EBOOK

What to Consider When You’re Ready

to Automate Internal Logistics
The questions to ask to get the best autonomous
mobile robot (AMR) for your specific needs
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 2

Ready to automate your material transport?

Global labor issues continue to boost manufacturers’
and logistics companies’ need to automate low-value,
manual tasks such as material transport. These Know what questions to ask:
repetitive jobs can be hard to staff cost-effectively,
with issues ranging from high labor costs to a shortage • What are your goals for automation?
of reliable workers. Lack of logistics workers often • What do you need to transport?
means high-value employees have to leave their
assigned tasks to move material, which can drag down • What are your environmental
productivity and competitiveness. And if material isn’t characteristics?
delivered on time to keep processes flowing, it can
• Do you have industry-specific
have a significant impact on output and profits.
requirements for your AMR?
Automating internal logistics with autonomous mobile • What are your desired results?
robots (AMRs) is a strategic, cost-effective solution
that can also improve employee safety and workflows. • How will your employees accept and
interact with robots?
Asking the right questions will help guide your decision • How integrated should your solution be?
and give you confidence that you’re moving in the right
direction. • How adaptable is the robot to your
workflows?
• What is your need for global and local
support?
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 3

What are your goals for automation?

There are many reasons to
automate, and each raises $
different implications for
the type of technology to
consider. Your objectives
also help determine overall FLEXIBILITY SAFETY ADAPTABILITY SAVINGS STAFFING CONDITIONS
system deployment, including Do you need to respond Are current transportation Do you need to adapt more Are you looking to reduce Are you struggling to hire Will customers and
integration, budget, labor more flexibly to deliver modes presenting readily to changing market costs for dedicated and retain reliable workers employees respond
expectations, and future new products, services, or dangerous (and costly) conditions, customer material transportation for low-value tasks? positively to improved
business plans. processes? risks to employees? demands, or seasonal staff to equipment working conditions?
peaks? maintenance?
Look around your facility and
analyze your current and
future automation initiatives.
The reasoning behind those
plans is typically as relevant to
material transport as to other
processes.

Download our Comparison Guide to Material Transport &

Logistics Options to understand the capabilities and costs
of different material transport options.
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 4

What do you need

to transport?
Consider which processes and materials tie most
closely to your primary objectives. The size, weight,
and type of material you need to move will impact
many other factors, from size and type of robot and
top module to speed, acceleration, and power usage.

• Payload – What is the typical and highest weight

you need to transport?
• Size – How large or bulky is your payload?
How is it packaged?
• Application – Will you be moving pallets?
How are they staged (floor, racks, stands, etc.)?
Will the robots transport material directly to or
from conveyors or other automated systems?
Do the robots need to autonomously recognize,
pick up, and deliver carts? MiR offers the largest suite of AMRs, all with the same intuitive user interface,
so it’s easy to integrate a family of robots for multiple applications and to add
or redeploy robots as needed. Payload scales from 100 kg to 1350 kg, including
heavy-duty robots that can automatically pick up and deliver pallets.

Choose a robot whose footprint is ideal for the size of the materials you need to
move and type of top module that best suits your application, which also impacts
speed and braking time. For multiple AMRs, MiRFleet software automatically
controls missions and traffic and chooses the right robot for specific tasks.
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 5

What are your environmental

characteristics?
The conditions in your facility • Floor – Is your floor dusty or dirty? Is it ever wet or slippery? Is it painted or have taped lines
impact your choice of robot or signage? Is it level or are there inclines? Are there bumps, cracks, or rough areas?
platform and application, path
and mission options, and • Light – What are the lighting conditions where the robot will navigate? Is it consistent? Are
battery life and charging— there areas of heavy shadow or bands of bright sunlight?
as well as decisions about • Furnishings and equipment – What fixed or non-fixed elements are in the robot’s path? If
where and how employees there are racks or shelves, how high is the lowest shelf from the floor? Are those items often
interact with the robot. Your moved?
environment also directly
influences the height, width, • Halls and corners – Are there narrow hallways or passages that limit the width of the robot,
and weight of payload you top module, and payload? Is there room for the robot to pass people or other vehicles? Are
can move. there tight corners that affect maneuverability and payload balance?
• Doors and elevators – Does the robot need to interact with elevator or automatic door
Consider these elements to
opening systems?
help define the needs for your
AMR’s sensors, traction, and • Low overhangs or passages – Will the robot and its payload need to navigate under low
safety functions: overhangs, tables, or passageways?
• Other vehicles – Does the robot need to interact with other vehicles or robotic systems?
• Employees and visitors – How closely will the robot interact with employees? What about
visitors, who may not be trained or familiar with the robots? Does the robot need to navigate
through densely populated areas, or areas where people are moving regularly?
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 6

