15 Types of Warehouse Robotics For Optimal Efficiency

Robots are proving their worth in high-speed warehouse operations by boosting productivity, keeping your employees safe and optimizing space in the facility.

We’ll share all you need to know about warehouse robotics, including the types, benefits and the order fulfillment processes they can help with. Plus, we’ll introduce you to our automated warehouse robots at Modula.

What Are Warehouse Robotics?

Warehouse robotics are machines that can perform different warehouse tasks, such as storing, retrieving and transporting inventory.?

They can increase efficiency by taking the fastest possible route in the warehouse when transporting goods and?improve employee safety by operating in hazardous environments.

Types of Warehouse Robots

Advancements in the warehousing industry have brought about specialized robots for different warehouse tasks.

The most common types of warehouse robotics include:

1. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are sophisticated robots that can independently navigate your warehouse, eliminating the need for human intervention. AMRs utilize advanced technologies, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and sensors to plan and adjust their routes in real-time.

They can also manage unforeseen challenges, whether it’s avoiding unanticipated crowds or evading falling objects.

2. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are warehousing robots that follow predetermined paths using a combination of sensors, markers and lasers for accurate navigation and movement.

Unlike AMRs, AGVs rely on fixed routes and guidance from warehouse operators to function. They also have less adaptability to unexpected changes in their surroundings.

3. Automated Guided Carts (AGCs)

Automated guided carts (AGCs) are robots that leverage predefined paths to transport inventory. They are equipped with magnetic tape, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and sensors to navigate the warehouse and detect obstacles.

Unlike AGVs, AGCs can only carry lighter loads, due to their lower profile and smaller chassis.?

4. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)

Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) are computer-controlled systems designed to automatically store and retrieve items from storage areas within the warehouse.

When integrated with a warehouse management system (WMS), automated storage and retrieval systems can identify the inventory that needs to be retrieved.

These systems include vertical lift modules, horizontal carousels, tote shuttles, mini-loaders and unit loaders.

5. Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are advanced robotic systems that can work alongside humans in the warehouse.

Unlike traditional robots, cobots have sensors and safety features, such as power and force limits.

Cobots can perform various warehouse tasks, such as conducting quality checks and packing products.

6. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or warehouse drones, are aerial robots that can retrieve items and capture high-quality images of inventory. Equipped with sensors and cameras, they can fly on their own or be controlled by warehouse staff.

Thanks to their speed and size, UAVs can travel through narrow warehouse aisles, making them ideal to scan inventory.

7. Goods-to-Person (GTP) Robots

Goods-to-person (GTP) robots are warehousing robots that deliver selected items to warehouse operators, eliminating the need to navigate warehouse aisles just to find and pick goods.

GTP robots include stacker cranes and conveyor belts. These robots are particularly efficient in large warehouses, as they can handle larger volumes of orders.

8. Palletizing and Depalletizing Robots

Palletizing robots are equipped with a robotic arm and product gripper to lift and position items with precision, adapting to different size and weight variations.

These robots assess each item’s placement and securely arrange items using sensors and sophisticated programming.

On the other hand, depalletizing robots unpack pallets, efficiently reversing the stacking process. By automating these tasks, these robots save operators time, reduce the risk of item damage and maximize storage capacity.

9. Sorting Robots

Sorting robots use a combination of sensors, computer vision, and machine learning algorithms to identify, categorize and arrange items with precision.

Equipped with adaptable grippers and conveyance systems, they can efficiently sort products. This technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces human error and labor costs.

10. Automated Labeling Robots

Automated labeling robots are warehousing robots that can help warehouse operators automatically place the label in the right spot on the package.

They are equipped with precision applicators to place labels on the desired spot every time. These robots also have sensors and cameras to detect the product’s position and orientation, so they can adjust the label application accordingly.

11. Packaging Robots

Packaging robots are warehousing robots that can help ensure products and pallets are securely wrapped for transport and storage, providing consistent wrapping tension, all while reducing manual labor and material waste.

