Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

SSI Mobile Robots: Warehouse Robots in Intralogistics

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) optimize and automate the material flow within a company and the storage of materials. SSI Mobile Robots – this is how we at SSI SCHAEFER refer to all our vehicles of this type – can be used very flexibly. It does not always have to be a complete solution: It is often enough to automate individual processes and tasks. This helps to keep costs manageable and gradually take the decisive and controlled steps towards automation.

Benefits of mobile robots

The use of AGVs and AMRs offers you a wide range of benefits. Here are some of the most important:

• Reliably replaces missing staff: Their use reduces bottlenecks due to staff shortages through automation. Their 24/7 availability guarantees continuous performance.

• Fast implementation: As only limited infrastructure measures are required, AGVs and AMRs can be implemented much faster. They can be easily integrated into existing working environments, resulting in shorter downtimes and a faster ROI.

• Increase in efficiency: By continuously optimizing routes and tasks, they can speed up the material flow and minimize cycle times.

• Flexibility and scalability: AGVs and AMRs can be well integrated into new environments and are able to adapt to changing production requirements. Scalability is improved by simply adding more robots as required. This allows you to react flexibly to market requirements and keep your investments manageable.

• Increased safety: The use of precise sensors, intelligent navigation systems and compliance with high safety standards significantly reduces the risk to staff and the risk of serious accidents. Damage to transport goods, buildings, equipment and vehicles no longer occurs and operational safety is increased.

• Cost savings through continuous operation: Automated or autonomous transport systems are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After appropriate configuration, they are able to work continuously or exactly when it is best for operational efficiency.

• Increased added value thanks to relief and support for employees: Your employees are relieved of repetitive and time-consuming tasks. In this way, the proportion of directly value-adding skilled workers can be quickly increased through targeted retraining without increasing the total number of employees.

• Reduced risk to employees: Mobile robots can take over potentially dangerous or physically demanding work processes, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

SSI SCHAEFER assists you as a competent partner for analysis, planning and implementation. Our experienced experts consider your challenges holistically and find the right solution for you. Get in touch!

Which AGVs and AMRs do we offer?

The broad portfolio of SSI Mobile Robots includes a variety of innovative solutions for guaranteed reliable material flows around the clock. Most of the challenges in the field of intralogistics – from goods-in to storage, production supply and shipping. Load carriers and areas of application pose different tasks for the warehouse robots. We therefore differentiate them according to the type of load carrier:

• Cartons and bins

• Pallets (e.g. euro pallets, industrial pallets, CHEP, GMA, special pallets)

• Special load carriers

• Mobile rack systems

• Shuttle system

• Warehouse logistics

• Insulation material production

• Silo transport

• Linking of sections

What is the difference between an AGV and an AMR?

Flexibility and adaptability

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are a reliable and established solution for automated material transport in various industrial environments. They are predestined for continuous, predictable transport performance and high availability. And they are particularly effective in environments with clearly defined route areas and stable, recurring workflows.

Different navigation technologies are used depending on the task and spatial conditions. In addition, AGVs can transport different loads, from simple bins or cartons to pallets and special load carriers, and are known for their high reliability and safety.

In contrast, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) offer greater flexibility and adaptability in changing working environments and are predestined for unstructured environments. They are able to dynamically detect and avoid obstacles, making them ideal for applications that require high variability and quick adaptation.

Navigation

In principle, automated guided vehicles follow predefined routes in a specific area. They often localize themselves using permanently installed guidance systems such as magnetic strips, floor markings or reflectors. As they follow fixed (optical or virtual) routes, they are precise and easy to predict. If there are obstacles in their path, they stop and signal this to their surroundings. Autonomous mobile robots, however, use advanced sensors and AI algorithms to orient themselves in their environment. They navigate in zones and calculate the current route in real time based on the current environment. They can therefore also dynamically recognize and avoid obstacles.

