Why Autonomous Mobility Robots (AMRs) Need a Smarter Way to Capture Data

Hey there! I'm Erwan, and after a thrilling 25+ year journey through the fast-paced world of B2B software, rubbing shoulders with industry giants like IBM and Cisco, I've found my new adventure at Heex Technologies. My background blends both software engineering and business know-how, which has given me a front-row seat to the transformative power of AI. But watching from the sidelines wasn’t enough—I wanted to be part of the action!

Heex isn't just another stop on my career path; it's the launchpad for something monumental. We're shifting the paradigm from Big Data to Smart-Data, powering a new wave of intelligent systems that will change the world for the better

 Joining this passionate, boundary-pushing team wasn't just a career move; it was a chance to make a real-world impact. Together, we're not just dreaming big – we're setting the stage for a smarter, greener future. Buckle up, because the journey ahead is going to be epic!

Why Focus on AMRs?

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are already transforming industries like logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare—often behind the scenes. In fact, there are now more AMRs operating in warehouses than self-driving cars on the road. These robots seamlessly navigate dynamic environments, transporting goods and performing tasks that would otherwise be time-consuming or physically challenging for humans.

Yet, there’s a hidden challenge that many teams overlook: data overload. AMRs generate enormous volumes of sensor data as they move, collect items, and interact with their surroundings. Traditional data capture methods—originally designed for static robots—are struggling to keep up, leading to unnecessary costs, operational headaches, and missed opportunities to optimize.

The Downside of Data Overload

Imagine a single AMR continuously streaming every piece of data 24/7, from high-resolution camera feeds to lidar scans. This can quickly overwhelm:

Wireless Networks

• The sheer volume of data is like rush-hour traffic on a packed highway. Key information can get jammed or lost altogether.
• This forces teams to decide which data to keep and which to discard—often missing crucial moments that lead to key insights.

Operations Teams

• Sifting through hours of irrelevant data to find that single moment of interest—like a robot stuttering or colliding with an object—can be like searching for a needle in a haystack even when using the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework.
• It drains time and resources, driving up costs and slowing down incident response.

Storage and Environmental Impact

• Constant data recording means soaring storage bills and massive power consumption.

Unnecessary data also leaves a larger carbon footprint, counteracting the efficiency gains that AMRs are supposed to provide.

A Smarter Way to Capture Data: Focus on What Matters

What if we could capture data only when it matters? Imagine a system that lets you define specific situations you care about, like a dropped package or a robot opening a door in the wrong place.

This is where Heex Smart-Data comes in. Here's how it streamlines AMR operations:

Define Events and Situations of Interest

• Whether it’s a dropped package, a collision with an obstacle, or a door opening in the wrong place, you decide which scenarios warrant data capture.
• Heex then configures your AMRs to capture the relevant data before, during, and after those events—so you never miss the critical details.

Automatic Tagging and Organization

• Every captured event is tagged with metadata like location, robot ID, and timestamp.
• This makes searching and reviewing incidents incredibly efficient. Think “find collision events from Robot-1 in the last 24 hours” in seconds—not hours.

On-the-Fly Reconfiguration

• Need more data about a particular scenario or suspect an emerging issue? Easily reconfigure the system to capture new events or additional context.
• No need to overhaul your entire data pipeline.

Proactive Alerts

• Get notified about critical events as they happen so you can take immediate action, preventing small hiccups from becoming major disruptions.

Heex Smart-Data: Beyond Efficiency

Heex Smart-Data offers more than just streamlined operations:

• Quick Time to Value: Heex integrates seamlessly with existing data pipelines, like ROS and its new MCAP format, so you don't need to overhaul your entire system.
• Virtuous Data Loop: Need more data on a specific situation? Heex allows you to easily reconfigure the data capture on your robots, ensuring you get the information you need.
• Actionable Insights: Heex analyzes data from your entire AMR fleet, providing insights into performance, health, and potential issues – anytime, anywhere. This empowers you to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions. 
• Reduced Data Load and Environmental Impact: By capturing only essential data, Heex minimizes storage and processing needs.

A Quick Success Snapshot

For example, a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) provider recently used Heex Smart-Data to only capture data around collision events in their warehouse robots. The result? A 70% reduction in stored data and a 50% improvement in incident resolution time. Instead of scrolling through endless logs, their operations team could quickly isolate and address issues, saving both time and money.

Conclusion: Ready for the Next Leap in AMR Data Management? 

As AMRs increasingly become the backbone of modern industry, the ability to capture and analyze meaningful data is more than a nice-to-have—it’s essential for optimizing performance, reducing costs, and staying ahead of the competition.

Heex Smart-Data provides a targeted, dynamic way to capture the data you actually need, when you need it. It’s time to reclaim control from the data deluge and help your fleet operate at peak performance while reducing waste and environmental impact.

As AMRs become the backbone of various industries, optimizing data capture is crucial. Heex Smart-Data provides a smarter way to monitor and manage your robots, unlocking new levels of efficiency and performance.

Get Started Today

Ready to see how Heex Smart-Data can revolutionize your AMR operations? Contact us to schedule a demo or learn more about how we integrate with your existing robots and data pipelines. Let’s pave the way for a smarter, greener future—together!

Ready to see how Heex Smart-Data can revolutionize your AMR operations? Contact us and schedule a demo today!