Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for Flexible Intralogistics
AMRs, short for autonomous mobile robots, automate internal transport in the warehouse and in manufacturing. With the Open Shuttles, KNAPP offers a portfolio of AMRs for transporting containers, pallets and magazines. Our transport robots support customers in various industries in designing their processes flexibly, enabling truly dynamic intralogistics.
What AMR solutions does KNAPP offer?
Autonomous mobile robots unfold their true potential when they are flexibly integrated into various processes. This is why KNAPP developed the Open Shuttles. They transport containers, pallets, trays and magazines and facilitate flexible transport for the entire material flow.
AMR variants: Open Shuttle portfolio
Open Shuttle 50/100 |
Open Shuttle Fork |
Open Shuttle ASG |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Load carriers | Containers, cartons, trays | Pallets, stillages, racks, special load carriers | Magazines, reels, containers or tray stacks |
| Payload | 120 kg (265 lb) | 1.500 kg (3,007 lb) | 50 kg (110 lb) |
| Runtime | 7 hours | 8 hours | 7 hours |
| Charging time | 60 min | 60 min | 60 min |
| Largest load carrier | 900 × 650 mm (35 x 26 in) | 1.200 × 1.200 × 2.300 mm (47 x 47 x 91 in) – larger upon request |
410 × 400 mm (magazine) (16 x 16 in) |
| Container transport | Pallet transport | Magazine/tray transport |
Getting acquainted with AMRs
AMR variants: Open Shuttle portfolio
Open Shuttle 50/100
| Load carriers | Containers, cartons, trays |
| Payload | 120 kg (265 lb) |
| Runtime | 7 hours |
| Charging time | 60 min |
| Largest load carrier | 900 × 650 mm (35 x 26 in) |
| Container transport |
Open Shuttle Fork
| Load carriers | Pallets, stillages, racks, special load carriers |
| Payload | 1.500 kg (3,007 lb) |
| Runtime | 8 hours |
| Charging time | 60 min |
| Largest load carrier | 1.200 × 1.200 × 2.300 mm (47 x 47 x 91 in) – larger upon request |
| Pallet transport |
Open Shuttle ASG
| Load carriers | Magazines, reels, containers or tray stacks |
| Payload | 50 kg (110 lb) |
| Runtime | 7 hours |
| Charging time | 60 min |
| Largest load carrier | 410 × 400 mm (magazine) (16 x 16 in) |
| Magazine/tray transport |
Getting acquainted with AMRs
AMRs in manufacturing and warehousing – these companies rely on KNAPP
Would you like to find out more about KNAPP’s portfolio of AMRs?
How is the Open Shuttle different from the AMRs from other suppliers?
Open Shuttles combine flexible technologies with well-designed software and decades of project experience. They become a part of solutions that are not only easy to integrate but also grow with the operation’s requirements, with reliable service available over their entire life cycle.
Complete solutions
A few AMRs or a big fleet?
Combines well with other technologies
Easy, independent operation
Worldwide service network
Many years of experience
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More InformationWhat is the difference between an AGV and an AMR?
An AGV follows an established path, whereas an AMR adapts its own route depending on the situation and avoids obstacles independently. As a result, an AMR offers more operational flexibility than an AGV.
What is an autonomous mobile robot (AMR)?
What is an automated guided vehicle system (AGVS)?
Read on and find out more in our blog!
AMR advantages for warehousing and manufacturing
Overcome skilled labor shortages
Use space optimally
Rapid integration into existing infrastructure
Interconnect material flows
Scale processes
Respond flexibly to changes
Increase throughput
Increase safety
Create transparency
Where can AMRs be used?
Typical Applications in warehousing and manufacturing
Our autonomous mobile robots are a great alternative to stationary container and pallet conveyors. They connect all the various storage areas simply and flexibly, handling various tasks:
- Internal transport with mixed fleets in one system
- Supplying work stations and production lines just in time
- Connecting production machines
- Supporting the picking process
- Transport jobs for packing and repacking stations
- Connecting storage systems and augmenting existing conveyor systems
- Supplying kanban racks and flow racks
- Performing special and express transport tasks
Which industries use AMR?
Autonomous mobile robots are suitable for a wide range of industries and are used wherever materials, goods, pallets, or components need to be transported regularly and safely. These industries include:
- Manufacturing and production (automobile industry, electronics manufacturing, machine construction, and more)
- Chemical and plastics manufacturing
- Retail and store logistics
- Food and beverage industry
- Pharmaceutical industry and medical technology
- Warehousing and logistics (e-commerce and DCs)
- Textiles and fashion industry
What customers are saying about our Open Shuttles?
Open Shuttle certificates, standards and safety concepts
Safe, reliable operation is ensured by the comprehensive safety concepts, modern safety technologies, required certificates and conformity to standards.
CE certified
ISO 3691-4 certified
ESD compliant
VDA 5050 compliant
ISO 9001 certified
Safety equipment
3D obstacle detection
Blue light
Top-Scanner
Signal lights
Safety scanner
Open Shuttles: How do autonomous mobile robots work?
Open Shuttles are autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that automate the transport of materials in the warehouse or production. They sense their environment using modern sensors and navigate independently to their destination, transporting goods safely and efficiently.
