Types of Robots in Warehousing

In an era of relentless technological advancement, the role of robots in reshaping industries cannot be overstated. In the realm of logistics and warehousing, different types of robots have emerged as indispensable allies, revolutionizing the way goods are stored, moved, and managed. This article delves into the fascinating world of warehouse robotics, exploring their various types, their transformative impact on the logistics landscape, and their integration into cutting-edge systems like AutoStore. Join us as we embark on a journey through the realms of innovation and automation in the warehousing industry.

What are warehouse robotics?  

Warehouse robotics refers to the use of robotic technology and automation systems in a warehouse or distribution center to perform various tasks related to the movement, organization, and management of goods and materials. Broadly speaking, these robots and automation systems are designed to streamline and optimize warehouse operations, improving efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.

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Collaborative vs traditional robots

Collaborative robots, known as cobots, are known for operating alongside humans in shared workspaces, prioritizing flexibility. In contrast, traditional robots work separately from humans, and can therefore prioritize safety and efficiency. Here’s how they differentiate in certain areas:

• Environment and interaction: Cobots are designed for close human interaction, handling tasks that require frequent adaptation. In contrast, traditional industrial robots, such as those employed by AutoStore, operate in dedicated spaces, offering a level of efficiency and reliability that is essential for high-volume, repetitive tasks.
• Interchangeability and flexibility: Cobots are noted for their adaptability in human-centric environments. However, the robust design and consistent performance of traditional robots make them indispensable for tasks demanding precision and endurance.
• Tailored solutions: Choosing between cobots and traditional robots ultimately depends on the specific needs of an operation. For automated storage and retrieval, AutoStore excels with efficiency, reliability, and throughput. For further material handling and sortation downstream, cobots can further enhance efficiency.

Since warehouse robots and cobots are broad terms, let’s dive into the different types of robots to better understand their specific purposes and functionalities.

7 different types of robots

The logistics industry has witnessed a transformation in recent years, with various types of robots playing pivotal roles in streamlining operations and optimizing efficiency. Here, we explore the diverse array of logistics robots usually in use today:

1. AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems)

AS/RS systems encompass a wide range of technologies, including cube storage robots, shuttles, miniloads, and Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs), each designed to automate different aspects of storage and retrieval. Cube storage robots, for example, can optimize space utilization and operational efficiency by managing densely packed inventory bins with high precision and speed.

2. Mobile robots

Mobile robots, including Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), are designed to transport goods within warehouses. These versatile machines can replace conveyors by following predetermined paths or navigate autonomously using advanced sensors and software, making them valuable for material handling and inventory management.

3. Robotic arms

Robotic arms, also referred to as robotic manipulators, pick and place robots or piece-picking robots, are equipped with multiple joints and end-effectors to handle a wide range of tasks. In logistics, they are used for picking, packing, and palletizing products. These precision instruments improve order fulfillment speed and accuracy. Robotic arms can replace humans at AS/RS workstations for picking, packing, and preparing orders.

4. Drones

Drones have gained prominence in logistics for their aerial surveillance and delivery capabilities. They can monitor large warehouses, perform inventory checks, and even make last-mile deliveries to remote locations, reducing delivery times and costs.

5. Automated forklifts

Automated forklifts are designed to load and unload pallets without human intervention. They enhance warehouse efficiency by navigating predefined paths or employing advanced vision systems to operate autonomously.

6. Conveyors

Conveyor systems have long been a staple in logistics operations, efficiently transporting goods along predefined routes. These automated systems come in various configurations, such as belt conveyors, roller conveyors, and sortation systems, speeding up material flow and order fulfillment.

Read more: Conveyor Systems: A Complete Guide

7. Automated cranes

Automated cranes are employed for heavy-duty material handling and storage tasks. These towering machines can efficiently move and stack goods in high-bay warehouses, optimizing vertical space and minimizing manual labor.

Read more: Stacker Cranes from A-Z: Limitations & Remaining Relevance

A combination of these robots often works in harmony to create a seamless and efficient supply chain. Each type of robot has its unique strengths, allowing logistics companies to tailor their automation strategies to specific operational needs, ultimately enhancing productivity and reducing costs.  

Speaking of strengths, let’s have a look at the specific tasks different types of robots fulfill.  

What tasks do different types of robots fix?

Warehouse robots have become essential allies in the logistics and distribution sector, taking care of critical tasks that streamline operations, boost efficiency, and reduce manual labor. From material transportation to order fulfillment, these robotic assistants play a pivotal role in shaping the future of warehouse management. But what tasks do they actually perform?  

Material transportation: Warehouse robots, such as cube storage robots, AGVs and AMRs, are crucial for moving materials and goods efficiently within the warehouse. They transport pallets, bins, and other items, reducing the need for manual labor in material handling and ensuring that items reach their intended locations.

Picking and packing: Robotic arms with advanced grippers are used for picking items from shelves or bins and placing them into containers or onto conveyor belts. This task is vital for order fulfillment in e-commerce and distribution centers, improving speed and accuracy.

Source: Nomagic

Sorting and conveying: Conveyor systems and sortation robots are responsible for sorting and transporting items efficiently. They ensure that products are routed to the correct destinations, whether it's the loading docks, storage areas, or packing stations, optimizing material flow of the warehouse.

