Which Battery is Suitable for AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots)?

2025-06-02 | Calvin

With the continuous advancement of automation technology, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) have been widely applied in fields such as warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing. In the design and operation of AMRs, the battery, as the core power source, directly impacts the robot's efficiency, stability, and reliability. This article will provide a comparative analysis of several common types of AMR batteries and explore the best battery choice for AMRs.

Types of AMR Batteries

When selecting the ideal battery for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), various factors such as energy density, safety, lifespan, size, cost, environmental impact, and suitability for AMRs must be considered. Here is a comparative analysis of different battery types commonly used in AMRs:

Lead Acid Batteries

Advantages:

• Cost-effective, making them an affordable option
• Well-established technology with wide availability

Drawbacks:

• Low energy density, which means larger and heavier batteries
• Shorter lifespan compared to other battery types
• Environmental concerns due to the lead content

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries

Advantages:

• Moderate energy density, offering a balanced power-to-size ratio
• High safety and reliability, especially in extreme conditions

Drawbacks:

• Environmental impact due to the presence of cadmium
• Moderate lifespan with performance degradation over time
• Bulky and heavy, making them less ideal for space-sensitive applications

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries

Advantages:

• Moderate to high energy density, providing a good balance of performance
• Reasonable lifespan and efficiency
• Less environmental impact compared to NiCd

Drawbacks:

• Still larger and heavier than modern lithium-based alternatives
• Lower safety standards compared to lithium-ion batteries

LiFePO4 Batteries

Advantages:

• Exceptional energy density, allowing for more compact and lightweight designs
• Long lifespan, making them highly cost-effective in the long run
• Excellent safety features, with lower risk of overheating and fire
• Environmentally friendly with minimal impact

Drawbacks:

• Higher initial cost compared to other battery types

Optimal Battery Maintenance for AMR

For Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), the battery is not just a power source; it’s the heart of their operation. Equally important is the maintenance and care of these batteries, which directly impact the performance and longevity of the robots. Here are some essential maintenance tips to ensure optimal performance of robot batteries in AMRs:

• Maintain Charge Levels: Always keep lithium batteries fully charged when not in use. Before storing, check that the vehicle key, emergency stop switch, and battery switch are off. If possible, manually disconnect the battery plug and cover the battery compartment to prevent damage during prolonged storage.
• Unplug After Charging: Once charging is complete, disconnect the charging station’s power plug to conserve energy and maintain battery health.
• Proper Storage Conditions: Store your AMR in a cool, dry, and safe indoor environment. Ensure that the robot is kept away from hazardous materials like corrosive chemicals and dangerous machinery. Avoid outdoor storage as extreme temperatures can damage the battery.
• Timely Recharging: Recharge depleted lithium batteries within 24 hours. Prolonged depletion can cause irreversible damage to the internal cells of the battery.
• Regular Charging Cycles: For batteries in long-term storage, ensure at least one full charge and discharge cycle per month, maintaining the battery level above 90% when the AMR is idle.
• Use Original Chargers: Always use the original charging adapter to prevent incompatibility issues that could shorten the battery’s lifespan and pose safety risks.
• Reactivating Idle Batteries: If an AMR does not start after a long period of inactivity, try reactivating it with the original charger. If unsuccessful, consider using a forced charging mode.
• Safe Battery Removal: When removing the battery from the AMR, ensure it is far from any conductive materials to prevent short-circuiting.
• Avoid Stacking Batteries: Do not stack multiple batteries or place heavy objects on them. Store batteries in a location away from hazardous materials.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right battery for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) is a critical decision that influences their overall performance, efficiency, and reliability. Among the various options available, LiFePO4 batteries (Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries) emerge as the most suitable choice for AMRs. They offer superior energy density, long lifespan, excellent safety features, and minimal environmental impact, making them the best option despite the higher initial cost.