Answering FAQs on Otto Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Does your factory floor have this recipe for disaster?

• Rising demand
• Labor shortages
• High turnover
• Forklift operators
• Manual material handling

If safety is a priority, navigating your factory floor shouldn’t feel like a game of Frogger. That’s why OTTO autonomous mobile robots are transforming material handling in manufacturing with solutions that improve safety, address labor shortages and boost productivity.

Want to see what OTTO AMRs can do? Check out our on-demand webinar, or get the answers to some frequently asked questions below.

OTTO AMR FAQs

1. What is an AMR, and how is it different from an AGV?

An autonomous mobile robot navigates freely using LiDAR technology, 3D vision and machine learning AI on board. It can make decisions and re-route for more operational flexibility. An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) can only function along a fixed path set in place by physical infrastructure.

Think of it like driving a car versus conducting a train. The car or AMR can maneuver freely while the train or AGV can only follow a fixed track.

2. What manufacturing tasks are OTTO AMRs best suited for?

Even the most automated manufacturing facilities often have people manually moving material to and from machines. In fact, material handling processes and equipment take up 25% of the manufacturing workforce and 55% of plant floor space respectively. AMRs can reduce the time and space needed for material handling by performing tasks with long travel distances (over 100 feet) and repetitive workflows over multiple shifts.

Manufacturers are using AMRs to connect islands of automation. Rather than manually transporting materials from one automated sequence to the next, AMRs bridge the gap to create one autonomous sequence.

3. What are the benefits of AMRs in manufacturing?

These are some key benefits of AMRs that make them a smart investment for manufacturers:

• Reduced labor dependency and redeployed labor for more value-added tasks
• Improved safety with less opportunity for human error and injury
• Higher throughput due to more efficient workflows
• Greater flexibility to redeploy for applications as needed
• Quick ROI, especially in multi-shift environments

4. What makes OTTO a leading AMR provider?

It’s a combination of three primary things:

• Versatile Hardware Portfolio: OTTO offers a comprehensive and rugged hardware portfolio with flatbed and forked AMRs to tackle any job up to 4,200 pounds.
• Most Complete Software Suite: OTTO has the most complete and proven AMR software suite. The fleet management software centralizes monitoring and control while integrating with enterprise systems. Plus, fleet analysis software provides actionable insights and reporting on fleet performance and productivity.
• Services and Support: OTTO provides services and support over the complete automation lifecycle. Van Meter’s robotics specialists are trained by OTTO, so you get local support and expertise backed by OTTO’s global network of systems designers, project engineers and support technicians.

5. What models are available in the OTTO AMR lineup?

There’s an OTTO solution for every material handling job in your facility. OTTO has a variety of models from the OTTO 100 that can handle human-scale loads up to 150 pounds to the OTTO 1500 that can move loads up to 4,200 pounds. Most applications require an attachment like a lift or conveyor. For more specialized tasks, OTTO works with partners that design and build custom attachments.

6. How does OTTO software support AMR operations?

OTTO’s autonomous execution system is made up of a few key software components:

• The OTTO app is the built-in autonomy software that is the brains of the operating system. It uses sensing and live data to determine its navigation plan and execute missions. You can also manually command the robot through the app.
• The Fleet Manager software is based in the cloud or on-premise. It is the interface to build, maintain and optimize material workflows for up to 100 AMRs. It can execute missions independently or integrate with other client systems like PLCs, warehouse management systems or SCADA.
• Fleet Analytics is an engineering support tool that gathers fleet performance and productivity data. It analyzes historical data to identify bottlenecks and optimize material flow.

7. What industries benefit from OTTO AMRs?

The automotive industry is where OTTO got its start and its strongest industry due to demand for operational efficiency and reduced dependency on labor. The Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) and food and beverage industries have a greater need for flexible manufacturing due to post-pandemic customer behaviors. Otherwise, any warehouse and logistics application that requires transporting materials over large distances can be a good fit.

8. What factors should manufacturers consider when evaluating AMRs?

These are some considerations manufacturers should make when selecting the right AMR for their application:

1. Payload: What is the size and weight of the material you want to move?
2. Use Case: Where is the material coming from and going and who is interacting with it?
3. Facility: How wide are the aisles and pathways the AMR needs to access?
4. Throughput: How many missions does the AMR need to complete per hour and how long does each one take?
5. Fleet Management: How many AMRs will the use case require and when can they charge?
6. Ease of Use: How will the manufacturer interact with the AMRs and who will do the integration and redeployment as needed?
7. Maintenance and Optimization: How often will the AMRs need maintenance, and how can they increase ROI?

SEE AMRs IN ACTION

Now that you know how OTTO AMRs offer flexible manufacturing solutions for manufacturers, would you like to see them in person? Stop by the OTTO booth at PACK EXPO in Las Vegas, or at Automation Fair in Chicago. You can discuss opportunities with OTTO and Van Meter representatives and even get a personalized guided tour.

If you have any follow up questions or want to discuss an OTTO AMR opportunity, contact George Rovolis, smart machines and robotics business manager at Van Meter. Tell us about your manufacturing challenges, and a member of our robotics team will reach out to discuss an opportunity.