Mobile Robot Week gives insights into a quickly evolving market

On Aug 22, 2022

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Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are one of the most exciting technologies in the robotics and automation sector. AMR deployments in warehouse and industrial operations are surging, and this growth is expected to continue to increase for the foreseeable future.

In 2021, more than 100,000 mobile robots, including automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), were shipped globally, according to a recent report from Interact Analysis. Overall, the number of robots shipped in 2021 rose 70% from the year before, which resulted in a 36% increase in revenue.

While AMRs are experiencing significant acceptance in warehouses and manufacturing facilities, the technology is far from mainstream. In addition, new classes of AMRs and enabling technologies continue to come to market, often at a bewildering pace.

For companies that are evaluating AMRs, as well as firms that have deployed AMRs previously, the selection and implementation of AMR solutions can be difficult and fraught with uncertainty. Mistakes can be costly, but inaction will all but guarantee suboptimal industrial performance (or worse).

Autonomous Mobile Robotics Week was designed to address these challenges and alleviate the burden of AMR selection, adoption and management. Individual sessions in the program, delivered live online throughout the week or available on demand, will provide informed, authoritative insights and recommendations, delivered by the leading providers of AMR solutions. Also presenting are representatives of companies that have met the AMR adoption challenge and are now reaping the benefits of flexible automation enabled by intelligent, mobile robotics systems.

A detailed agenda can be found below. Interested attendees can register here for free.

Autonomous Mobile Robots – A Primer for End-Users, Integrators and VARs
August 23, 2022 – 11:00 AM (Eastern)

In this Autonomous Mobile Robotics Week session is designed specifically for end-users, integrators and VARs who wish to become more deeply acquainted with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) or updated on the most recent AMR advancements and business trends. Attendees will be provided with an introduction to AMRs and enabling technologies, as well as a review of mobile robotics system types and common applications for which they are used. Case studies will also be provided to illustrate the many ways AMRs are being utilized to flexibly automate many manufacturing, logistics and other industrial operations.

AMR Types and Demand Drivers
AMR Features and Capabilities
Representative Products
Case Studies
Safety and Standards
New Enablers
What’s Next

Intelligent Mobile Robots for Warehouse, DC and Fulfillment Center Intralogistics
August 23, 2022 – 2:00 PM (Eastern)

Corporate logistics and supply chain groups have adopted autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to automate costly, dangerous, and time-consuming activities in warehouses and distribution centers, improving operational efficacy and efficiency in the process. AMR solutions also provide these companies with a high degree of flexibility, a capability lacking in many earlier forms of warehouse and distribution center automation. This comes at a time when flexibility is viewed by corporate management as a key strategic differentiator and business facilitator.

In this webinar, examples of how autonomous mobile robots are being applied within warehouses and distribution centers in support of Unloading, Unpacking, Depalletizing / Transportation / Sorting and Staging / Picking Operations/Palletizing / Packing / Loading, will be provided. During the session, AMR solution providers and integrators will be highlighted. Specific use cases will be discussed. ROI and other evaluation metrics will be provided where warranted.

AMR Safety and Interoperability – Solutions & Standards for Autonomous Mobile Robots
August 24, 2022 – 2:00 PM (Eastern)

To increase the efficiency of their operations while simultaneously reducing costs, forward thinking companies have adopted autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to automate the movement of materials and goods environments. A key feature of AMRs is their ability to operate safely in peopled, dynamic environments. To ensure high levels of safe AMR operation, safety technologies, standards and best practices have been introduced in many facilities where AMRs are in operation. But safety technologies can be complex, and there are many issues not addressed by formal standards. In addition, best practices typically vary from location to location. In this session, a panel of leading robotics safety experts will review the most critical issues for the safe operation of autonomous mobile robots, including standards efforts, risk assessments, best practices, and safety technologies.

Mobile Robots in Manufacturing Environments: Applications and Use Cases
August 25, 2022 – 11:00 AM (Eastern)

Logistics centers are aggressively adopting autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to support fulfillment operations. But other types of industry sectors, too, can benefit from the smart, flexible automation that AMRs provide. Case in point, manufacturing facilities where the movement of objects and material within warehouse environments.

For many manufacturing considering AMRs, questions remain… are they productive as advertised, are they cost effective, can they be integrated with other automation technology, can they be scaled? In this Autonomous Mobile Robotics Week roundtable session, a series of case studies of AMR installations in manufacturing environments will provide answers to these questions (and more).

Autonomous Mobile Robots: Scaling from Pilots to Fleets
August 25, 2022 – 2:00 PM (Eastern)

Commercial class autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are widely available at this time for use in indoor environments, both as dedicated solutions for specific applications, and as “open”, customizable platforms designed to serve a variety of needs. A rapidly growing number of companies have adopted autonomous mobile robots in their warehouses and distribution centers, where they have delivered real business value as an efficient, robust and flexible solution for many applications.

Many of these firms deployed AMRs on a trial or project basis, and are now considering more strategic, scaled rollouts. For non-adopters, too, the issue of scaling AMRs from pilot projects to autonomous fleets is a key concern. In this Autonomous Mobile Robotics Week session, attendees will learn from solutions providers and industry experts about critical AMR scaling challenges and solutions. Topics include:

Integration with existing infrastructure
Interoperation with existing automation processes
Configuration and deployment
Fleet management and pick optimization
Safety, security, and control
Failover and intervention management
Monitoring, auditing, and analytics

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