What’s Next in Robotics and Automation?

With advancements in vision systems, fleet management software and design, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are the next frontier in packaging automation. Image courtesy of KUKA Robotics.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Are Next Up

By Tyler Britcher, KUKA Robotics’ Sales Manager for North America, AMR

While robotic arms and conveyor systems have long played a role in automating packaging, the next frontier for packaged goods is autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Game-changing advancements in AMR systems and programming allow the industry to achieve efficiency and reliability in post-production operations. Thanks to significant improvements in vision systems, fleet management software, and product design, AMRs have reached new levels of repeatability and precision, making them a powerful asset for packaging and intralogistics.

AMRs Defined and Why It Is Next Up

Autonomous mobile robots are self-navigating, intelligent machines designed to transport goods and materials within manufacturing and distribution environments. Unlike Automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which rely on fixed paths and require rigid infrastructure changes, AMRs use advanced sensors, cameras, and AI-driven navigation to dynamically adapt to their surroundings.

For packaging operations, AMRs offer a flexible solution to common bottlenecks such as material transport, palletizing, and order fulfillment. Their ability to work alongside humans, navigate dynamic environments, and integrate with existing automation systems makes them an ideal choice for efficiency without overhauling an entire packaging production facility.

The lower an AMR’s height, the easier it is to adapt to fixed equipment. Image courtesy of KUKA Robotics.

Advancements in Vision Systems

One of the key factors driving the increased adoption of AMRs in packaging automation is the rapid evolution of vision technology. Today’s AMRs are equipped with 2D high-resolution cameras for load detection and 3D for broad line of sight. In addition, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors that use simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technology inform AMRs about the parameters of the workspace as well as their location within that space.

Enhanced vision systems give AMRs the ability to:

• Navigate Complex Environments: AMRs navigate spaces in real time, identify obstacles, and dynamically adjust their routes without human intervention.
• Improve Object Recognition: AMRs accurately identify products, packaging materials, and other assets, ensuring precise transport and handling.
• Operate Safely: AMRs use LiDAR, SLAM and cameras to actively avoid humans, forklifts, and overhangs which in turn avoid injury, accidents and damage.
• Ensure Consistent Repeatability: AMRs perform tasks with high levels of consistency, reducing errors in product transport and placement.

For the industry, this translates into improved accuracy, less product loss and a more reliable packaging operation overall.

Manage the AMR Fleet

As AMRs become more integrated into packaging operations, no-code fleet management programming has become the norm and allows for quick and easy start-up. The differentiator is that first-generation fleet management programs gave each AMR next-step deployment capability. For instance, if one AMR were to approach another AMR on the warehouse floor time could be wasted as each robot moves to its left and then to its right, mirroring each other in a very human moment. Unlike humans, robots do not eventually figure it out and laugh it off. They get stuck in a loop of the same logic.

The latest advancements in fleet management software provides centralized control of AMRs by a person. Like a coach assigning roles and plays to their team to maximize performance, today’s software ensures seamless operation across an entire facility.

LiDAR sensors and SLAM technology guide AMRs to and from correct destinations throughout the workspace. Image courtesy of KUKA Robotics.

The AMR Design

In contrast to the lightning speed at which vision systems and fleet software progressed for AMRs, the end-product AMR design largely remained the same since William Grey Walter developed the first protypes halfway through the last century. As AMRs moved past prototype and into a commercially viable tool for different business sectors, functionality challenged the standard design.

For the packaging industry specifically, one of the most crucial characteristics of AMRs is operating close to the ground. A low profile means AMRs efficiently transport goods underneath workstations, maneuver through tight spaces, and optimize floor space in crowded packaging facilities. This design feature is particularly valuable in high-speed production environments where precision, efficiency, and spatial optimization are paramount.

In fact, the closer to the ground an AMR sits the better. If it is too tall for fixed equipment, it is useless on the production floor. The shortest AMR, on the other hand, allows for seamless integration with conveyor belts and robotic palletizers because modifications can easily be made to extend its reach and height.

Prepare for the Future

For packaging facilities ready to take the next step in automation, AMRs are leading the way. Today’s vision systems, fleet management software and product design make AMRs practical, scalable solutions that transform packaging intralogistics. Now is the time to explore how these intelligent robots can elevate operations and set the foundation for a more agile and efficient production floor.

Further, expect AMRs to easily adjust for the future. Solving for extreme temperature changes and transporting goods on an unpredictable plane are the next chapter for AMRs. Since AMRs are inherently flexible to implementation right now, on-going developments will simply expand AMR usage for the packaging industry.

About the Author

With more than a decade of experience, Tyler Britcher started his career in the automation industry working hands-on as a robotics technician. He gravitated to and now focuses on autonomous mobile robots as KUKA Robotics’ Sales Manager for North America, AMR. Britcher  continues to leverage his knowledge as a robotics technician to successfully implement and support customers with automation integration. For more information visit  https://www.kuka.com/en-us/products/amr-autonomous-mobile-robotics.

The Impact of Autonomous Mobile Robots

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are already making a significant impact across the packaging industry, including:

• Automated Material Transport: AMRs transport raw materials, packaging supplies, and finished goods between different areas of a facility.
• End-of-Line Palletizing and Staging: By integrating with robotic palletizing systems, AMRs can efficiently move loaded pallets to staging or shipping areas.
• Order Fulfillment and E-Commerce Logistics: With the growth of e-commerce, AMRs play a crucial role in picking, packing, and shipping processes.
• Cold Chain and Perishable Goods Handling: AMRs are being deployed in temperature-controlled environments to transport perishable items with speed and precision.

See KUKA AMRs in action at the following trade show events in 2025:

• Automate, Detroit, Michigan, May 12-15,
• EXPO PACK, Guadalajara, Mexico, June 10-12
• PACK EXPO, Las Vegas, Nevada, September 29 – October 1