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Palletizing and depalletizing: Robots designed for palletizing and depalletizing tasks automate the stacking and destacking of goods on pallets. This task ensures that products are organized and prepared for storage or transportation, improving space utilization and reducing manual labor.

These tasks collectively enhance warehouse efficiency, reduce labor costs, minimize errors, and accelerate the order fulfillment process, making warehouse robots indispensable components of modern logistics operations.  

Contribution of warehouse robots

In general, robots play a pivotal role in enhancing precision and consistency in production processes. Their ability to perform repetitive tasks with unwavering accuracy, 24/7 and for years on end, far surpasses human capabilities. This introduction of automation into the logistics industry has not only improved quality but also significantly boosted productivity.

Industries taking advantage of warehouse robots

The rapid adoption of robotic technology is most pronounced in the fields of ecommerce retail, logistics (3PL and 4PL), grocery, pharmaceuticals, industrial/spare parts providers, and manufacturing. The rapid adoption of robotics for the retail and grocery industry is driven by surging online order volumes, necessitating automation for profitability. Logistics, with historically high labor costs, has been one of the first sectors to adopt warehouse automation. Manufacturing has long embraced automation for enhanced productivity. The AutoStore versatility extends across these sectors, including grocery, pharmaceuticals, and industrials, both in B2B and B2C settings.

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How robots are changing logistics

Robots are playing a pivotal role in driving efficiency and productivity. Here are the key ways in which robots are revolutionizing the logistics landscape:

1. Automation of repetitive tasks: One of the primary roles of robots in logistics is automating repetitive tasks that can become demotivating for human workers when performed for extended periods. These robots tirelessly execute these tasks with precision and consistency, enhancing overall productivity.
2. Extending operational hours: Robots are adept at working during non-peak hours, such as overnight shifts, effectively extending operational hours. This strategic utilization helps distribute the workload more evenly, making the logistics operation more resilient.
3. Handling non-productive tasks: Robots excel in taking on non-productive tasks, including quality checks and inventory management. While these activities are essential for operational efficiency, they do not directly contribute to order fulfillment. By assigning these tasks to robots, human associates can redirect their efforts toward more complex and productive assignments.
4. AutoStore efficiency: AutoStore, in particular, is transforming logistics by improving storage density up to 400%, eliminating the need for traversing the warehouse, increasing speed and accuracy. Learn more about AutoStore.

This integration of robots into logistics not only streamlines processes but also empowers human workers to focus on tasks that require creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. As a result, logistics operations are becoming more efficient, resilient, and productive in this new era of robotics-driven transformation. And integrating these automated robots with AutoStore brings in a whole new level of automation.  

What types of robots are integrated with AutoStore?

The world of warehouse automation is undergoing a transformative shift, with AutoStore at the forefront, employing an array of robots to revolutionize logistics and order fulfillment. Let's explore the types of robots AutoStore employs and how they seamlessly integrate to optimize warehouse operations.

AutoStore robotic workforce:

AutoStore relies on two primary types of robots to power its Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS): the R5-type and the B1-type robots. These robots play a pivotal role in facilitating Goods-to-Person (G2P) actions, a key component of efficient order fulfillment. Their primary function is to retrieve Bins containing requested SKUs and deliver them to designated workstations (Ports).

The integration landscape:

AutoStore flexibility extends to its ability to integrate with various types of robots, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of warehousing needs.

Conveyor integration:  

One common integration is with conveyor technology, which enables seamless transportation from the AutoStore zone to other zones within the warehouse. This integration streamlines material flow, enhancing overall efficiency.

Mobile robot collaboration:  

AutoStore is increasingly collaborating with mobile robots, offering an alternative to traditional conveyors. Mobile robots can efficiently handle transportation tasks, especially in sites where space is limited or when dynamic changes in material flow are expected due to operational growth.

Robotic arms for precision:  

Robotic arms are finding increased utility in combination with AutoStore, particularly for singles picking from AutoStore Bins. These robotic arms are capable of transferring items either into an external tote/carton or into another AutoStore bin for order consolidation, a process made even easier by the innovative FusionPort Staging workstation.

The AutoStore integration capabilities, coupled with its diverse robotic workforce, are redefining warehouse automation. It’s as simple as that. This revolutionary approach enhances efficiency, precision, and adaptability in logistics and order fulfillment, setting a new standard for the industry. As technology continues to evolve, AutoStore remains at the forefront, driving the future of warehousing through seamless robotic integration.

Conclusion

It's evident that these technological marvels, warehouse robots, have redefined the logistics industry. From collaborative cobots to aerial drones, these different types of robots perform a myriad of tasks with unmatched precision and efficiency, creating a seamless supply chain. AutoStore, with its diverse robotic workforce, epitomizes the future of warehousing, offering adaptability, precision, and integration possibilities that set new industry standards. The union of humans and robots in the world of logistics marks a transformative era, where efficiency, productivity, and creativity thrive, heralding a brighter and more automated future.

FAQ

What are industrial robots?

Industrial robots are machines used in manufacturing and production processes to perform tasks like welding, painting, and assembly.

What are service robots?

Service robots are designed to provide various services to humans, such as cleaning, delivery, and healthcare assistance.

What are AGVs?

AGVs, or Automated Guided Vehicles, are mobile robots used for material transport within warehouses and factories.

Can robots work in hazardous areas?

Yes, robots can work in hazardous areas, where human safety is a concern, by performing tasks remotely or autonomously.