Autonomous Mobile Robots for Material Handling in Intralogistics

Autonomous mobile robots (AMR) are currently being introduced in many intralogistics operations, like manufacturing, warehouses, cross-docks, terminals, and hospitals. Their advanced hardware and control software enable decentralized decision-making processes and thereby autonomous operations in dynamic environments. These developments have influenced traditional planning and control methods. This study describes first the AMR attributes in intralogistics. Secondly, it explains the technological advances and their impact on AMR planning and control. Next, it introduces crucial planning and control decisions for AMRs in intralogistics and presents an emerging planning and control framework. Finally, it highlights current AMR challenges that need to be overcome and outlines future application areas.