Automated guided vehicles, automated storage and retrieval systems, palletizers, cobots — the list of warehouse automation solutions goes on and on. There are so many options that analysis paralysis can set in. What’s the right type of automated solution for your particular facility? How can you be confident that the investment will be worth it? Won’t technology just change in another six months? Answering even these basic questions can seem impossible.

Enter semi-autonomous solutions. These vehicles provide a simple point of entry into the world of robotics because of their ease of use and lower costs. Often known as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), these vehicles move around a facility on their own, thereby taking repetitive transport tasks off of employees’ plates without taking those employees’ actual jobs.

Why? Because employees can focus on higher-value activities while the AMR moves items from place to place. Not only do these solutions strengthen your workforce and make them more effective without adding headcount, but the right semi-autonomous solutions don’t require costly facility upgrades or extensive deployments. These vehicles aren’t changing warehouse layouts or requiring expensive equipment to be installed — they improve efficiency as soon as they reach the facility floor and can be scaled over time once their value is proven.

“AMRs streamline workflows by automating routine tasks, which ultimately reduces labor costs and minimizes errors,” says Nick Malewicki, GM, Autonomous Division with Big Lift, a division of Big Joe Forklifts. “These solutions are flexible and scalable for changing operational needs, and that makes them an ideal entry point for adding automation to your facility.”

Use AMRs with existing infrastructure

According to a recent survey, logistics and fulfillment leaders expect to spend 30% of their capital expenditures on automation in the next five years. These figures can be daunting, and they often encompass digital and physical infrastructure to bring robotics into a facility. But with semi-autonomous solutions such as Big Joe’s user-directed AMR pallet mover, these spending levels are unnecessary. 

Big Joe’s AMR, for example, uses LiDAR and cameras to navigate its environment. These vehicles have AI-powered software for collision avoidance and optical detection capabilities. But crucially, these capabilities don’t require new infrastructure like wires or QR codes in a facility. “Our AMR pallet mover uses the features of its operating environment,” says Malewicki. “It ‘learns’ what is a permanent obstacle, like racking, versus a temporary one, such as a waste bin or another vehicle,” he explains. 

This keeps investment costs low because facilities don’t have to add to or change their existing infrastructure — the AMR takes on transport tasks with no adjustments needed. Big Joe’s AMR can even run when WiFi is spotty or not working. Once a facility map is uploaded to its software, the vehicle operates without requiring constant internet connectivity.

AMRs are up and running in hours, not days

Semi-autonomous solutions are ideal starting points because they don’t take long to set up and begin operating. In fact, an AMR like Big Joe’s can be unloaded in the morning and be operational by lunchtime.

With an AMR-mounted tablet interface, these vehicles are simple for employees to learn to operate. Employees at any facility can be trained quickly to upload maps and workflows for their operations. Once that process is complete, Big Joe technicians don’t need to return to a location to update the maps — customers are empowered to make any changes because the software is simple.

“Maybe a facility moves production lines or adds racking in a warehouse,” Malewicki says. “The ease of updating our AMR means customers can change their workflows based on their infrastructure layouts.” 

AMRs are low-cost compared to other solutions

With no need for new infrastructure and no lengthy onboarding process, semi-autonomous vehicles like Big Joe’s AMR cost less than many other automated solutions. And, since an entire system isn’t necessary, facilities can start with just one or two vehicles rather than overhaul their entire operation with robots.

“Big Joe’s user-directed AMR pallet mover costs $45,000, making it significantly less expensive than other options on the market,” Malewicki says. In addition to the lower cost, Big Joe also offers leasing and rental programs so facilities can scale based on their needs. Once a semi-autonomous vehicle demonstrates its ROI and improves efficiency, facility managers can increase their number of vehicles or purchase ones under lease. “These solutions allow our customers to scale their operations efficiently and respond quickly to changing conditions,” Malewicki adds.

Improve operations on your budget

Automation isn’t just the future for manufacturing and warehousing; it’s a major force in operations and capital expenditures today. But automation doesn’t have to be all or nothing — with semi-autonomous solutions, facilities can try out what they need, iterate and improve, and lower their operational costs at the same time. 

“These vehicles are designed to be robust and durable, even in demanding environments,” Malewicki says. “The advanced navigation, the user-friendly interface, and the ability to operate without infrastructure changes mean these solutions amplify the productivity of an existing workforce at a lower cost than many fully automated solutions.”

With all of these capabilities, AMRs such as Big Joe’s user-directed pallet mover are an ideal introduction to robotic solutions without breaking the bank. 

Check out Big Joe’s user-directed AMR in action to see how this solution can make an immediate impact in your facility.