Leveraging autonomous mobile robots for Industry 4.0 warehouses: a multiple case study analysis

Abstract

PurposeDespite its potential, warehouse managers still struggle to successfully assimilate autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in their operations. This paper means to identify the moderating factors of AMR assimilation for production warehouses that influence the digital transformation of their intralogistics via AMRs.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on innovation of assimilation theory (IAT), this study followed an explorative approach using the principles of the case study method in business research. The cases comprised of four AMR end users and six AMR service providers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews.FindingsFour clusters of moderators that affect each stage of AMR assimilation were identified. These clusters include organizational attributes of end users (i.e. production warehouses), service attributes of service providers, technology attributes of AMRs and relational attributes between the AMR service providers and the AMR end users.Originality/valueThe authors extend the IAT framework by identifying various moderating factors between different stages of the AMR assimilation process. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to introduce the perspective of AMR end users in conjunction with AMR service providers to the “Industry 4.0” technology assimilation literature. The study propositions regarding these factors guide future intralogistics and AMR research.

Intelligent Robotics—A Systematic Review of Emerging Technologies and Trends

“…AMRs can optimize routes, avoid obstacles, and seamlessly integrate into existing warehouse management systems. They contribute to reducing labor costs, improving order accuracy, and streamlining warehouse logistics [127].…”

Autonomous Mobile Robots in Automotive Remanufacturing: A Case Study for Intra-Logistics Support

“…Nevertheless, there are times when there is a need to use different types of AGV/AMR vehicles depending on the application used, especially in the context of different sizes and weights of the cargo transported [25]. AMRs have opened unique opportunities for autonomizing intralogistics operations [26].…”