In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, efficiency and precision are paramount. One of the critical challenges faced by manufacturers is the seamless transportation of painted parts from the paint booth to the production area for further assembly. This case study explores how the implementation of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) revolutionized this process, ensuring timely delivery and enhancing overall production efficiency.
Productivity is also important to warehouse workers. They understand the difference between productive, value-added work and motion waste in handling.
The primary challenge was to transport painted parts from the paint booth to the assembly line without causing delays or compromising the quality of the parts. Manual transportation methods were not only time-consuming but also prone to human error, leading to potential damage to the painted parts and inefficiencies in the production process.
For some tasks, the biggest risk is the potential setbacks that a damaged part can cause. Parts need to be repaired or replaced - and the assembly process that was relying on that part is disrupted.
At the same time, the underlying issue of wasted time is huge - when a member of the team has to walk across the facility to get a part and then walk all the way back is a historical challenge that can be difficult to eliminate using the more complex automation solutions out there.
To address this challenge, the company implemented MARC carts, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) equipped with advanced navigation and handling capabilities. MARC carts were programmed to transport painted parts from the paint booth to the assembly line, ensuring they were ready for the next stage of production.
MARC® (Mobile Autonomous Robotic Carts) carts offer a simple solution for moving irregular packages without disrupting the efficient operations of processing lines.
This truly self-guided autonomous mobile robot can operate without Wi-Fi, so warehouse “dead zones” aren’t an issue. With a maximum payload up to 250 pounds (110kg) during autonomous movement, it can easily move items that require extra equipment for human workers. Its easy-to-use interface makes it simple to program — just push the cart to the desired location and press a location button for 6 seconds.
MARC uses high-resolution cameras, lasers and proximity sensors to build its own independent map, enabling it to navigate constantly changing facility landscapes. A 360-degree proximity sensor view prevents collisions, and the internal digital gyroscope and accelerometer measure tilt, acceleration, and shock to protect workers and items.
MARC makes it fast and easy for a warehouse worker to remove an item from an automated line, place it on the cart, and send it with the push of a button to where it needs to be - and there’s no need for IT support or operator training.
MARC® from MūL Technologies starts achieving ROI the minute you put it to work, trimming time and motion waste from your warehouse operations. Reach out to the MūL Technologies team today to learn more about this cost-effective, simple way to introduce autonomous mobile robots to your facility.
The implementation of the AMR yielded significant benefits:
| Hours per month saved | 27.20 |
| Hourly rate + overhead | $79.31 |
| Cost of MARC | $17,995.00 |
| ROI (in months) | 8.35 |
| Annual savings | $25,886.70 |
Extrapolated over a year, the time and money saved by using MARC® provides the company with recurring annual savings of $25,138.08.
MARC® from MūL Technologies helped substantially reduce non-value-add activities, which increased productivity, profitability, and ROI. Isn’t it time to put MARC® work for you? Reach out to the MūL Technologies team to discuss your needs.