Supercharge your warehouse operation with robotics
Robotic automation is taking warehouses across the globe to the next level. If your business is not using these technologies yet, maybe it is high time? This blog post outlines various robotic automation trends, so you know what to look for. We will also introduce nyce.logic WMS, a future-focused solution for the warehouses of tomorrow.
The rise and adoption of warehouse robots
Warehouse robotics first started being implemented in the early 2000’s. Retail and logistic businesses quickly discovered how useful it could be. More and more major companies started using the technologies to great advantage, and today it has become commonplace. Warehouses without robotics now risk falling behind the competition.
The 4 main advantages of warehouse robotics are:
- Increased accuracy and efficiency
- Cost savings
- Enhanced safety
- Scalability and flexibility
Adoption of warehouse robotics is growing fast, driven by rising labor costs and technical advancements.
Warehouse robotics solutions
Let’s dive into some common warehouse robotics solutions, and what they can do to improve your business.
Automated guided vehicles (AGV)
AGVs are robots designed to accurately and efficiently retrieve materials in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. The solutions are advanced, utilizing cutting-edge automation technology to minimize human intervention and optimize warehouse space usage.
Here are some examples of common AGVs:
- Tugger AGV: tows carts and trailers around the warehouse
- Unit load AGV: transports individual loads, such as pallets and containers
- Forklift AGV: autonomous forklifts for lifting and transport
- Cart AGVs: smaller vehicles for transporting small items and light loads
- Hybrid AGV: combines automation technology and manual intervention
Aside from these AGVs, there are also many custom solutions available. Every business and warehouse is different, and most have a lot to gain from a tailored setup.
Automated guided carts (AGC)
Automated guided carts (AGCs) are autonomous warehouse vehicles offering a smaller, simpler and more flexible alternative to AGVs. AGCs can effectivize operations and reduce manual labor. They can move pallets from different zones inside the warehouse, and assist with picking, packing and replenishment.
AGCs can be integrated with WMS systems to track inventory in real-time, and multiple units can be coordinated inside the central system. When integrated with other warehouse technology, AGCs are a great tool to increase efficiency and accuracy across the board.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or as most people call them: drones), are being used more and more in modern warehouses. For complex tasks and hard-to-reach areas, they can be just what your retail company needs to solve some of its challenges.
UAVs can help with inventory management by counting barcodes and RFID tags in real time. Drones are also able to fly around the warehouse, monitoring stock levels in real-time to better plan replenishments. Lastly, UAVs improve safety, as high shelves and dangerous spots no longer have to be reached by forklifts or ladders.
Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
AS/RS systems are advanced storage and retrieval solutions that use various automated technologies to minimize human intervention and utilize the warehouse space in the best possible way. These robots come in several shapes and forms, fitting different types of businesses. AI, machine-learning and IoT integrations are on the rise, making cutting-edge AS/RS systems even more useful and efficient.
Some examples of AS/RS systems are:
- Unit load AS/RS: an automatic storage and retrieval system that handles large and bulky loads
- Mini load AS/RS: precise handling for smaller items stored in bins, totes or trays
- Micro load AS/RS: these systems handle even smaller items than mini load AS/RSs, such as electronic components and medical supplies
- Shuttle systems: robotic shuttles that flexibly move items within high-density storage racks
- Vertical lift modules (VLM): vertical storage systems that store items on trays, delivering them at an ergonomic picking height
- Carousels: rotating shelves or bins transporting merchandise to picking stations
Cobots (collaborative robots)
Cobots is another exciting development in warehouse robotics. Most robotics technology works in isolated or contained environments, but just as the name suggests, collaborative robots can work alongside human workers and interact. It opens up whole new possibilities, especially in terms of cost-effectiveness and safety. As cobot technology is a fresh innovation, the capabilities and usefulness is expected to grow in the future.
Articulated robotic arms
Articulated robotic arms mimic human movement, using rotary joints (axes) to flexibly perform various tasks. They can be used for many things in warehousing, including picking, packing, sorting, palletizing and order fulfillment. Articulated robots usually have between 4 and 10 axes, impacting their level of movement. The end of the arms can be equipped with various tools to handle different tasks and products.
Articulated robot arms are highly versatile, and have proved especially useful in manufacturing and production lines. As AI and machine-learning integrations are on the rise, the solutions will grow even more sophisticated and efficient.
Goods-to-Person (GTP)
GTP is a warehouse automation solution designed to deliver goods directly to a worker or packing station, as opposed to the traditional PTG (Person-to-Goods) concept. You can use the technology to set up central workstations where goods are delivered to your workers, automating storage and retrieval systems. For E-commerce, retail and manufacturing companies, GTP can make a world of difference, effectivizing the handling of large product volumes.
The bright future of warehouse robotics
Now you know more about warehouse robotics, but this is surely only the beginning. The development of warehouse robots keeps accelerating with no signs of slowing down. Logistics and supply chain businesses need to keep their eyes open for cutting-edge solutions, or risk falling behind the competition.
To get the best out of warehouse robotics and stay on top of the latest technological developments, you need a high-quality WMS (warehouse management system). A modern WMS allows you to integrate robotic automation efficiently and safely, accessing its full potential. Today should be the day when you start using the latest technology to your advantage.
Introducing nyce.logic WMS
If you are looking to implement warehouse robotics, our scalable, full-control nyce.logic WMS is the way to go. It is built by and for logistic experts, so you know that you are in good hands. Our open architecture allows for ready-to-go integrations with several robotics and automation solutions.
Use the automation module to supercharge your warehouse with warehouse robotics and other cutting-edge technology. We have ready-to-go integrations for several robotics and automation solutions, and we continuously add more. It is high time to embrace the future of warehousing.