Robotics

Robots in logistics: efficiency, precision and innovation

The logistics industry is in the midst of a technological transformation. Innovative robotic solutions such as palletizing and depalletizing robots, picking robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), shelf-to-person systems, rackbots and drones are fundamentally changing warehouse and material flow processes.

These technologies are helping companies to work more efficiently and precisely while at the same time responding flexibly to future challenges.

Are you skeptical about robotics?
Do you think robotics are expensive, cannot be integrated or have other doubts?
Take a look at our study or contact our sales team to find out what opportunities are available to you.

Advantages of robotics

High throughput

Flexibly scalable

Highest availability

High
occupational safety

Your contact persons

Michael Huhn

Head of Sales
Authorized signatory

T +49 2261 987-518
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M. Yusuf Kaya

Key Account Manager
Logistics Systems

T +49 2261 987-524
E-Mail | vCard

Andreas Klee

Key Account Manager
Logistics Systems

T +49 2261 987-525
E-Mail | vCard

Christian Mertens

Key Account Manager
Logistics Systems

T +49 2261 987-502
E-Mail | vCard

From the selection of manufacturers to complete integration

  • Conceptual design
  • Component and manufacturer selection
  • Realization from a single source
  • Ramp-up management, training and service

Control of logistics processes

  • UniWare warehouse management system ensures maximum efficiency
  • Optimization of existing processes
  • Integration of all new processes into the logistics processes
  • Maximum process reliability and stability
  • UniWare: warehouse management, material flow control and system visualization in one system. You can find more information here

 

Robotics technologies in logistics

Pick robots

Pick robots are specially developed robots that are designed to pick items directly from shelves, containers or conveyor systems and transfer them precisely to target stations such as picking or packaging areas. Equipped with modern sensor technology and AI-based object recognition, they can master even complex tasks such as gripping a wide variety of shapes and sizes of goods:

  • Versatility
    Pick robots can handle a wide variety of items - from delicate foodstuffs to heavy goods. Their flexible gripping systems automatically adapt to the product characteristics.
  • Precision
    Advanced gripping technologies enable items to be removed safely and quickly, even with complex shapes. AI recognizes the optimum gripping position and prevents damage.
  • Use in e-commerce logistics
    Pick robots are ideal for warehouses with high order volumes. They speed up order picking, increase efficiency and reduce the workload of employees.

Palletizing and depalletizing robots

Palletizing robots stack goods efficiently on pallets and make optimum use of space. They are able to create different stacking patterns to increase the stability of the pallets. Depalletizing robots unload pallets and automatically sort the products into storage compartments or onto conveyor belts. They use advanced sensor technology to recognize different packaging and sizes:

  • Greater safety
    Reduction of physical strain and accident risks for employees.
  • Consistency
    Precise and consistent performance at high throughput rates.
  • Flexibility
    Adaptable for various industries, including beverage, food and pharmaceutical logistics.

Shelf-to-person systems

In shelf-to-person systems, robots pick up complete shelves with the required goods and bring them directly to the picking station:

  • Improved ergonomics
    Employees no longer have to walk through the warehouse and bend down, as the shelves are brought to their workstation.
  • Increased speed
    The simultaneous processing of several orders reduces picking times.
  • Flexible adaptation
    These systems are ideal for warehouses where stock levels change frequently or demand is subject to seasonal fluctuations.

Rackbot systems

Rackbot systems combine autonomous navigation with intelligent picking technology. These robots move independently through the warehouse, picking items directly from the shelves and consolidating orders:

  • Direct picking
    Rackbots work like an "autonomous order picker", picking items from within the warehouse aisles and taking them to the packing area.
  • Wide range of applications
    Suitable for different product categories such as food, pharmaceuticals or e-commerce items.
  • Optimization of material flow
    Thanks to AI-supported navigation, rackbots always find the most efficient route, which reduces throughput times.

Skypod system from Exotec

The Exotec system is revolutionizing intralogistics with its innovative Skypod system, which enables three-dimensional mobility:

  • Scalability
    The modular systems can be expanded as required.
  • Fast implementation
    Simple integration into existing warehouses enables companies to implement the system in the shortest possible time.
  • Efficiency
    The robots move independently of each other, which avoids jams and optimizes throughput.

You can find more information here.