Transparency and optimization
Performance and transport data creates transparency across processes and material flows. This helps to identify potential for optimization and to continually improve processes.
Navigation and sensing the environment
Open Shuttles sense their environment in real time and move freely about. They automatically detect and avoid any obstacles.
Software and fleet control
KiSoft FCS controls the entire fleet of AMRs centrally. It intelligently allocates transport orders to the fleet and coordinates routes, all while displaying the status of each robot and order transparently.
Integration in the overall system
Open Shuttles can be seamlessly integrated into existing IT and logistics systems. Transport orders are automatically assigned and tracked to ensure transparent material flows.
Digital twin and simulation
With the KiSoft FCS digital twin, you can simulate and optimize layouts, travel paths and processes starting with the go-live of the system. This reduces risks and makes planning new applications easier. Find out more in our blog post, “Digital Twins in Logistics”.
How are AMRs implemented?
Automated material transport in three steps
1. Needs assessment
2. Installation and startup
3. Optimization, service and scaling
Become an integrator for our autonomous mobile robots!
A flexible start with AMRs: from a stand-alone to an all-in-one solution
From individual AMRs used in a stand-alone solution to fleets and mixed fleets to end-to-end automation solutions, Open Shuttles grow with your requirements. They can be flexibly combined with other systems and can transfer to conveyors, kanban or flow racks as well as connect directly to automated storage systems such as the Evo Shuttle, AeroBot and InduStore.
Training and independent adaptations
With the training courses from KNAPP Academy, our customers are specifically prepared to safely operate, maintain and handle the Open Shuttles. The training courses provide practical knowledge on hardware, safety regulations, troubleshooting and managing the fleet with KiSoft FCS. This allows users to better understand the system and classify malfunctions faster, as well as to independently carry out installations, perform maintenance and make adjustments to layouts, processes and routes.
This makes operations as autonomous as the robots. If necessary, or, if no training was ordered, you can always fall back on the expertise of KNAPP Customer Service.
Are you looking for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for your warehouse?
Learn more about the Open Shuttles by KNAPP.
What does an autonomous mobile robot cost?
Autonomous mobile robots require investments in vehicles, software, infrastructure, integration and ongoing operations. The return on investment for many projects is about one to three years. The ROI, however, depends on how the technology is used, the shift model of your operation and the size of the company. Let’s take a look at the costs:
Acquisition and software
Integration and infrastructure
Operation and service
Models for financing the Open Shuttles
Product purchase
Rental model
Automation project
On-site demo
More FAQs about the AMR
How many AMRs do I need?
The number of AMRs depends on your throughput, layout, the number of stations and your transport requirements. Usually, the optimal fleet size is determined using simulation, such as the one provided by the KiSoft FCS digital twin, and through an analysis of the material flow.
What does SLAM mean for AMRs?
SLAM stands for simultaneous localization and mapping. Using this technology, AMRs like the Open Shuttles create a digital map of their surroundings while moving and simultaneously determine their position. As a result, the autonomous mobile robots can navigate flexibly, adjusting to the environment dynamically and avoiding obstacles.
Which technology do AMRs like the Open Shuttle use to charge?
The Open Shuttles use modern LiFePO4 batteries (lithium iron phosphate) which are specifically designed for continuous use in industrial environments. They are automatically charged at the charging stations in the system, which are positioned strategically in the layout. A complete charge takes about 60 minutes and provides 7–8 hours of running time.
What are the IT requirements of the AMR?
To use an AMR, you need a stable IT infrastructure with clearly assigned IP addresses, an integrated subnet or VLAN and connected systems. A comprehensive 5 GHz WLAN with high availability, sufficient bandwidth and low latency ensures reliable communication.
What services are available for Open Shuttle maintenance and servicing?
Reliable operation of the Open Shuttle solution is ensured by a worldwide service and maintenance concept. Regular inspections, quick response times and coordinated support ensure high system availability and long-term process reliability. Thanks to the KNAPP experts of the 24/7 Service Desk, your team can receive quick, competent support at any time. Overview of our AMR services:
- Service Desk 24/7: Rapid support in case of malfunctions or unexpected events
- IT Services: Monitoring and updates for a stable, reliable system landscape
- Technical Services: Preventative maintenance for maximum availability and a long service life
More about KNAPP Customer Service >
What are the maintenance costs of an AMR fleet?
The maintenance costs for an AMR fleet depend on its size, the selected scope of services, the number of inspections, the availability of customer service, the software updates and the necessary spare parts.
How long does startup take for autonomous mobile robots?
The duration of startup depends on the fleet size, processes, infrastructure and interfaces. With the KiSoft FCS digital twin, you can simulate and test layouts, travel paths and processes before the go-live, which makes planning easier and supports an efficient startup.
What are the floor requirements of the AMR?
A level, non-slip, load-bearing industrial floor is the foundation for reliable Open Shuttle operation. Minor unevenness and joints must be engineered to ensure stability and safe navigation.
How fast can I get an AMR?
An Open Shuttle with a standard setup is usually available within a few months. The time it takes for an entire fleet depends on the size of the fleet, the process complexity, interfaces and the installation workload. Depending on the project, implementation from commissioning to go-live can take several months.
