Warehouse Robotics

Warehouse Robotics

Photo by Mak on Unsplash

The rise of warehouse robotics has transformed the logistics industry, providing businesses with the ability to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks that were once done manually. From sorting and loading to unloading and bin picking, these machines have greatly increased the efficiency and accuracy of warehouse operations. In this blog post, we will discuss the various types of warehouse robotics and how they are revolutionizing the way we handle inventory.

Sorting

Sorting is an essential function in any warehouse, and there are two main types of robotics that can be used for this task: conveyor belts and mobile robots.

Conveyor Belt

Conveyor belts are an efficient and cost-effective way to sort products. These systems use a series of belts that move products from one area to another, allowing them to be sorted by size, weight, and other criteria. Conveyor belts can be configured to accommodate different types of products, making them highly versatile.

Mobile Robots

Mobile robots, on the other hand, are autonomous machines that can navigate a warehouse floor and sort products based on predetermined criteria. These robots are equipped with sensors and cameras that allow them to detect and identify products, making them highly accurate and efficient. Mobile robots can be programmed to work collaboratively with conveyor belts, further increasing the efficiency of the sorting process.

Loading & Unloading

Loading and unloading products in a warehouse is a time-consuming and physically demanding task. However, with the help of warehouse robotics, this process can be automated, making it faster and more efficient. There are several types of robotics that can be used for loading and unloading, including palletization, in-container, and in-trailer.

Palletization

Palletization is a process where products are stacked on top of each other on a pallet. This method is commonly used for loading and unloading bulk items such as boxes or bags of goods. With the help of palletizing robots, this process can be automated, reducing the risk of injury to workers and increasing the speed of loading and unloading.

Container & Trailer

In-container and in-trailer robotics are designed to load and unload products in shipping containers or trailers. These robots are equipped with sensors and cameras that allow them to identify and handle products of various shapes and sizes. With the help of these robots, loading and unloading can be done quickly and efficiently, reducing the time it takes to prepare shipments for delivery.

Bin Picking

Bin picking is a process where a robot is used to pick up products from a bin or container. This process can be time-consuming and difficult to automate due to the variability in the size, shape, and orientation of the products. However, recent advancements in machine vision and artificial intelligence have made it possible to automate this process. Bin picking robots use cameras and sensors to identify and locate products within a bin, allowing them to pick them up and place them in the appropriate location.

Companies to watch

Amazon

Berkshire Grey

Boston Dynamics