Mezzanine Flooring for AGVs & AMRs – Let’s Talk on the Level
The Roadmap to Smooth AGV & AMR Movement on Mezzanine Flooring
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) represent the new workforce in a growing number of warehouses and distribution centers. With a shortage of workers and rising fulfillment needs, warehouse managers have turned to a robotic fleet to keep up with increasing demand. In fact, a recent study predicts that by 2025, 53,000 domestic facilities may rely on AGVs and AMRs — an increase of nearly 500% over the 9,000 sites of 2020. While these vehicles are incredibly efficient, your mezzanine flooring must be compatible with the AGV & AMR design. That’s where these tips come in handy; take a look.
Goldilocks and the AGVs
While a smooth surface seems like an obvious necessity for AGVs and AMRs, the actual requirements are more nuanced. Too slick or bumpy, too shiny or soft, and you can face costly slowdowns and repairs.
Mezzanine Flooring for AGV/AMR Equipment
- Composite
- Metal
- Concrete
AGVs and AMRs use lasers, magnets, sensors (RF or optical), or cameras to maneuver the vehicle. Some pathways are predetermined with magnet tape or embedded wire in the flooring, but visual markers and GPS mapping systems are other options. Either way, the floor surface must allow the vehicle to move freely and safely.
Too Slick
If your mezzanine flooring is too slick, the vehicles may not have the traction required to move most efficiently. It requires a bit of surface grit to ensure the wheels have enough friction to help the robot stay the course and move at expected speeds.
Too Bumpy
Uneven surfaces risk damaging the AVG/AMRs. Cracked or split concrete, for example, can speed up the wear and tear on wheels and components, increasing maintenance costs and downtime.
Too Shiny
The sheen of your mezzanine flooring can actually work against you with AGVs and AMRs. A too shiny surface will reflect more light and may confuse laser-guided navigation. Going with a matte finish can save you extra costs down the road.
Check with the AGV/AMR manufacturer to see if there is a surface color that works best with their equipment.
Too Soft
Anyone who drives on heavily-trafficked roads knows that ruts form from constant activity. Well, your mezzanine flooring is not too different. Your AGVs and AMRs are purposely going to be busy, and your “road surface” must be able to handle the traffic.
When establishing the mezzanine load capacity, ensure you include the AGV/AMR equipment plus the load. This will help you match the right surface material with your needs.
Just Right
The Apex team is here to help you choose the surface that will compliment your warehouse automation and meet all your capacity and fire safety requirements. Contact us for a free consultation. Also, take advantage of our many free resources –visit our mezzanine gallery for inspiration, and take a look at our related blogs for additional information.
