack stations and back into the picking workflow – eliminating downtime. Smaller AMRs, in contrast, experience up to 25% idle time due to unloading.
  • Accommodates Multiple Picking Types: RDS AMR Batchbots can be configured to manage multiple picking types such as case, each, unit picking, and full pallet movement. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized robots to pick.

Visual Representation of Scale

Watch the video below to how a large capacity AMR solution enhances performance and reduces the overall need for additional equipment such as forklifts and smaller AMRs.

 

Conclusion: Do More with Less

As with any warehouse technology investment, it is critical to select the right AMR solution to meet your efficiency goals and provide a rapid return on investment. Numina Group’s large capacity RDS AMR Batchbot solution, managed by our RDS Warehouse Execution and Control System, results in higher order throughput levels in less time and lower equipment and labor costs.

Ready to Learn More?

Numina Group provides end-to-end, expert warehouse design, engineering, goods to person and AMR selection and system implementation services.

Talk to one of our warehouse automation experts to learn how Numina works with customers in a collaborative manner to define process improvements and select the right blend of automation to drive the highest productivity at your operation. 

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation about our RDS AMR and other goods-to-person solutions.

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