As automation becomes more widespread in logistics and warehousing, shelf-moving robots stand out for their remarkable efficiency and versatility. But what exactly is a shelf-moving robot?
Below, we explore how shelf-moving robots work, their key features and benefits, and considerations for implementation.
What is a Shelf-Moving Robot?
Shelf-moving robots are automated goods-to-person systems that retrieve, transport, and store items on shelves and facilitate picking and packing processes in warehouses and distribution centers. Shelf-moving robots have advanced sensors and are powered by intelligent software to efficiently navigate the warehouse and guide highly accurate picking.
Shelf-moving robots are common in industries needing high-volume and high-speed picking and packing, such as e-commerce, retail, and pharmaceutical distribution. These systems help streamline operations and reduce manual labor traditionally required in managing inventory, transporting goods, and picking and packing orders.
Key Features of Shelf-Moving Robots
Shelf-moving robots are compactly designed to efficiently navigate narrow aisles and dynamic environments. Shelf-moving autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) use QR code or SLAM navigation technology to intelligently move through the warehouse, as well as sensors and cameras to identify obstacles and facilitate safe order fulfillment.
These robots are highly flexible and adaptable, handling a variety of product types and configurations, from totes, cartons, and bins to bulk containers and cases. Shelf-moving robots integrate with intelligent workstations, including pick, pack, decant, and delivery stations. These workstations offer advanced features, such as custom shelving and tote options, pick- and put-to-light technology, and touchscreen monitors or voice commands, to enable highly accurate order fulfillment and maximum scalability.
Shelf-moving robots also integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS), which allows them to accurately track inventory as items are stored, retrieved, picked, sorted, packed, and shipped. This makes it easier for warehouses to track out-of-stock situations and replenish items appropriately.
How Shelf-Moving Robots Work
Shelf-moving robots operate in a highly systematic way. Here is an example of how a shelf-moving robot may facilitate efficient order fulfillment.
- Receiving instructions: The shelf-moving robot receives instructions from the WMS about which items to retrieve for a customer order and where the items are located or stored.
- Navigation: The robot uses advanced sensors and QR code or SLAM navigation to move through the warehouse, avoiding obstacles along the way, to find the items it needs to retrieve.
- Item retrieval: Once the items are identified, the robot retrieves them from storage and ensures they are optimally placed on its shelves to safely transport them without damage.
- Transportation and order fulfillment: Once secured, the robot transports the items to the pack station, where the order is organized and prepared for shipping.
- Updating inventory: After completing the task, the robot’s software updates the WMS with the status of the task, including the change in inventory levels for the items that were picked and packed.
Benefits of Shelf-Moving Robots
Enhanced Productivity
One major benefit of shelf-moving robots is their ability to drastically improve warehouse productivity. These robots operate around the clock with consistent performance, eliminating downtime associated with human workers’ hourly shifts and breaks. This optimizes the use of warehouse space and resources.
Increased Scalability
As business demand fluctuates, additional robots can be easily integrated into operations to scale up activities without requiring additional staff or training. This scalability is particularly valuable during peak seasons, such as holidays, when order volumes rise.
Optimized Space
Shelf-moving robots effectively use warehouse space since they store and transport goods vertically. These robots work in compact spaces, allowing businesses to store more goods, manage inventory more efficiently, and save costs associated with additional space.
Improved Precision and Accuracy
With advanced sensors and software, shelf-moving robots reduce the risk of errors in picking, packing, and shipping goods. This level of precision is essential in industries where high accuracy is imperative for safety, such as the pharmaceutical sector.
Data Collection and Analysis
Shelf-moving robots seamlessly integrate with your WMS to collect valuable data on inventory levels, operational efficiency, and workflow patterns. Analyzing this data helps operators make informed decisions, predict maintenance needs, and further optimize processes.
Improved Worker Satisfaction and Safety
Automating repetitive and physically demanding tasks frees up human workers to focus on more valuable and rewarding jobs. By making their work more engaging and rewarding, warehouses often see higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and a more motivated workforce.
Automation also improves safety for human workers. By reducing the need for physically demanding labor, the risk of workplace injury also decreases. This often saves businesses costs associated with workers’ compensation and higher health insurance rates.
Considerations for Implementation
Initial Investment
Purchasing and implementing shelf-moving robots often involves a significant upfront investment, requiring careful budget planning. These costs include the physical hardware as well as the expenses related to software and system integrations. Some robotics partners, like Prime, offer flexible financing and leasing options, so it’s important to evaluate different providers and choose the one that best suits your budgetary needs.
Complex Integration
Integrating shelf-moving robots with existing warehouse systems and other automation tools may be complex and require thoughtful planning and preparation. This process includes both physical installation of the technology and integration with existing workflows, WMS, and other business systems.
Ongoing Maintenance and Upgrades
Shelf-moving robots require regular preventative maintenance checks to ensure optimal performance. As technology advances, these robots may also need upgrades to stay up-to-date with the latest software and hardware. Choosing a robotics partner that offers ongoing maintenance and technical support will help you meet these needs and maintain smooth operations.
Though implementing shelf-moving robots may involve high upfront costs, the increase in precision and efficiency often leads to significant long-term savings. With Prime’s shelf-moving robots, businesses typically see a two to three year payback period due to labor savings, productivity gains, and more.
Final Thoughts
Shelf-moving robots play a crucial role in streamlining key warehouse processes. Warehouses are increasingly seeing the value they provide by improving efficiency, accuracy, and safety in picking and packing operations. Keeping up with the latest advancements in automation is vital for businesses aiming to optimize their operations.
Contact us to schedule your workflow assessment and learn how Prime’s shelf-moving robots can help you optimize operations.
