With the continuous development of Industry 4.0, the development of robots has promoted the evolution of labor-intensive operations into technology-based operations and converted them into intelligence. In the logistics sector in particular, the warehouse logistics robot is an important part of intelligent logistics. It meets the development needs of the new era and has become a breakthrough for the logistics industry in solving bottlenecks such as high dependence on manual labor and limited sorting capacity during peak business hours. The use of warehouse robots drastically changes logistics activities, from production to circulation and sales.
Prototype design and importance of warehouse and logistics robots
A prototype is a physical object that transforms an idea into a visible, tangible reality. Prototypes are more convincing and advantageous than drawings. Developing a robot prototype can reduce development time, reduce guesswork, and produce real results without guesswork. Additionally, costs and review rounds can be reduced. Additionally, more precise requirements can be created. Time to market can be reduced and investment opportunities increased.
Development of a warehouse logistics robot
Warehouse logistics robots belong to a subcategory of the industrial robot industry and their development has gone through three phases.
The first phase is program-controlled robots. The robots at this stage were deployed with only a few individual program commands, they did not yet have recognition functions and could not make timely program adjustments to the actual environment and conditions. The second phase are adaptive robots equipped with advanced sensors. The robot program continues to improve and a computer can be used to control certain functions. Intelligent robots in the third phase have more human behavioral characteristics and can have different perception and interaction capabilities.
Process innovation and product innovation are subject to continuous improvement and optimization, which shows the importance of the game prototype. In the process of developing warehouse logistics robots, the prototype allows the designer to identify associated problems and defects from the beginning, thus reducing subsequent trial and error costs.
Five types of warehouse logistics robots
Warehouse logistics robots are mainly used in warehouses, sortation centers and in transit. Mainly used for loading and unloading, handling, storage, classification and transportation. The types of warehouse and logistics robots differ depending on application scenarios and functions. There are five main types: AGV robots, palletizing robots, sorting robots, RGV buses and AMR robots.
AGV Robot
Unmanned handling vehicles, also known as driverless transport vehicles or AGV robots for short. Among the five categories, the most typical and widely used is the AGV robot, mainly responsible for transporting goods in the warehouse, but different from other large transport equipment; AGV robots are primarily responsible for transporting small and light goods. It is a powerful intelligent logistics operating device used for handling and moving goods. The main technologies used by AGV robots include sensor technology, navigation technology and system integration technology.
Palletizing robot
A palletizing robot is a type of palletizing machine. It can replace the manual labor of sorting, handling and loading goods, automatically stack materials on pallets according to optimal design instructions, and provide conveyors for that material. Especially used in production lines, it can provide intelligent services to production facilities, which not only improves the efficiency of palletizing operations, but also increases the productivity and production output of companies.
Sorting Robot
A sorting robot is a robot that integrates sensors, objective lenses and electro-optical systems to quickly sort goods. It is like a human “eye”, “brain” and “hand”, which can recognize shape, color, material, etc. of goods through its own image recognition system. The robot arm then follows the brain's command to pick up corresponding items and place them in the appropriate location to achieve quick sorting of goods. Sorting robots are often used in the logistics sector. As classification is one of the most complex parts of the logistics process, the use of labor is a process that requires a lot of time and labor. Sorting robots can sort goods continuously and in large quantities; They sort accurately and efficiently, with a low error rate, and carry out largely unmanned processes.
AMR Robot
AMR robots, also called autonomous mobile robots, are generally wheeled or humanoid robots that carry a variety of sensors and are programmed to move autonomously. AMR offers countless opportunities to significantly optimize processes and workflows, with solutions that are more flexible, cost-effective, secure and reliable, as well as flexible to use and make automation easier than ever.
Rail-guided vehicle
Transport cars are also known as rail-guided vehicles. They can be programmed for tasks such as pick-up, delivery and placement and can automatically connect to various devices such as forklifts, stackers, elevators and access stations. They perform the functions of automatic identification and automatic three-dimensional access to the warehouse. They are characterized by high operating speed, high flexibility and easy operation.
Advantages and prospects of warehouse robots
The use of warehouse logistics robots offers enormous advantages. Smart robots have reliable planning functions through data analysis and central control. They can improve companies' logistics management and standardize load placement. They can improve the accuracy of operations, reduce sorting error rates, and reduce product loss.
The warehouse robot is generally small in size and can make good use of the warehouse area and storage space, improving the cleanliness of the workplace and the effective deployment rate of the expanded warehouse. Warehouse logistics robots also offer the advantages of optimizing process flow, saving labor, material and financial resources and ensuring safety.
In the future, warehouse logistics robots will be used in more industries. They help companies improve automated manufacturing productivity, create a human- and machine-friendly production environment, and ensure a good corporate image. They not only bring good economic benefits to companies, but also good social benefits.
Logistics automation: from prototype to reality
Prototypes can serve as your business card, showing customers who you are and how you know each other. Rapid prototyping is the best way to quickly demonstrate what sets your product apart and leave a positive impression on your company and your colleagues.
If you are planning a warehouse logistics robot project and want to show your robot prototype to your customers, please contact us. Let's work together to turn prototypes into reality and realize logistics automation.
