Due to the rising demands of online shopping and ongoing labour shortages, many warehouses and distribution centres are now using automated vehicles. These self-guided vehicles, known as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), help move items and assist workers in fulfilling orders. But with this rise comes the need for an efficient, safe, and adaptable infrastructure. The solution? Unistor’s mezzanine flooring systems.
Imagine transforming your facility by doubling its usable floor area without increasing its footprint. Mezzanine flooring offers an elevated level within a facility, making it an efficient platform to support the seamless integration of robotic systems like AMRs and AGVs. Beyond structural support, this system maximises the use of available space for AMR/AGV parking, charging stations, maintenance, and storage. In this quick guide, we explore how combining automated solutions with mezzanine flooring can take your operations to the next level!
What is an AMR?
An AMR, or Autonomous Mobile Robot, is a robot that can move around in a facility on its own, without any human help. These robots are smart enough to find their own path and can change their route if they encounter obstacles, making them extremely flexible in various environments. They’re mainly used in warehouses to aid in transporting goods and helping with other tasks, enhancing efficiency and making up for labour shortages.
What is an AVG?
An Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV), much like an AMR, is a mobile robot used in manufacturing plants and warehouses to transport goods. Unlike AMRs, it follows marked paths or uses sensors, magnets, or lasers for navigation. AVGs help in increasing efficiency and reducing labour costs in facilities. They can be programmed to follow specific routes and can handle tasks ranging from simple material movement to complex operations. They’re a reliable solution to automate repetitive transport tasks, ensuring that products move smoothly within an industrial setting.
Role of Automated Vehicles in Warehouses
AMRs and AGVs have revolutionised warehouse operations. With their intelligent navigation systems, they can pick, transport, and place items without human intervention. This not only speeds up processes but also reduces errors, enhancing efficiency and productivity. When integrated with a mezzanine flooring system, they can further optimise your warehouse space, leading to even better workflow management.
Benefits of Mezzanine Flooring System for AMR or AVG
As more businesses use robotic solutions like AMRs and AGVs to enhance efficiency, it’s crucial to have an environment that suits them best. A key component of this is flooring. For these robots to operate at their peak, the floor’s properties — like its friction, smoothness, flatness, shine, and resistance to wear—are of huge importance. Luckily, as Australia’s leading manufacturer and supplier of mezzanine flooring solutions, our team at Unistor are here to guide you every step of the way — ensuring the best outcome for your business. Here are just some of the benefits our mezzanine systems can offer:
Efficient Pathways
Mezzanine flooring systems provide clear pathways, ramps, and strategic openings tailored for AMRs and AGVs. This ensures easy and obstacle-free movement, preventing any potential bumps or hiccups in their operations. Our mezzanine designs prioritise these aspects, ensuring that automated vehicles can operate without any disruptions, making your warehouse processes smoother and more efficient.
Charging Stations
Having a dedicated space or platform for charging ensures that your robotic fleet is always raring and ready to go. Installing elevated mezzanine floors can house charging stations for both AMRs and AGVs, optimising charging times and ensuring operational readiness without impacting your existing building’s footprint.
Safety Considerations
Safety can’t be compromised, be it for your employees or robots. Unistor’s mezzanine floors can be customised to suit your needs, including accessories such as guardrails, safety gates, and non-slip surfaces. This ensures the protection of personnel and robots, providing a safe operating environment.
Scalability
Operational needs are dynamic. As they change, your infrastructure should be able to adapt. Unistor’s mezzanine flooring systems are modular and customisable, which means they can be easily expanded or reconfigured as per your changing needs. A scalable system ensures that you remain future-ready at all times.
Adaptable to Existing System
The beauty of a mezzanine flooring system lies in its adaptability. It can seamlessly integrate with existing systems without requiring a major overhaul, building expansion or a costly relocation. This means minimal disruptions to your current operations and maximum efficiency within your existing space.
Find the Perfect Mezzanine Solution for AGV or AMR with Unistor
It’s undeniable. In today’s fast-paced and modern warehousing environment, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are paving the way for unprecedented efficiency. As the industry faces labour shortages and higher demands for order fulfilment, these robotic solutions promise a smoother, more productive tomorrow. This guide demonstrates the importance of complementing their functionalities with the right infrastructure, particularly when it comes to flooring. Unistor specialises in creating mezzanine flooring that harmonises perfectly with the innovative mechanics of AGVs and AMRs, so that you can create a working environment of maximum operational efficiency and productivity.
Customisable Solutions to Meet Your Needs
Unistor doesn’t just offer top-tier mezzanine solutions; it provides bespoke design services tailored to your unique needs. Interested in understanding AGV technology and its synergy with mezzanine systems? Allow our team to guide you. With over thirty years of industry experience and connections, you can leverage our expertise to determine if AGVs or AMRs align with your business vision. Partnering with Unistor ensures that you’ll find the best-fit solution.
Our commitment to safety, efficiency, and innovation is reflected in our bespoke mezzanine solutions – tailored to your specific needs. You can talk to our team of specialists for guidance in sizing and design, ensuring your mezzanine meets the unique demands of your operations. We offer end-to-end project services, from consultation and design to manufacturing and installation – a point of difference that will take your space to the next level.
Choose Unistor as the right mezzanine solution and increase your storage capacity by double.