Both technologies have their advantages and are suitable depending on the customer’s specific requirements and circumstances. For this reason, the Austrian mobile robotics specialist DS AUTOMOTION, a company of the SSI SCHAEFER Group, has combined the advantages of both worlds and established them under the term: “plannable autonomy”.

This allows for customized solutions for various industries:

• Retail & Wholesale

• Food Retail

• Fashion

• Industry

• Food & Beverage

• Healthcare & Cosmetics

Optimized material flows with step-by-step automation

SSI SCHAEFER offers intelligently combined logistics solutions which help companies  make their first steps towards automated logistics processes – in a simple plug and play manner and at attractive prices.

How do you control the warehouse robots?

You, of course, need intelligent software to control not only the individual vehicle, but also several vehicles in a network. For this reason, the intelligence of a fleet is divided into two levels.

Software for automated guided vehicles (AGVs)

All vehicles have their own software (firmware), which ensures that the vehicle functions correctly, for example the state of charge, navigation and personal protection. It recognizes obstacles and people in order to either stop the warehouse robot or drive around the obstacle. All the data from the sensors is evaluated here and the corresponding signals are forwarded to the vehicle’s actuators.

Fleet manager: To control all vehicles

The fleet controller or fleet manager coordinates the control and optimization of the whole fleet. It plans and distributes tasks to the individual vehicles based on priorities, availability and routes and maximizes their efficiency. Among other things, the fleet manager always monitors the position and battery charge condition of each individual vehicle in real time. This allows it to react flexibly to deviations and disruptions.

VDA 5050 – the standard for controlling AGVs

A standardized interface for standardized communication between different AGVs and a fleet controller is necessary so that you have a real choice and can use the optimum vehicle for your purposes. VDA 5050 guarantees independence from the manufacturers’ own fleet management software. Vehicles with this interface can be integrated into an overall system – whether they are physically track-bound or freely navigating.

This standard is to be rolled out globally and already makes future-proof purchase decisions independent of suppliers.

All DS Automotion vehicles are equipped with the VDA 5050 interface.

Why should SSI SCHAEFER be your partner?

In the world of intralogistics, the right combination of different logistics is crucial for efficiency, flexibility and long-term success. As a leading global solution provider in the field of warehouse automation, we offer a wide range of products and vehicles for a variety of applications within the supply chain. Our specialists plan comprehensive concepts for a holistic optimization of material flows between various areas. We do not think in terms of individual vehicles, but integrated solutions.

We integrate the solutions perfectly into your existing warehouse environment and infrastructure. Our scalable systems can adapt flexibly to changing market conditions. For instance, the quantity can be increased according to performance requirements. The AGVs and AMRs network different warehouse and work areas, even over long distances – naturally without barriers and in compliance with safety requirements.

The perfect synergy between AMRs, AGVs, manual and semi-automatic systems such as work stations, racks and bins as well as the accompanying service and maintenance packages to create a long-lasting intralogistics solution is illustrated below.

The seamless combination of technologies

The combination of mobile robots with other technologies enables a smooth material flow in the warehouse. The systems complement each other perfectly to ensure the efficient and safe movement of goods, pallets and bins. The integration of manual and semi-automatic systems creates a flexible intralogistics solution that adapts to the specific requirements of the company.

Service and maintenance packages

The longevity of your intralogistics solution is crucial. Our comprehensive service and maintenance packages not only guarantee continuous functionality, but also maximize service life. The offer extends from regular inspections to all-round support.

Combining forces for efficient intralogistics solutions

It is of great importance to develop a customized solution for your specific requirements. This requires a deep understanding of the conditions on site as well as AGV and AMR expertise to ensure that the concepts can be implemented effectively and seamlessly.

First of all, existing buildings and manual processes must be analyzed and understood in detail. It is crucial to consider the overall context and ensure that all operational aspects are included in the planning. A key challenge here is integrating new technologies into existing processes and adapting them to local conditions. A step-by-step approach can ensure that the introduction of new technologies runs smoothly and efficiently.