These Five Types of Robots Support Warehouse Workflows

Industry professionals know that different types of warehouse robots make it possible to work in giant facilities. Many customers never know what role machines play in ensuring they receive items on time and in good condition.

People considering using robots in industrial automation should spend ample time familiarizing themselves with the capabilities and limitations of these high-tech machines. For example, some types of robots help transport products to different locations in a facility, while others help pick and pack items.

People are worried about robots taking over their jobs. These anxieties are at least partly justified, especially for people in low-skilled positions. However, at the best of times, robotics allows humans to participate in more enjoyable activities that use their creativity and intelligence. Robots excel at repetitive tasks but lack the depth of experience that most humans acquire naturally throughout their careers and lives. Some experts argue that robots should ideally help people instead of replacing them.

Regardless of what individuals think of these machines, the fact remains that robots in industrial automation are here to stay. Here are the types of warehouse robots that typically offer the most value to decision makers who invest in them.

1. Automated Guided Vehicles

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are reliable options for transporting goods from one area to another. It's easy to see how practical they are in huge facilities like warehouses. AGVs move in dedicated areas using wires or floor markings. Most models have built-in cameras and sensors to help with this task, making sure they get to the right places while avoiding obstacles.

Engineers working in the warehouse can also program the AGVs to follow predetermined routes at certain times. These types of bots are especially useful when decision makers prioritize improving workflows.

In one case, a manufacturer added AGVs to a generator production line. This improvement would have led to a tenfold increase in production. In addition, it has improved the quality of items sent to customers. Company executives initially considered installing a treadmill with a six-month lead time. However, they ended up going with AGVs because they only had a two to four month lead time.

Many warehouse managers have also switched to AGVs to ease the pressures of labor shortages. Such use of robots in industrial automation frees up humans to perform higher value tasks while machines take care of tasks such as moving and storing pallets.

2. Types of warehouse robots that can pinch and grab items

People who invest in warehouse robots are usually looking for highly functional machines. This is why many models have articulated arms that allow them to move in the same way as human limbs. However, these robots have limited utility unless they can also pick up objects without dropping them.

Fortunately, engineers have come up with workable solutions to meet this requirement. A self-contained diaper picking robot can lift up to 825 pounds per diaper. These machines also tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making them suitable for taking items out of freezers or working in spaces without air conditioning.

Experts claim that coin picking robots have improved dramatically in just a few years. They can handle a wider variety of items than before, even if the products are oddly shaped. In 2021, researchers developed a multifunctional miniature flexible gripper inspired by human hands. Lab tests showed that their creation could pick up objects ranging from snail eggs to metal washers and styrofoam balls without damaging them. Such versatility is vital in a warehouse that might have a huge assortment of items.

Amazon engineers are also working on a pinch robot. Tests showed that a prototype reduced product damage by ten times due to its soft but secure grip. Many types of warehouse robots used within the e-commerce business also work with machine learning algorithms. Machines can identify certain elements in a cluttered environment and...