They are equipped with load sensors to determine the weight and stability of the pallet and turntables to rotate the pallet or product, ensuring even wrapping from all sides.

12. Case Erectors

Case erectors are warehousing robots that can help automate the process of forming flat cardboard sheets into boxes, to prepare them for packaging.

These robots are equipped with grippers to pick and maneuver flat cardboard sheets, along with conveyor belts that push the packages forward to a tape dispenser, sealing the bottom of the cardboard case.

13. Cleaning Robots

Cleaning robots are warehousing robots that can help maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in a facility, ensuring a safer and more efficient work environment.

They are equipped with rotating brushes, vacuum systems and sensors to detect dirt and obstacles, and drops.

Cleaning robots include floor scrubbing robots, vacuuming robots and disinfection robots.

14. Security Robots

Security robots are warehousing robots that can help enhance the security of a warehouse by providing continuous surveillance and immediate alerts when unauthorized access, potential breaches, or other unusual activities are detected.

They are equipped with motion and sound sensors and cameras, offering 360-degree views, night vision and even thermal imaging for comprehensive surveillance.

15. Anthropomorphic Robots

Anthropomorphic robots are warehousing robots that can mimic human-like movements and functions, making them versatile for warehouse tasks that require a more human approach, such as picking and placing small parts.

The design of these robots is inspired by the human body, enabling them to handle objects, tools and operations with similar dexterity and adaptability as a human worker.

They are equipped with human-like hands, enabling them to perform a wide range of motion. They are also equipped with advanced sensors, cameras and machine learning algorithms.

What Do Warehouse Robots Do?

Warehouse robotics can manage inventory checks, assist warehouse operators with picking tasks and more.

Depending on the type of robot you implement, warehouse robots can help with:

• Sorting: Robots with grippers, such as cobots, can pick items and place them on conveyor belts, sorting goods based on size and dimensions. They can quickly move items from incoming shipments to specific bins or conveyors.
• Loading and unloading: Robots that can handle heavy inventory with adaptive grippers can automatically load and unload items from shipment trucks.
• Transportation: AMRs and AGVs can move inventory from one location to another within the warehouse with minimal human intervention.
• Inventory management: UAVs are equipped with cameras to scan inventory. They can travel warehouse aisles to scan barcodes and QR codes to assess stock levels. In addition, some warehouse drones are equipped with infrared cameras to capture thermal information, identify heat signatures and monitor temperature-sensitive goods.
• Picking: Automated storage and retrieval systems are designed to automatically retrieve items from shelves or bins and bring them to the warehouse operator, reducing their time and effort to manually pick inventory.
• Packaging: Anthropomorphic robots can pack items into boxes or other containers. They can adapt to different item sizes and shapes, ensuring that items are packed securely and efficiently. These robots can also seal and label orders.

Benefits of Warehouse Robotics

Warehouse robots provide a wide range of benefits, from increasing safety to improving efficiency.

Warehouse robotics allow you to:

• Boost productivity: Warehouse robots can work 24/7 without needing a break, speeding up the order fulfillment process.
• Maximize storage space: Advanced robotic systems, like automated storage and retrieval systems, can be designed to utilize vertical space, reducing the warehouse footprint.
• Improve employee safety: Warehouse robots can reduce the risk of injuries (like overexertion) by minimizing or even eliminating manual tasks, such as lifting heavy objects.
• Boost scalability: Robots can be reprogrammed or repurposed for different tasks as warehouse needs change.
• Quick installation: Warehouse robotic solutions are highly customizable, enabling quick implementation within existing warehouse facilities?
• Improve reverse logistics: Warehouse robots can quickly sort and process returned goods, reducing the time needed for product refunds or exchanges. UAVs can also inspect returned goods for damages more accurately than humans.

Automated Warehouse Robots at Modula

At Modula, we provide automated warehouse solutions that improve efficiency, boost productivity, increase picking accuracy, enhance inventory management and maximize warehouse space across industries.