Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Autonomous Mobile Robot?
An Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) is a type of robot that moves autonomously, performs tasks without human control and is often able to carry load. AMRs navigate dynamically using sensors for mapping and localization, and detect obstacles and surroundings. The control systems adapt to changes and avoid collisions. An amr receives tasks based on management system integration, vision systems or manual input, or a combination of these.

What is the difference between an AGV and an AMR?
An AGV moves along predefined paths created with magnetic tape or wires. An AMR uses sensors, cameras, LiDAR, and onboard software to understand its environment and location. Rather than following a fixed path of magnetic tape, an AMR continuously checks its environment and its exact location against its own map. It navigates to any station or buffer it is being sent.

What are the requirements to run autonomous mobile robots in a factory?
Some AMRs are designed specifically for specific production environments. But all factories need to meet these general conditions:

– Suitable aisles width for the robot to drive. The width of the aisles is usually depending on the payload and the required driving speed.

– Routes should be kept clear of obstacles as much as possible, to achieve maximum transport capacity.

– A flat floor with no large potholes, joints or gaps. This could cause mobile robots to get stuck.

– Good WiFi connectivity along the operational routes of the robot. Most robots communicate with their server through Wifi.

– A team that is willing to work with/alongside the robots on the factory floor.

What can mobile robots solve for my factory?
Take low value manual transport activities out of operators hands, like:
– Transport of raw materials or semi-finished products to production stations
– Moving Work in Progress(WIP) between production stations
– Transport to and from temporary storage areas
– Transport of collected waste material to a waste area

Increase production output from machinery due to:
– Increased availability of machine operator
– Having the necessary materials at the machine in time
– Remove materials from the machine in time

Better usage of human resources:
Operators can dedicate their time to high value tasks, such as:

– Operating machines
– Preventing machine idle time
– Manage production quality
– Manage material throughput

What are the risks when investing in mobile robots?
The biggest risk is that you just buy a robot. If you are looking to:
– reduce low value activities
– Improve productivity
– Reduce machine idle time
– Improve material throughput
– Limit waste and damages
– Gain better control over inventory
– Achieve a more efficient process

Then you will need a solution that comprises:
– Consultancy
– Business process software
– Robots that can do the lifting and moving
– Willingness in your business to work with the robots, not against them.

Your risk is that a robot does not meet the expectations you had. A robot can look perfect for the job but does not work as you envisioned. The entire solution needs to match your expectations.

What is the ROI of an investment in mobile robotics?
Most factories achieve an ROI within 18 – 36 months, with some deployments paying back in under 18 months. It varies with the utilization of the robots and the value of the tasks performed. ROI will come from:

Direct cost savings:
– Labor cost reduction – reduction in material handling labor costs
– Extended operational hours – robots can run 24/7 without overtime or breaks
– Reduced errors – fewer damage claims and rework costs
– Lower injury costs – reduced workplace accidents

Productivity gains:
– Throughput increases are common
– Cycle times for internal transport drop significantly
– Consistent speed and routing eliminate human variability

Inventory & space efficiency:
– Better inventory accuracy
– More efficient routing and buffering saves space and time

Process improvements:
– Better predictability of workflows
– More accurate planning of material flow
– Clearer workflow principles

What separates MoviĜo Robotics from other vendors?
We specialize in complex workflows in production areas, offering consulting services and using our own business process software. We offer customer specific implementation and optional customer specific software components.

Our robots are:
– Compact
– Maneuverable
– Able to operate in areas with small aisles

What type of robots does MoviĜo Robotics offer?
Our robots are suitable for:
– Floor-to-floor transport in production logistics
– Floor-to-floor transport in the print industry.

Based on your carrier type, we offer different robots;
– Euro pallets and US postal pallets are transported using the Ŝharko5FP (Full Pallet)
– Half size Euro pallets and trolleys are transported using the Ŝharko5SP (Small Pallet)
– The monofork solution is our Ŝharko5HH (Hammerhead), suitable for dollies, trolleys, roll containers and small pallets
– When you choose to work with a rack as a carrier, the Ŝharko5RV (Rack Voyager) may be the appropriate under rider robot for it
– Reels (rolls of paper) in Print Shops are transported using the Ŝharko5RT (Roll Transporter)

We do not offer, for instance: stacking robots for warehousing or service robots for hospitals.

Do you support integration with ERP/WMS?
We do support integration with any ERP and WMS system like SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, you name it. We also integrate with systems such as MES systems using our REST-API. Even custom made manufacturing information systems can be integrated.

Are your robots indoor, outdoor, or both?
Our robots work indoor only.

For which industries are the solutions of MoviĜo Robotics suitable?
Industries that use our solutions are:
– Print Industry
– Food Industry
– Packaging Industry
– Automotive Industry
– Pharmaceutical Industry
– Manufacturing Industries

What geographies do you serve?
We are based in The Netherlands and we serve clients in Europe and North America.