The autonomous mobile robot (AMR) market is projected to grow 21.8% from 2022 to 2032, reaching over $18 billion. As more companies look to deploy these innovative solutions, careful planning and effective change management become crucial. This checklist will guide you through the essential steps to ensure a smooth implementation and maximize the benefits of your AMR investment.

1. Define clear objectives

Before you deploy autonomous mobile robots, it’s essential to establish a clear vision for your project. This foundation will guide your implementation and help you measure success.

☐ Set SMART goals

Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives for your AMR deployment. For instance, a SMART goal could be using your autonomous cleaning robot for more than two hours every day for the first year. This will serve as your blueprint for implementation and change management.

☐ Calculate ROI

Determine the return on investment for deploying autonomous mobile robots based on your goals and desired performance metrics. Consider factors like labor savings, increased productivity, and improved safety. We’ve got a tool that makes this easy.

☐ Bonus: Consider future  AMR use cases

Explore AMRs that utilize the same autonomy platform to maximize value when you deploy autonomous mobile robots to automate different tasks across your facility. For example, Brain Corp technology helped Sam’s Club deploy inventory scanning and floor scrubbing robots, demonstrating the potential of AMRs for multiple applications.

With clear objectives, you’ll be better equipped to select the right AMR solution and manage the change process effectively.

2. Assemble your team

Successful deployment of autonomous mobile robots requires a diverse team with the right mix of skills and perspectives. Here’s how to build your dream team:

☐ Assess internal expertise

Evaluate your team’s software integration and change management capabilities for AMR deployment. Identify gaps that may require external support.

☐ Designate change champions

Select team members who understand your employees, culture, and job tasks in areas where you’ll deploy autonomous mobile robots. These champions will be crucial for effective change management throughout the deployment process.

☐ Consider external consultants

Determine if you need specialized expertise for aspects like AMR integration or change management strategies. This can fill gaps in your internal team’s knowledge.

☐ Choose a vendor partner

Select an AMR vendor that aligns with your goals and can provide comprehensive support as you deploy autonomous mobile robots. Look for a partner with experience in both AMR deployment and change management.

By assembling a strong team with the right expertise, you’ll have the confidence and support needed to navigate the challenges of AMR implementation and change management.

3. Plan the specifics

Detailed planning is crucial for the smooth deployment of autonomous mobile robots. This stage involves assessing your environment and designing your AMR system:

☐ Conduct site assessment

Gather facility documents, maps, and information to prepare for AMR deployment. Identify potential risks, hazards, and necessary safety features for AMR operation.

☐ Design system architecture

Work with your team and selected partners (if applicable) to create a system design that considers your floor plan, traffic patterns, operating hours, and infrastructure requirements for deploying autonomous mobile robots.

☐ Establish deployment timeline

Develop a realistic schedule for deploying autonomous mobile robots, ensuring all team members have the necessary resources. Consider planning for off-peak times or holidays to minimize disruption.

☐ Address change management

Develop a comprehensive change management plan to communicate benefits and address concerns as you deploy autonomous mobile robots. This Harvard Business Review article outlines how successful technology implementation requires internal marketing and change management.

Thorough planning at this stage will provide you with the reassurance that you can anticipate and overcome potential obstacles while deploying autonomous mobile robots.

4. Start small

Beginning with a pilot project allows you to learn and refine your approach before scaling up your AMR deployment. Here’s how to get started:

☐ Identify pilot goals 

Begin by deploying autonomous mobile robots in one facility and measuring their performance against set goals. This approach allows for clean business justification and an easier expansion to more facilities.

☐ Give feedback

Work with your AMR providers to ensure your needs are met through simple product feedback or consultation for process change. A good AMR provider is eager to hear your feedback and will be a valuable ally in the pilot phase.

☐ Provide training

Offer thorough training and change management support for employees who will operate or work near the AMRs. Develop and communicate clear safety protocols as part of your AMR deployment strategy, ensuring employees feel prepared for the change.

Starting small with a pilot project is a strategic approach that allows you to build confidence, refine your change management approach, and gather valuable insights for future expansions. It also minimizes the initial investment and the risk of failure, as you can learn and refine your approach before scaling up your AMR deployment.

5. Maintain momentum and scale up

Once your initial deployment of autonomous mobile robots is successful, focus on optimizing performance and expanding your AMR program:

☐ Expand across more facilities gradually

As your team gains confidence, scale up by deploying autonomous mobile robots for more complex tasks or in additional facilities. Apply lessons learned from your pilot project and initial change management efforts.

☐ Monitor and optimize

Establish a clear chain of command for monitoring and reporting AMR performance. Use this data to demonstrate value, inform future expansions, and guide ongoing change management efforts.

☐ Integrate existing systems

Work closely with your vendor’s deployment team to ensure seamless integration of AMRs with your current software and systems. This minimizes disruption to existing workflows.

☐ Establish maintenance routines

Set a regular maintenance schedule to keep your AMRs operating at peak performance. This will ensure the longevity and reliability of your investment in autonomous mobile robots.

☐ Plan long-term support

As you deploy autonomous mobile robots, stay in touch with your vendor for ongoing support and future upgrades. Understand their long-term support offerings to protect your investment and manage change effectively.

By continuously improving and expanding your AMR program, you’ll maximize its long-term value and impact on your operations while effectively managing the ongoing change process.

Embracing the future of automation

Deploying autonomous mobile robots requires careful planning and execution. By following this checklist and partnering with the right vendor, you can successfully integrate AMRs into your operations and manage the associated changes effectively.

For example, Global Building Services successfully implemented floor-scrubbing AMRs to address increased cleaning demands and labor shortages. In a hospital setting, successful AMR adoption involved gaining employee buy-in, aligning the technology with the environment and brand, and establishing simple training and reporting processes – all critical elements of effective change management.

Ready to explore how deploying autonomous mobile robots can transform your business? Brain Corp specializes in cutting-edge AMR solutions for cleaning and inventory management. Our Sense Suite and Clean Suite of AMRs are designed to integrate into your operations, driving efficiency and innovation seamlessly.

Contact our automation experts today for a personalized assessment of how industrial AMRs can benefit your organization and guidance on managing the change process. Let’s build a smarter, more efficient future together by deploying autonomous mobile robots in your workplace.