By Nick Malewicki

Automation has long been considered a solution to many challenges in manufacturing and warehousing. In today’s labor market autonomous vehicles and robotic technology are a strong tool to supplement the labor force. Autonomous vehicles can smooth out disruptions and allow your workforce to focus on higher value tasks. 

When considering the implementation of automation in your factory or warehouse, there are several key factors to evaluate. It's important to weigh the costs of a fully automated facility against the necessity for human expertise and decision-making. To ensure that automation enhances your operations, companies should explore ways to adopt automated solutions without undermining valuable employee skills or incurring excessive costs. One effective option is to utilize semi-autonomous vehicles, which can support your workforce without replacing them.  

The Big Joe Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) is a semi-autonomous solution designed to handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as material handling, sorting, and transportation within warehouses or manufacturing facilities. By reducing bottlenecks, minimizing errors, and increasing throughput, this technology leads to significant improvements in operational efficiency. The AMR pallet mover utilizes advanced sensors and mapping technologies to navigate dynamically and autonomously. Released in 2023 in partnership with Thoro.ai—a company renowned for delivering autonomous mobile robotics safely and efficiently across various sectors—the Big Joe AMR represents a significant advancement in automated material movement.  

“By changing how employees go about their day-to-day activities, these vehicles contribute to lower turnover and allow people to spend their time and energy on tasks that drive revenue for the business,” Kurt Spyke, Director, National Accounts & Strategic Projects Big Joe Forklifts.  

The AMR boasts highly customizable, world-class autonomy software that can be programmed and ready to manage your material handling needs in under one hour. This robot stands out from the rest due to its exceptional flexibility, allowing it to easily integrate with changing floor layouts and automation systems. The Big Joe AMR is equipped with advanced sensors and algorithms for obstacle avoidance, ensuring safety for everyone in the area. Programming the AMR is straightforward and intuitive.  

Automated vehicles are revolutionizing material handling by integrating advanced technologies that enhance productivity, navigation, flexibility, and efficiency. LiDAR and vision systems ensure precise navigation and obstacle detection, while prominent alarms can support pedestrian awareness. Dual-mode functionality allows forklifts to switch between manual and automated operations for greater flexibility and adaptability.   

Big Joe’s user-directed AMR empowers operators by streamlining material movement, increasing efficiency, and reducing manual effort. Additionally, comprehensive safety systems adhere to industry standards which make automated forklifts indispensable tools in modern warehouses and manufacturing facilities.  Automation isn’t just an advantage; it’s essential.

Semi-autonomous vehicles benefit employees and facilities by optimizing physical space. Operators can program designated drop zones, allowing for efficient stocking deliveries, waste management, and the movement of other items in specific locations. When these zones are full, AMRs, such as Big Joe’s, can be programmed to either relocate items to a different area or return without unloading their cargo. 

“Users will experience a transformation that significantly lowers supply chain costs but also adapts to the dynamic landscape of their operations, paving the way for greater efficiency and innovation. Big Joe’s AMR allows the labor force to thrive in a safer environment where technology enhances every task, driving their success to new heights,” said Brendan Brett, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Autonomous Vehicle Division. 

Semi-autonomous vehicles can contribute to a healthier and safer work environment for employees. Their benefits include:

• Reducing physical burdens: When an AMR handles transportation tasks, employees have less lifting, bending and walking to do. The Big Joe AMR features a riding platform, so they not only transport goods but also save employees steps when operating the pallet mover.
• Improving internal environments: “Lithium-ion is a game-changer,” says Kurt Spyke, Director of National Accounts and strategic products, with Big Joe Forklifts. “They reduce noise, release no fumes, and they’re closed systems that don’t need maintenance like lead-acid batteries.”
• Adapting to employees’ movements: With AI-driven software, AMRs feature collision-avoidance capabilities and emergency-stopping functions. This allows them to maneuver around people and objects while helping to reduce the risk of human error.

For more information, download our AMR Playbook or get in touch with Big Joe.

Big Joe Forklifts is a customer-driven North American material handling equipment company, that distributes innovative products and in-between-handling applications, purpose-built counterbalanced lithium forklifts and market-leading autonomous solutions.
Founded in Wisconsin in 1951, Big Joe provides engineering expertise, customer service, aftermarket parts, and warranty support.