AMRs

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are robots equipped with onboard sensors and computing that navigate and perform tasks in unstructured environments without relying on fixed infrastructure such as floor markings or guide tapes. Unlike autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), AMRs determine their own routes in real time based on their perception of the surroundings and their goals.

Key technologies include sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, ultrasonic, and radar; localization and mapping (SLAM, odometry); scene understanding; path planning and motion planning; obstacle avoidance; and onboard processing. AMRs use these capabilities to interpret environments, make decisions, and execute safe movements without external guidance.

Common domains for AMRs include warehouses (goods handling, pallet transport), manufacturing floors (component transport), logistics hubs, healthcare (supply delivery within hospitals), hospitality (concierge and cleaning), agriculture (monitoring and harvesting), mining, and search-and-rescue. They are employed as single units or in fleets to improve throughput and reliability.

Operation and deployment: AMRs operate as single units or in fleets; they may use centralized or distributed coordination; fleet management involves task assignment, route optimization, and charging scheduling. They can work with existing enterprise software through standard interfaces and can be customized for specific tasks.

Benefits and limitations: Benefits include route flexibility, reduced infrastructure requirements, and adaptability to changes in the environment. Limitations include cost, power constraints, perception challenges in certain conditions, safety and cybersecurity concerns, and integration with legacy systems and processes.

History and outlook: Development grew with advances in SLAM and artificial intelligence; AMRs have become widely deployed in logistics and automation since the 2010s. Future trends emphasize improved perception in harsh environments, higher levels of autonomy, standardization, and greater interoperability across platforms.