By uchimurarobotic 
As industries seek smarter, more flexible automation solutions, the combination of collaborative robots (cobots) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) has emerged as a transformative force. These integrated systems combine the human-friendly operation of cobots with the mobility and intelligence of AMRs to deliver adaptable, efficient, and scalable automation.
To better understand the impact and versatility of this technology, let’s explore detailed Case Studies for cobot AMR deployments across various industries. These examples demonstrate how real-world businesses are overcoming operational challenges, increasing productivity, and achieving rapid return on investment (ROI) through mobile manipulation.
Understanding the Value of Cobot-AMR Integration
Before diving into the case studies for cobot AMR deployments, it’s essential to understand why this integration is gaining momentum:
- Cobots can safely work alongside humans, performing tasks like pick-and-place, screwdriving, inspection, and packaging.
- AMRs autonomously navigate complex environments using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), LiDAR, and computer vision.
- When combined, cobot-AMRs provide a mobile manipulation system capable of performing dynamic tasks across multiple locations without fixed infrastructure.
Case Studies for Cobot AMR Deployments
Below are five comprehensive Case Studies for cobot AMR deployments across different industries, showcasing the real-world benefits and strategic advantages of this hybrid automation approach.
1. Automotive Assembly: Ford’s Use of UR Cobots and MiR AMRs
Company: Ford Motor Company
Technology Used: Universal Robots UR10e + MiR200 AMRs
Application: Parts delivery and machine tending
Challenge: Ford’s Valencia Engine Assembly Plant needed to optimize internal logistics without disrupting human workflows. Traditional conveyors and forklifts were rigid and space-consuming.
Solution: Ford deployed AMRs from Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) equipped with Universal Robots UR10e cobots. The cobots performed machine tending and small part assembly, while the AMRs autonomously navigated between workstations.
Results:
- 25% reduction in internal transport time
- Increased safety due to reduced forklift usage
- Scalable deployment across multiple shifts and product lines
Key Takeaway: This is one of the benchmark case studies for cobot AMR deployments in large-scale automotive manufacturing, showing seamless human-robot collaboration and flexible task execution.
2. Electronics Manufacturing: Siemens Smart Factory
Company: Siemens AG
Technology Used: KUKA LBR iiwa + KMP 1500 AMR
Application: PCB handling and quality control
Challenge: Siemens wanted to enhance throughput in a high-mix, low-volume electronics plant while maintaining strict quality standards.
Solution: They used the KMP 1500 mobile platform paired with the lightweight KUKA LBR iiwa cobot. The system could navigate the factory, pick up PCB trays, and perform quality inspections using an integrated camera.
Results:
- Improved production flexibility by 40%
- Reduced quality control cycle time by 30%
- Enabled production line reconfiguration without downtime
Key Takeaway: Among the most innovative case studies for cobot AMR deployments, this example highlights the power of mobile inspection and flexible manufacturing.
3. Pharmaceutical Sector: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Company: GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
Technology Used: Doosan Robotics Cobots + MiR100
Application: Cleanroom vial transport and packaging
Challenge: GSK needed a solution to transport sensitive vials between cleanroom zones without risking contamination or manual handling errors.
Solution: The company deployed MiR100 AMRs with mounted Doosan collaborative arms to handle, transport, and pack vials in sealed containers.
Results:
- Compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) protocols
- Reduced labor costs and cross-contamination risk
- Improved traceability through RFID and real-time tracking
Key Takeaway: This is a standout among case studies for cobot AMR deployments in regulated environments, proving automation can thrive even in pharmaceutical cleanrooms.
4. Logistics and Warehousing: DHL Supply Chain
Company: DHL
Technology Used: Fetch Robotics AMR + UR5e Cobot
Application: Order picking and delivery
Challenge: High SKU volume and labor shortages made manual order fulfillment inefficient and error-prone.
Solution: DHL deployed Fetch Robotics AMRs with Universal Robots UR5e cobots to autonomously pick orders and deliver them to packing stations.
Results:
- 60% increase in pick efficiency
- 99.9% order accuracy
- ROI achieved in under 12 months
Key Takeaway: DHL’s implementation is one of the most cited case studies for cobot AMR deployments in logistics, showcasing how automation boosts both speed and accuracy in e-commerce fulfillment.
5. Food and Beverage Industry: Nestlé
Company: Nestlé
Technology Used: ABB YuMi + customized AMR platform
Application: Packaging and restocking
Challenge: Nestlé needed a compact, hygiene-compliant solution to assist in packaging areas where space and flexibility were constraints.
Solution: A small mobile robot with ABB’s dual-arm YuMi cobot was deployed to move between packaging lines and restock trays and supplies.
Results:
- Reduced human fatigue in repetitive tasks
- Increased packaging line uptime by 20%
- Minimized product contamination risk
Key Takeaway: A notable case study for cobot AMR deployments in food processing, illustrating how robots can enhance both hygiene and productivity.
Common Themes Across Case Studies for Cobot AMR Deployments
While each example has industry-specific needs, several universal themes emerge across the case studies for cobot AMR deployments:
- Flexibility: These deployments allow for rapid adaptation to new tasks and layouts.
- Human-Robot Collaboration: Cobots safely work alongside people, improving both safety and throughput.
- Space Efficiency: Mobile robots eliminate the need for fixed conveyors or bulky automation systems.
- Scalability: Successful pilot projects can be scaled across multiple lines or facilities.
- Short Payback Period: Many companies report ROI within 12–18 months due to labor savings and efficiency gains.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
The case studies for cobot AMR deployments also reveal common challenges:
- Integration Complexity: Ensuring seamless communication between cobot, AMR, and backend systems can be difficult.
- Battery and Power Management: Continuous operation requires smart scheduling and sometimes wireless charging.
- Change Management: Gaining operator buy-in and training staff on robot interaction is crucial for long-term success.
Lesson: Organizations that invest in pilot testing, team training, and modular design typically experience smoother deployments and faster returns.
Future Outlook
Based on these case studies for cobot AMR deployments, the future of mobile manipulation looks promising:
- AI-powered autonomy will allow robots to make smarter, real-time decisions.
- Fleet management systems will coordinate multiple cobot-AMR units across entire facilities.
- 5G and edge computing will reduce latency and improve robot coordination in fast-paced environments.
- Plug-and-play platforms will make deployment even easier for small and mid-sized businesses.
Conclusion
These real-world Case Studies for cobot AMR deployments clearly demonstrate how combining collaborative robots with autonomous mobile platforms is revolutionizing industrial automation. From automotive and electronics to pharma, logistics, and food production, this integrated approach is enhancing flexibility, reducing costs, and enabling smarter, safer operations.
As technology matures and implementation becomes more accessible, cobot-AMR systems will continue to shape the future of work—delivering human-robot collaboration on the move.