Robotics in logistics

Logistics robots: 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.

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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

Maximale Prozessleistung – Robotergestützte Systeme beschleunigen Materialflüsse und steigern die Kommissionier- und Umschlagsraten erheblich bei gleichbleibender Präzision.

High throughput

Wachstum ohne Grenzen – Robotiklösungen lassen sich modular erweitern und passen sich flexibel an steigende Auftragsvolumen oder neue Anforderungen im Lager an.

Flexibly scalable

Betrieb ohne Unterbrechung – Durch redundante Komponenten und selbstorganisierte Abläufe laufen robotergestützte Systeme zuverlässig und nahezu störungsfrei.

Highest availability

Sicher automatisiert – Roboter übernehmen monotone oder körperlich belastende Aufgaben und senken dadurch das Risiko für Unfälle und gesundheitliche Belastungen im Lager.

High
occupational safety

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

Gantry robot palletizes plastic containers in an automated intralogistics system with conveyor technology and storage system in the background

Robotics technologies in logistics

Pickroboter

Picking robot picks from plastic containers in automated small parts warehouse with shelf operation and conveyor technology

Intelligent gripping directly from shelves, containers or conveyor lines
Can be flexibly integrated into existing storage and sorting processes
Multi-format capability: for products of different sizes and shapes
Scalable performance: more throughput with additional robots
Reliable around the clock: even with high order volumes
Focus: automated picking and sorting at the highest level

Performance in every movement - pick robots offer:

Versatility: gripping everything from food to heavy goods
High precision: AI recognizes shape, position and optimum gripping position
Flexibility: adaptable gripping systems for maximum article variety
Efficiency: continuous operation with consistently high performance
Relief: employees are replaced for monotonous tasks
Limiting factor: only the feeder - not the robot itself

3D representation of a palletizing robot on an automated conveyor line with cartons and containers

Palettier- und Depalettierroboter

Automated palletizing cell with gripper robot for plastic containers in a modern intralogistics system with conveyor technology

Efficient stacking and destacking of different types of goods
Automated sorting directly into storage compartments or onto conveyor technology
Flexible adaptation to product formats, packaging types and industry standards
Scalable operation thanks to parallel robot stations
Safe processes: reduces physical strain and sources of error
Focus: Automated pallet handling with maximum process reliability

Performance in every grip - palletizing robots offer:

Space optimization: intelligent stacking patterns for stable pallets
High level of safety: less manual intervention, lower risk of injury
Consistent quality: reliable with high quantities
Flexibility: suitable for food, pharmaceuticals, beverages and much more
Precise sensor technology: recognizes size, weight and packaging type
Limiting factor: only the pallet infeed - not the robot itself

3D model of a gantry robot for pallet handling in an automated warehouse environment with stacking blocks and load carriers

Shelf-to-Person-Systeme

Autonomous transport vehicle (AMR) transports shelving unit with containers in shelf-to-person

Robots bring complete shelves directly to the picking station
Ergonomic operation without walking distances or bending down
Parallel order processing possible at several stations
High flexibility with changing product ranges and fluctuations in demand
Scalable performance thanks to additional robots and stations
Focus: Increased efficiency through dynamic goods-to-person logic

Direct performance - shelf-to-person systems offer:

Maximum ergonomics: the workstation comes to the employee
High speed: reduced picking times thanks to order bundling
Flexibility: ideal for dynamic product ranges and seasonal peaks
Modular design: grows with increasing storage requirements
Relief: robots take over transportation and shelf approach
Limiting factor: only the station - not the system itself

3D model of an automated shelf-to-person system with mobile robots, storage racks and integrated conveyor technology

Rackbot-Systeme

Rackbot system with autonomous shelf robot in small parts warehouse, transports shelf with gray containers through narrow storage aisle

Autonomous picking directly from the shelf - without static conveyor technology
Intelligent navigation through all storage zones - even in narrow aisles
Flexible use for a wide range of industries and article types
Consolidation of orders directly during the journey
Scalable with additional robots - without structural interventions
Focus: Increased efficiency through mobile intelligence in the warehouse

Performance on every meter - Rackbot systems offer:

Direct picking: picking items on the shelf - without detours
Industry diversity: ideal for food, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and more
Material flow optimization: AI selects the fastest route to packaging
Flexibility: adaptable to changing product ranges and layouts
Continuous operation: efficient even with high order density
Limiting factor: only the pick frequency - not the robot itself

3D representation of a rackbot system with autonomous shelf robot and storage wall with blue bins

Skypod-System von Exotec

Photo of an Exotec Skypod robot in the automated container warehouse storing or retrieving a gray plastic container

Three-dimensional storage robotics for maximum space utilization
Skypods move independently on the floor and at shelf height
Easy integration into existing warehouse layouts without conversion
Modularly expandable - systems grow with demand
Highly dynamic with simultaneous access to many items
Focus: scalable high-performance solution for modern intralogistics

Performance in a new dimension - Skypod system from Exotec offers:

3D travel paths: vertical and horizontal - without congestion or bottlenecks
Scalability: easy to expand with additional Skypods and shelves
Fast commissioning: minimum intervention, maximum effect
Efficiency: autonomous robots with intelligent traffic management
Flexibility: ideal for e-commerce, retail and mixed assortments
You can find more information here.

3D representation of an Exotec Skypod system with autonomous robots, vertical storage racks and goods-to-person workstations

Autonomes Fahren

Autonomous transport vehicle (AGV) with red plastic containers in a modern production environment

Automated flow of goods along defined routes in the warehouse or production area
Reliable navigation via laser, magnetic track or optical guidance
Constant performance with high loads and in continuous operation
Wide range of vehicle types for pallets, containers or special load carriers
Seamless integration into existing processes and IT systems
Focus: safe, efficient and repeatable transport processes

Performance on track - AGV systems offer:

High precision: ideal for continuous production supply
Robust technology: designed for continuous use in industrial environments
Flexibility: can be used for pallets, containers and more
Safe operation: clear route guidance avoids collisions
Automation: reduces manual transportation to a minimum
Further information can be found here.

3D representation of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) with fork module and loaded pallet in Unitechnik design

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 complement 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.

Robotics in intralogistics - white paper and study

Study

Survey results (german)

White Paper

Robotics in intralogistics - study & guide

Your contact persons

M. Yusuf Kaya

Key Account Manager
Logistics Systems

T +49 2261 987-524
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Andreas Klee

Key Account Manager
Logistics Systems

T +49 2261 987-525
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Christian Mertens

Key Account Manager
Logistics Systems

T +49 2261 987-502
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Michael Huhn

Head of Sales
Authorized signatory

T +49 2261 987-518
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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