AMRs for industrial

environments
The MiR250, MiR600, and MiR1350 are built with robust industrial
components and include features such as bumpers to protect the robots
from other vehicles and additional proximity sensors to detect pallets on
the floor.

The MiR600 and MiR1350 are also the industry’s first IP52-rated AMRs.
With better ability to withstand dust and fluids, these rugged robots are
appropriate for more environments than other AMRs.

Seamless integration into existing environments

MiR robots can be seamlessly integrated into existing facilities and
processes, including interfacing automatically with elevator systems.
For dynamic environments, the MiR250, MiR600, and MiR1350 boast the
latest SICK nanoScan technology for optimal precision and docking. MiR
also offers artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities using 3D cameras and
sophisticated software to detect obstacles or people in advance for safe
navigation and to avoid bottlenecks.

MiR600
MiR250 MiR1350
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 7

Do you have industry-

specific requirements
for your AMR?
Depending on your industry, your specific application, and even the
location where robots will be used, your AMR may need to meet a range
of requirements and standards. Sterile manufacturing environments may
have very different needs than warehouses. Safety standards compliance
is often a broad requirement across industries.

Do you need to consider any of these industry- or application-specific

requirements that can restrict your AMR options?

• Clean room environment

• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements
• IP classification for dust or liquid ingress
• Safety standards compliance
MiR robots are designed to comply with the latest industry safety standards and
• IT security requirements to meet a range of environmental and application requirements.

The MiR250 is ESD-approved and clean-room-certified, and the MiR600 and

MiR1350 are IP52-rated, which is often required in the fast-moving consumer
goods (FMCG) sector.
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 8

What are your desired results?

Your automation initiative should • Types of missions – Do you need a highly specialized mobile robot or one that
provide measurable results within can be deployed for multiple types of missions and applications?
the amount of time defined by your
company policies and objectives. • Speed of operations – How will the robot’s output compare to other transport
Considerations for improved output options?
and return on investment (ROI) • Number of shifts – How many shifts should the AMR cover? Will this allow you
include: to increase the number of shifts you operate?
• ROI expectations – Is a typical two-year ROI for automation equipment
appropriate for your business?
• Total cost of ownership (TCO) – Beyond upfront costs, what are the fees for
ongoing service, software updates, and training?
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 9

Configurable AMRs
for any workflow
MiR robots are used across a wide range of workflows in
warehousing, production, and between departments, and
there are no limitations for the number of missions that a
MiR robot can run. The MiR robot’s standard automation
platform allows almost unlimited configuration options
for top module equipment to meet specific application
requirements.

The MiR250 is one of the most productive AMRs in the

market, with a battery runtime of up to 17 hours and
charging ratio of 1:16 (three-hour charge per 24-hour cycle).
With its fast battery swap, the MiR250 can run 24/7 with
minimal interaction.

ROI for MiR robots is typically less than two years, and
total cost of ownership (TCO) is also low with a simple,
transparent service structure and no hidden fees.
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 10

How will your employees

accept and interact with robots?
From implementation to daily interaction, your It’s important to plan for these issues that can make or break
employees are key to your success. It’s important your automation plans:
to have internal stakeholders who are responsible
for your automation initiative, but their level of • How much experience do employees have with robots?
knowledge can vary considerably. Some companies • Do you anticipate resistance from unions or employees
have experienced automation teams in-house, while worried about their job security?
others give an existing employee part-time robotics
responsibility. • Have you explored opportunities to include employees and
give them a sense of ownership, such as a naming contest for
their new robot colleague?
• Have you prepared employees and included them in
planning processes to address their concerns and help them
understand why you’re investing in robots?
• Have you identified an employee who will act as the go-to
person for any questions or daily interactions with the robot?

