5 Strategies for Heterogenous Mobile Robot Fleet Management

Managing different mobile robots such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in manufacturing can feel like trying to align a puzzle with mismatched pieces. For many operations leaders, this challenge leads to inefficiencies, high costs, and unnecessary stress on the shop floor and in logistics hubs.

Let’s take a closer look at some common pains in managing automated mobile robots:

• Incompatible Systems: Your warehouse may have AMRs from one vendor and AGVs from another, each with its own AMR or AGV control software. Instead of collaborating seamlessly, they work in silos, creating inefficiencies.

• Deadlocks and Livelocks: Picture this: two robots stuck in a narrow aisle, unable to move because neither has the capability to resolve the conflict. Or worse, robots endlessly circling each other without progressing, disrupting workflows.

• Redundant Routing: Inefficient routing systems may cause a robot to take a long, unnecessary detour or block critical pathways, delaying operations and increasing energy consumption.

• Vendor Lock-In: Proprietary systems tie you to one vendor’s ecosystem, limiting your ability to adapt or adopt newer, better technology.

• Training Overload: Each new system requires additional staff training, adding complexity and slowing down operations.

The result? Operational bottlenecks, frustrated teams, and escalating costs. But with these five principles, you can overcome these challenges and transform your fleet into a fully synchronized, high-performing AMR automation powerhouse.

1. Go Vendor-Agnostic for Flexibility

Invest in a mobile robot fleet management system that works across multiple vendors. This approach lets you choose the best robot for each task and scale operations without being tied to a single vendor.

Example: A manufacturer upgraded their system to include a vendor-agnostic solution. This enabled them to integrate AGVs specialized in heavy-load transport and AMRs designed for rapid picking, increasing operational throughput by 25%.

2. Centralize AMR and AGV Fleet Control

Manage your entire fleet from one system to streamline operations, reduce errors, and ensure scalability. Centralized control prevents issues like deadlocks and bottlenecks by optimizing task assignments and route planning in real-time.

Example: A global retailer implemented a centralized fleet management system, making unified control and coordination possible for the first time. By consolidating all operations into a single software platform, the system delivered significant advantages and streamlined processes effectively.

3. Standardize for Seamless AMR and AGV Integration

Adopt the VDA5050 communication standard to standardize and unify interactions between mobile robots from various vendors. This framework ensures all your vehicles, regardless of their make, speak the same "language," reducing compatibility headaches and operational delays. In fact, for true interoperability and scalability, there is no alternative to VDA5050, as it establishes a universal foundation for seamless collaboration across diverse fleets.

Example: A logistics company utilized VDA5050 to integrate AMRs and AGVs from three different vendors. While system integrators could theoretically manage multiple manufacturers within one system, scalability remains a challenge. The strength of VDA5050 lies in providing a standardized control approach across all types, enabling seamless and efficient fleet operations.

4. Connect the Digital and Physical Worlds

Integrate your fleet management system with WMS, MES, or ERP software to automate transport orders. By bridging planning and execution, you can eliminate manual errors and ensure robots execute the right tasks at the right time.

Example: A shop floor integrated its ERP with its AMR / AGV fleet management system, allowing AMRs to prioritize urgent assembly parts. This reduced production delays by 15% and streamlined order fulfillment.

Learn more about the certified SAP integration

5. Leverage Real-Time Data and Set Up for AI-Supported Operations

Real-time data collection and AI-driven analytics transform fleet management. Use these insights to anticipate maintenance needs, optimize routes, and prevent deadlocks and livelocks before they occur.

Example: A logistics provider analyzed real-time data to identify high-traffic zones in its warehouse. Optimizing robot routes in these areas eliminated 80% of recurring delays, saving hours of operational time each week.

Leverage the Full Potential of Your Mobile Robot Fleet with KINEXON

Managing mixed AMR and AGV fleets does not have to be a logistical nightmare. By following these principles, you can overcome operational challenges and create a highly efficient, scalable system.

This is where KINEXON AMR & AGV Fleet Management and its ecosystem excels. KINEXON offers a vendor-agnostic, centralized platform that integrates seamlessly with WMS, MES, and ERP systems. By adopting open standards like VDA5050 and supporting proprietary integrations, KINEXON ensures robots from over 20 manufacturers work together harmoniously.

KINEXON also tackles challenges like deadlocks, livelocks, and inefficient routing through advanced AI-driven optimization. With real-time data insights and predictive analytics, you can proactively address bottlenecks, extend the life of your robots, and enhance your operation’s agility.

Ready to Take Your Operations to the Next Level?

In this blog article, we’ve highlighted five key principles to help you manage diverse AMR and AGV fleets effectively. But that’s just the beginning! In our downloadable guide, you’ll uncover even more strategies, actionable insights, and success stories from industry leaders like Continental. Lean more about "How to Master Multi-Vendor Mobile Robot Fleets to Achieve Zero Disruptions and Full Autonomy". ‍

With KINEXON, you’re not just managing a fleet—you’re building a future-ready ecosystem that seamlessly bridges the digital and physical worlds.

Contact us today to discover more!