Battery selection choices

THE AUTONOMOUS mobile robot (AMR) has become an established workhorse in modern warehouses, providing an efficient and scalable solution for many mundane transport tasks. AMRs operate on rechargeable batteries that use smart energy management systems to optimise their performance, but the choice of battery technology is a complex one.

It’s not only performance that’s at stake. Other factors in the mix include safety, environmental impact, uptime, temperature range and lifecycle cost. When selecting a battery technology, it’s important to consider your material handling needs, shift patterns and environmental conditions, as well as any requirements from your insurers.

Following some notable warehouse fires caused by damaged or overheated lithium-ion batteries, the traditional lithium-ion technology has been developed in various ways to enhance safety. New chemistries include nickel manganese cobalt, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate and lithium manganese oxide, which offer various balances of performance, safety and cost.

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a cost-effective alternative technology. However, although they feature abundant and cheaper materials, they currently offer lower energy density and cycle life.

Looking ahead, innovations such as graphene-enhanced batteries and solid-state batteries (SSBs) may be suitable alternatives in the logistics sector. Graphene-enhanced batteries demonstrate potential for dramatically faster charging, which could slash downtime. Solid-state batteries are in the early stages of development, but may offer significant advantages. These include higher energy density (two to three times that of conventional lithium-ion); improved safety through the use of solid electrolytes and longer lifecycle (increased charge/discharge cycles). Current challenges for SSBs include high costs and complex manufacturing processes.

According to AMHSA member, MAXAGV, we may also see hydrogen fuel cells emerging as a future technology, which could provide benefits such as very high energy density, fast refuelling times and reduced environmental impact. What is clear is that artificial intelligence will play an increasing role in battery systems in the future. Already, AI-optimised charging is being used to extend battery life and minimise downtime.

By aligning battery characteristics with operational demands, companies can ensure operational efficiency, enhanced safety and rapid ROI from their investment in AMRs.

To find out about AMHSA members who are able to provide AMR-based solutions, please visit the AMHSA website or call Matthew Jones on 07517 610514.

For more information, visit www.amhsa.co.uk