Loading
Phone +44 116 243 6250 Email enquiries@guidanceautomation.com
Guidance Automation
  • Solutions
    • Autonomous Material Transportation
      • Autonomous Mobile Robot Tops & Modules
      • OTTO 100
      • OTTO 750
      • OTTO 1500
      • Beacon
    • Light-Directed Material Handling
      • Pick to Light Systems
      • Put to Light System
    • Warehouse Execution and Control Systems
  • Industries
    • Fulfilment/eCommerce
    • Manufacturing
    • Warehousing
  • Resources
    • Case Studies
    • Customer Support
    • Datasheets
    • News & Blog
    • Operation Manuals
    • Automation Trends
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Free AMR Trial
  • Menu Menu
Warehouse Robotics

Warehouse Robotics: Everything You Need to Know

July 1, 2022/in Blog

Warehouse environments have no doubt been transformed by the use of automation technology. In recent years in particular, and thanks to advancements in the area, many industry sectors have come to rely on autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) within their warehouse management system and wider supply chain as a route to improved hygiene, optimum safety, increased efficiency, and lower costs.

The use of autonomous mobile robots and guided vehicles has increased further still in light of the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as more recent international and political supply chain issues.

In this guide, we delve deeper into the use of robotics within warehouse environments, from its very beginnings to the benefits harnessed by the warehouse managers of today.

The history of robots used in the supply chain

The power of digitalisation has been felt across every industry sector in one way or another, with the World Wide Web noted as the principle force for driving change in both our professional and personal lives.

On a personal level, how we shop for and acquire the goods and services that are essential to our everyday lives has changed. Consumers now prefer to shop online for the vast majority of their goods and services, and this has driven warehouse environments and distribution centres to change the way they do things.

In their quest for faster order picking and packing, and even speedier delivery times, automation technology has become an essential part of the supply chain. Contrary to popular belief however the use of autonomous mobile robots and guided vehicles predates that of the internet by quite some way.

The development of the very first industrial robot began in 1954. This breakthrough device made its way onto the manufacturing production line two years later with its patent granted in 1961. It was designed to move material just a dozen feet, but sparked the development of other autonomous mobile robots with much more sophisticated capabilities.

These earlier robots evolved dramatically in the years that followed. Their successors used larger robotic arms to take on tasks like programming as well as job roles that were deemed dangerous or harmful such as welding and heavy lifting.

Why are companies choosing to use robots in their warehouses?

Since the introduction of the very first robot in the 1950s, technology has come a long way. Thanks to the development and incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the inclusion of improved sensors and response capabilities, and the integration of warehouse management system software, autonomous mobile robots and guided vehicles are regularly being selected to form part of warehousing teams.

Autonomous mobile robots and guided vehicles have proved particularly beneficial in undertaking repetitive, predictable tasks that don’t require the need for human interference or human skills like reasoning and problem solving.

What types of warehouse robotics are there?

Today, there is a broad range of automation technology to explore. These automated solutions undertake various roles within warehouse environments, including order picking and inventory processing.

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), goods-to-person (G2P) technology, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated guided carts (AGCs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), articulated robotic arms, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are all commonly found in warehouse environments serving multiple industry sectors.

What are the benefits of automation in warehouses?

The safety element of using automation technology over humans is often identified as the main advantage. The use of sensors and their response capabilities make warehouse robots inherently safer meaning less risk for warehouse managers and the wider workforce.

The safety credentials of using automated systems are however just the beginning. Warehouse environments can look forward to increased productivity and efficiency, greater flexibility and versatility, highly scalable solutions that grow with the business, and onboard intelligence that is simple to integrate and easy to redeploy.

Many warehouses using robotics also benefit from lower operational costs, with operatives hired to manage and maintain such systems adding significant value to the wider brand.

How do robots improve performance in warehouses?

The use of robotics means better performance and lower error rates, two plus-points that could equate to greater customer satisfaction and higher profit margins. A more cohesive, consistent supply chain will work wonders for your reputation too, providing optimal routes for expansion in your current marketplace or growth in other areas if you wish to extend operations regionally, nationally or even globally.

Whether going fully or partially automated, the introduction of warehouse robotics provides an adaptable workforce that grows with your business wherever you plan on taking your organisation in the short or long term.

To discuss how Guidance Automation can help with your warehouse operations get in touch today:

Call us on: +44 116 243 6250

Alternatively: Fill out the form on our contact page

 

 

 

https://www.guidanceautomation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/robot-2363400_640.jpg 479 640 Scott Hunt /wp-content/uploads/2022/12/logo-strapline.png Scott Hunt2022-07-01 14:06:292022-12-23 13:31:52Warehouse Robotics: Everything You Need to Know

Latest News

  • OTTO 1500 Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) moving pallets in a warehouse. An example of manufacturing automations and autonomous material handling.Guidance Automation Becomes the First UK Reseller of OTTO Motors’ Autonomous Mobile RobotsSeptember 7, 2022
  • The Guidance Automation team at the Wishes 4 Kids Charity Golf Day at Cosby Golf ClubGuidance Automation supports charity golf dayJune 29, 2022
  • Tomorrow's Warehouse Event LogoGuidance Automation at Tomorrow’s Warehouse EventMay 19, 2022
  • Callum Clarke, Automation Software Engineer at Guidance Automation LtdEmployee Spotlight: Callum Clarke, Automation Software EngineerMarch 1, 2022
  • Ollie Sharratt, Production Engineer, Guidance AutomationFrom Apprentice to Automation Production Engineer: National Apprenticeship Week 2022February 9, 2022

Latest Blog

  • 5 Key Lessons from the Global Industrial Robotics SurveyMarch 24, 2023
  • Light-Directed Material Handling: The Difference Between Pick-to-Light and Put-to-LightMarch 10, 2023
  • Can Small Businesses Afford Not to Automate?February 24, 2023
  • 6 Signs Your Business Can Reap the Benefits of Autonomous Mobile Robots in 2023February 10, 2023
  • Otto 750 Autonomous Mobile RobotHow Autonomous Mobile Robots Can Benefit Your Small BusinessJanuary 27, 2023

Contact Us

+44 116 243 6250
enquiries@guidanceautomation.com

Social Media

Linkedin Twitter

Visit Us

Guidance Automation Ltd
Unit 2 Meridian South
Meridian Business Park
Leicester
LE19 1WY
United Kingdom

View Map

Additional Links

Site Map
Privacy & Cookie Policy

©2023 Guidance Automation Ltd | Company Registered in England No. 9200454

Proudly part of Matthews International

Quick Enquiry

Please fill in the form below and a member of our team will be in touch shortly to assist.




    Yes, I want to receive Guidance Automation's e-Newsletters

    Quick Enquiry
    Guidance Automation supports charity golf dayThe Guidance Automation team at the Wishes 4 Kids Charity Golf Day at Cosby Golf Club6 Ways Autonomous Mobile Robots are Transforming Warehouses

    This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

    Accept Reject


    How we use cookies

    We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

    Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

    Essential Website Cookies

    These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

    Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

    We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

    We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

    Other external services

    We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

    Google Webfont Settings:

    Google Map Settings:

    Google reCaptcha Settings:

    Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

    Privacy Policy

    You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

    Guidance Automation Privacy and Cookie Policy
    Accept settingsHide notification only