How to use this calculator
- Enter the number of AMRs assigned to the workload.
- Set the operating window and measured base cycle time.
- Add dispatch, traffic, or handoff overhead.
- Apply expected availability after charging and maintenance.
#3246 · AI & Technology Tool
Autonomous Mobile Robot Task Capacity Calculator
Estimate how many complete tasks a group of AMRs can finish in an operating window. The calculation combines fleet count, work hours, average task cycle, coordination overhead, and availability to show total capacity, capacity per unit, and remaining productive minutes.
Calculator
Fleet throughput assumptionsFormula
Effective cycle = base cycle ÷ (1 − overhead rate)
Productive fleet-minutes = units × hours × 60 × availability
Task capacity = floor(productive fleet-minutes ÷ effective cycle)
Productive fleet-minutes = units × hours × 60 × availability
Task capacity = floor(productive fleet-minutes ÷ effective cycle)
What the result means
The main result counts only completed tasks. It represents aggregate throughput under average conditions and does not guarantee that queues or individual zones stay balanced.
For congested layouts or tightly coupled stations, validate aggregate capacity with a dispatch or discrete-event simulation.
Example calculation
With 12 units, 16 operating hours, a 5-minute base cycle, 8% overhead, and 88% availability, the fleet can complete 1,865 whole tasks in the modeled window.
Tips for better results
- Measure full task cycles from dispatch to completion.
- Keep charging and maintenance in availability.
- Use overhead for traffic and coordination loss, not twice-counted downtime.
- Test peak cycles as well as averages.
- Compare aggregate capacity with station limits.
Frequently asked questions
Why is coordination overhead applied to the task cycle?
Coordination loss consumes time without completing the task, so the effective cycle becomes longer as overhead increases.
Should charging time be included for each autonomous mobile robot?
Yes. Reduce fleet availability to account for charging unless charging occurs entirely outside the operating window.
Why are partial tasks excluded from capacity?
A task only contributes useful throughput when completed, so the result rounds total capacity down.
Can I enter a weighted average for different task types?
Yes. A workload-weighted cycle time is suitable when task mix is stable; otherwise calculate each class separately.
Does the model account for station bottlenecks?
No. It estimates fleet-side capacity. Compare the result with pickup, drop-off, processing, and charging station limits.
Related calculators
Task throughput variables
| Variable | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active units | AMRs assigned to the workload |
| Base cycle | Unadjusted minutes for one task |
| Overhead | Dispatch, traffic, or handoff loss |
| Availability | Share of scheduled fleet time available |