How to choose between an AGV/AMR based on manual machine and one designed from scratch
Javier Miguélez
Top Robotics Voice ? Consultant for AGVs & AMRs @ Moving Robots | We help you with your logistics automation | 25.000+ followers
Lately I am being asked the following question a lot: is a mobile robot made from a manual machine or a mobile robot made and designed from scratch better? What a good question. We rarely talk in the world of mobile robotics about this topic.
First of all, it must be said that this discussion only applies to two types of AGVs or AMRs: tractors and forklifts. Mouse-type or platform-type mobile robots in very few cases are developed from a manual machine.
Secondly, and as often happens, the answer is: it depends on the context.
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Pros and Cons
The main advantages of a mobile robot based on a manual machine compared to one manufactured and designed from scratch are:
? Quality: although it is something that is changing in recent years, in general many more manual machines are manufactured than AGVs or AMRs, which means that manual machines have a higher quality and have been much more tested.
? Manual mode: mobile robots based on a manual machine allow the AGV or AMR to be easily driven manually while most of the mobile robots designed as such have a manual mode that is not very user friendly. This is an advantage if that manual mode is necessary or convenient.
On the other hand, a manual machine-based mobile robot also has disadvantages compared to a mobile robot designed and manufactured from scratch:
?? Fatigue: this is a point that is rarely taken into account and is absolutely key. Most of the time, manual machines are not designed for continuous operation. It is common for AGVs or AMRs to work continuously for hours, days, weeks or even months. This continuous operation fatigues both mechanically and electrically the machine. If it is not prepared for such fatigue, many maintenance problems arise.
? Size: manual vehicles are generally larger since they need to leave room for the driver. A larger vehicle size is generally accompanied by a larger turning radius, which reduces its agility in tight spaces.
The questions
Given this, the two main questions we have to ask ourselves are:
1. Is there enough space for a manual machine? If there is not, then you have to choose an AGV or AMR designed as such from scratch.
2. Do I need a manual mode? If I need it, then the best option is a mobile robot based on a manual machine.
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The first question is simple and quickly answered. However, the second one is quite complicated. Manual mode may be necessary mainly for two reasons:
? Operations: I have participated in several projects in which 50% of the route is done automatically and the remaining 50% automatically. Here there is no other option, it is necessary to use a manual vehicle converted to AGV or AMR.
? Backup: that is, in the event that any of the systems related to the automatic part fails, the vehicle can be driven manually.
Manual mode as backup
Many people think that the manual mode as backup is only necessary if the AGV or AMR system does not work as it should. It is true, but there are also cases in which the impact of the mobile robot system not working is so high that it is worth considering a manual solution as a backup. Again, the question is whether this manual solution comes from the mobile robot that can be used manually or if it is more convenient to have vehicles that are only manual and are used in cases of extreme necessity. The latter is a matter of cost.
Decision tree
I leave here a decision tree:
In general, it can be concluded that the use or not of mobile robots based on manual machine depends mainly on the need for manual mode and the available space.
What do you think? Are there other reasons to choose one type of mobile robot or the other?
?? Eur 995 per month smart autonomous pallet truck, delivery from stock, 1 day set up
8 个月Hi Javier, I came across this interesting discussion. With EP EQUIPMENT and EP Energy we like to get in contact with more robot companies to supply trucks and / or li-ion batteries. We are an experienced OEM producer, most innovative and full focus on compact li-ion warehouse trucks and batteries. When you want to make something like in the picture, why bother to make something from scratch? You can buy a robot-ready pallet truck/stacker/tugger/etc. with proven quality and after sales support. Even if you don't need the manual driving functionality, can just use the driving components & chassis.
Another consideration is that Chinese made platforms and their sub-assemblies have had the benefit of production at scale due to internal market growth. The hardware and the software need to be adapted to international standards but that's less risky and costly than starting from scratch when considering to develop popular AMR use-cases.
CEO & Co-Founder at NODE Robotics | We make mobile robots easy to use
1 年Interesting question. Imo one important aspect here would be: is there some value in being able (maybe just as fallback) to operate the vehicle in hybrid mode, i.e., automatic and manual. ThenX the case the case is quite easy, reusing the hw that was originally designed for human operation and adding an automation kit to allow automatic operation. Otherwise, I see strong advantages for designing from scratch. Even then, you could still reuse parts of the manual design like drive chain, lifting units etc.
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1 年Great question Javier Miguélez personally I prefer a robot that has been design from the ground up to be the best possible mobile robot. For a forklift AMR this may very well include a manual steering interface to unlock truely collaborative workflows.
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1 年Working on sometime similar to this at the minute around this topic as it's something I've been asked a lot in the past too... You make some excellent points here Javier Miguélez and the answer really is "it depends". My 2 cents... With a previously non-automated machine you get total peace of mind that the core product, in its simplest form - is tried and tested. In my experience, that counts for A LOT in an increasingly flooded material handling market. Automation technology in itself is innovating all the time, making it easier to customise or indeed reposition products into more autonomous solutions. Automated or not, businesses need solutions they can rely on. + the points you've covered around flexibility and ease of service! Fantastic resource here Javier!