Collaborative MiR robots are user-friendly and empowering for employees,

even those with little automation experience. Customizable dashboards
give appropriate access to different users to protect both the robot and
employees.

With AMRs, many employee concerns are quickly alleviated when they
experience better work environments, less repetitive labor, and improved
working efficiency.
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 11

How integrated should your solution be?

Automated transport can be as simple or
complex as your situation requires, from
straightforward “bus routes” and manual
calls of a few robots, to a fully integrated and
automated fleet of robots. What approach
best fits your situation?

• AMRs running as separate systems STRAIGHTFORWARD FLEET SOPHISTICATED

• Robot fleet management IMPLEMENTATION MANAGEMENT INTEGRATION
• AMRs integrated into ERP/WMS/MES
For uncomplicated automated transport, The sophisticated and intuitive MiRFleet A full-featured REST API in MiRFleet enables
MiR robots can be up and running a simple software provides centralized control of the robots to receive orders from external
mission within a day. The robots can be a fleet of robots to enable smooth and communication systems such as enterprise
programmed to run regular routes, or can be automated robot traffic. The software resource planning (ERP), warehouse
summoned as needed by employees with receives and distributes missions to management systems (WMS), and
just a click on a user-friendly tablet interface whichever robot can complete the task the manufacturing execution systems (MES).
using the robots’ pull-call function. most quickly and efficiently and ensures The robots become part of fully automated
proper charging to optimize output. workflows, receiving and responding to
orders from external systems with minimal
interaction from employees.
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 12

How adaptable is the robot to your workflows?

One of the biggest advantages of AMRs SCALABLE OUT-OF-THE- MIR IS AN OPEN PLATFORM
is their configurability to work seamlessly
within your current workflows and processes. BOX SOLUTIONS FOR BOTH SOFTWARE AND
Whether you have an innovative new HARDWARE
application or want to be able to redeploy your Out-of-the-box solutions from MiR include
robots as your needs change, consider how the MiR250 Hook and MiR250 shelf carrier MiRGo is the industry’s largest ecosystem
customizable your choice should be. and, the MiR600 and MiR1350 pallet lifts and for AMR applications, with a wide array of
shelf lifts. These tested and proven products certified third-party software and hardware
Do you need to add mobility to existing enable easy integration and scalability, from to easily customize your automated logistics
processes such as conveyors or cobot pilot programs to replicated systems that solution for your needs.
arms? Will the AMR become an integrated can be scaled across multiple sites.
link between production cells? Or do you
need a plug-and-play solution to ease
straightforward logistics processes?

Honeywell has developed and integrated

its own conveyor top module and an RFID
scanner, so the MiR robots can scan the Novo Nordisk uses MiR500 robots
content of boxes and deliver them to the equipped with MiR Lifts to automate
right production lines. the pallet transportation from
docking bay to warehouse.
 What to Consider When You’re Ready to Automate Internal Logistics 13

What is your need for

global and local support?
As AMRs are integrated into core operations EASY SERVICEABILITY,
and become a critical part of productive
workflows, the ongoing requirements GLOBAL SUPPORT
for them also increase. Companies need
maximum uptime, which demands robust, MiR focuses on easy serviceability, with fast
high-quality robots. When the robots do need hardware changes that can be done on-site.
service—from maintenance to repairs to The MiR250, MIR600, and MiR1350 all have
upgrades—it must be easy to access, cost- pull-out side compartments, making it easy
effective, and standardized across sites and to access all interior components.
global locations.
MiR was born global, with a network of
As you’re researching your options, make sure 200 partners in 60 countries who provide
to take long-term requirements into account: standardized service no matter where you’re
located.

• What are your in-house service capabilities?

• Do you need service and support across
multiple sites or geographic locations?
• Do you need standard service options
across different situations or locations?
 Still have questions?
We can help!
There are many considerations for automating internal logistics with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
We can help you define the best, most cost-effective solution for your needs.

Talk to a MiR automation expert today!

Mobile Industrial Robots A/S

Emil Neckelmanns Vej 15F Follow us:
5220 Odense SØ
Denmark

+45 20 377 577

mail@mir-robots.com mir-robots.com