Autonomous vehicles

AGVs are specially designed for transporting goods along predefined routes within warehouses or production environments.
They use various technologies such as optical, magnetic or laser-based guidance systems:

  • Precision
    Ideal for recurring transportation tasks such as supplying production lines.
  • Robustness
    AGVs are designed for continuous use and offer constant performance under high loads.
  • Areas of application
    Available for the transportation of pallets, containers or other heavy loads in production and warehouse environments.

Further information can be found here.

Application of robotics

Incoming goods and storage

  • Depalletizing of delivered goods.
  • AGVs and AMRs transport incoming goods autonomously to storage locations.
  • Rackbots take over the storage of items on shelves.
  • Drones carry out visual inspections in storage areas that are difficult to access.
  • Humanoid robots could take over the storage of sensitive or complex items in the future.

Order picking

  • Picking robots take over the removal of items from shelves, bins or compartments.
  • Shelf-to-person systems bring complete shelves or compartments to the picking station.
  • AMRs support employees by transporting full pallets to packing stations.
  • Drones can localize and check items in complex shelving systems.
  • Humanoid robots could supplement hybrid processes in the long term by taking over complex manual tasks.

Outgoing goods and shipping

  • Palletizing goods and parcels.
  • Wrapping pallets with film.
  • Autonomous vehicles take over the loading of load carriers into trucks.

Internal material transportation

  • AGVs transport pallets between storage and production areas.
  • AMRs navigate flexibly through warehouses to perform ad hoc tasks.
  • Rackbots take over the compaction of items within the warehouse.
  • Humanoid robots could take over material movements in hybrid work environments.

Inventory and inspections

  • Drones are revolutionizing inventory by autonomously scanning shelves and recording stock levels.
  • Rackbots and picking robots can identify and report damaged items.
  • Humanoid robots could take over complex inspection tasks in areas that are difficult to access.

 

The future of robotics

Drones

Possible applications

Drones are a pioneering technology that can significantly increase the efficiency of warehouse and production processes. They enable fast, precise and secure data collection for various logistical tasks.

 

Humanoid robots

Possible applications

Humanoid robots are a technological innovation that can revolutionize the logistics industry. They are able to take on complex tasks without completely replacing humans. Their strengths lie in their mobility, collaboration and interaction.

Areas of application

  • Inventory
    Drones use cameras, sensors and RFID technology to record stock levels on shelves and significantly reduce inventory times.
  • Inspections
    They inspect warehouse areas that are difficult to access, such as high shelves or conveyor systems, and increase safety.
  • Fast integration
    Drones can be easily integrated into existing infrastructures without the need for structural modifications.

Areas of application

  • Versatility
    These robots can move around in a typical working environment, climb stairs, lift loads and use tools.
  • Collaboration
    They work seamlessly with human employees, taking on tasks such as picking, packing and quality inspection.
  • Interaction and communication
    Thanks to voice control and AI technology, they understand instructions, answer questions and adapt flexibly to changing conditions.

Advantages of drones

  • Speed
    Faster data collection than with manual methods.
  • Precision
    Sophisticated sensors and cameras ensure error-free recording.
  • Accessibility
    Ideal for warehouses with complex structures or hard-to-reach areas.

Advantages of humanoid robots

  • Efficiency
    They optimize processes and reduce manual work.
  • Safety
    Take on dangerous or physically demanding tasks.
  • Flexibility
    Adaptation to different logistical requirements and working environments.

Future prospects

Drones could play a key role in logistics, particularly in inventory monitoring, security checks and in hard-to-access storage zones.

Future prospects

Humanoid robots could provide valuable support, particularly in warehouses with a large variety of items, during security checks or in hazardous work areas.

The results of our robotics study:

Robotik in der Intralogistik
Studie
Robotik in der Intralogistik
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Live demo

At our LogiMAT stand this year, we will have a live demo of a robot system from Sereact. The system recognizes and grips even objects never seen before precisely and reliably.
Come by and see for yourself - we look forward to your visit!

Information and tickets are available on our LogiMAT portal

Worth knowing

Robotics planning

A good planning process needs clear and transparent structures - as in our proven 3-phase model. We would be happy to support you in planning your robotics as an integral part of your internal logistics.

Find out more about planning your robotics here

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