A Glimpse at the Future of Warehouse Robotics

When the science fiction writers of decades past envisioned the future, there were often robots involved. Fast-forward to today, and you can definitely see robotics in use in many different areas of life—from robot-assisted surgeries to robotic vacuum cleaners. You’ll even find high- tech robotics in some warehouses and distribution centers. They have the potential to increase efficiency while reducing costs and passing the savings along to the vendors.

Automated Guided Vehicles

Say goodbye to forklifts. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are capable of autonomously moving inventory from one location to another within the warehouse. AGVs and their smaller counterparts, automated guided carts (AGCs), typically follow the path of a magnetic track laid out around the facility. AGVs are also programmed with a map of the facility that includes the locations for the inventory.

Autonomous Mobile Robots

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are similar to AGVs. However, they are smaller and they use sensor technology to navigate, rather than pre-laid magnetic tracks. Because of their sensor technology and their internally programmed maps, AMRs can create their own routes around the warehouse. When necessary, they can even reroute themselves to avoid obstacles. AMRs can
assist human workers with the picking and sorting processes. They can even perform inventory checks, thanks to their ability to scan inventory with RFID sensors.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems

As the name suggests, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) place inventory in storage and pull it out of storage. There are different forms of AS/RS platforms. For example, this technology might take the form of a crane or a shuttle on a fixed track. Another example of an AS/RS is the Skypod, which is an aisle-climbing robot that retrieves requested inventory.

If you’re looking for a secure facility in which to store your excess inventory, look no further than Xcel Delivery Services. Our distribution center in Tucson is a high-tech, fully secure facility that offers inventory storage by open square foot or rack. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our team at (520) 355-4897.

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