January 9, 2025 Optimizing AMR Value: Key Insights for Manufacturers

Manufacturing facilities can maximize AMR investment with efficient expansion, operator buy-in and a reliable provider.

By Reid Rabon, Senior Product Manager at Tennant Company

As we enter 2025, the drive toward automation of tasks in manufacturing facilities is intensifying. With a report by the National Association of Manufacturers showing that 2.1 milllion manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030, the pressure to enhance productivity while addressing workforce challenges is crucial.

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are emerging as a leading solution for these challenges, providing a way to streamline operations and improve cleanliness all while reducing the strain of manual labor. The global market for cleaning robotics is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.9% from 2024 to 2030, underscoring their growing integration into manufacturing operations.

Still, AMR adoption doesn’t come without hurdles. Concerns about initial costs, operational disruptions and employee buy-in can often create barriers. However, as Veritiv, a distributor of facility solutions, discovered during its robotics implementation, a thoughtful approach can help make considerable strides in streamlining operations, reducing manual labor demands, and achieving measurable ROI.

Here are three proven strategies to help manufacturers ensure that AMRs can be successfully deployed into their operations.

Start small, scale smart

Large-scale rollout is an understandable concern for industrial facilities concerned about potential disruption. So, start small.

Deploying a smaller number of AMRs can help organizations test the automation capabilities in real-world conditions, solve any operational challenges that present themselves and fine-tune processes.

As the pilot phase advances and adjustments are made, expanding AMRs across more locations becomes much more feasible and effective. By assessing a smaller, more manageable fleet in a controlled environment, manufacturing teams have the flexibility to adapt their expectations and strategies based on insights drawn from their own specific facility.

Veritiv mirrored this approach, deploying six Tennant AMRs at their facilities. This controlled rollout enabled the company to isolate operational challenges, refine processes and assess the integration of AMRs into existing workflows. Equipped with these insights, Veritiv then successfully scaled their usage, expanding AMR adoption to 23 facilities where the robotic floor scrubbers now autonomously clean more than 470 million square feet of space.

For facilities considering robotics implementation, scaling up from an initial test set to a broader rollout across additional locations becomes a more seamless process, mitigating operational disruptions and promoting smoother integration.

It all starts with operator buy-in

One will have difficulty talking about AMRs without discussing the “employee buy-in” question. Because this technology implies a change to typical operations, it’s critical to earn operator confidence from the start.

For a successful robotics implementation, involve staff early in the process, provide thorough training on the machines that will be working alongside them, and create an open dialogue to answer questions and clear up any concerns. Prioritizing buy-in has the dual benefit of increasing operator confidence while also garnering enthusiasm for AMRs.

When employees truly understand the value of AMRs — especially in terms of alleviating the more menial, everyday cleaning burden, improving workplace safety and assisting operations — they are much more likely to not only embrace the change, but act as champions of it.

Employee enthusiasm is not just helpful for AMR adoption — it can also directly scale their usage. As AMRs can handle the more repetitive, lower-skill tasks, employees are freed up to focus on higher-value activities that require human decision-making and oversight.

With operator buy-in, adoption is easier, and scaling is faster, paving the way for a stronger ROI. For example, Veritiv was able to reallocate 14,000 worker hours across 23 locations from manual cleaning to customer-focused tasks.

Partner with a reliable AMR provider

Integrating emerging technologies of any kind is never without initial hurdles or unforeseen obstacles to overcome. That’s why choosing the right partner for AMR adoption is foundational to long-term success.

A strong partnership means that as challenges arise — whether it’s troubleshooting technical issues, training new staff or adapting to evolving operational needs — you can lean on a trusted, reliable resource to overcome them. Having a partner that makes support as accessible as it is helpful can make all the difference between a smooth robotics implementation and one bogged down by unnecessary delays or disruptions.

Furthermore, selecting a partner who keeps the big picture in mind ensures that your operations continue to improve and provide greater returns over time. For example, through reduced maintenance and labor costs, Veritiv projects $3.4 million in savings over a 10-year period.

AMRs signify an exciting opportunity to transform operations, and while their implementation and the automation process may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. With a strategic approach, strong employee engagement and the right support, organizations can confidently integrate AMRs to drive ROI and enhance overall efficiency.

About the Author
Reid Rabon is a Senior Product Manager at Tennant Company, focusing on delivering customer-centric robotic cleaning solutions for industrial facilities. With 28 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Reid is committed to putting customers first by developing innovative AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) cleaning systems that meet the evolving needs of customers in diverse industries. His expertise, backed by four patents and ISSA CIMS certification, reflects his passion for designing cutting-edge technology that prioritizes customer satisfaction and enhances operational efficiency. As a subject matter expert in autonomous cleaning, Reid strives to create cleaner, safer, and healthier environments, ensuring that Tennant’s customers always receive the highest level of performance and value.

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