Issue 27 | 22.07.2024

Choosing the right use case for Mobile Robots is crucial for the success of automation projects in logistics. This guide outlines the top use cases for Mobile Robots, providing detailed explanations and considerations for each scenario. By understanding these applications, businesses can optimize their automation strategies and enhance operational efficiency. 

Small and Light Forklifts (up to 1 Ton, 1 Meter High)

• Floor-to-Floor Transport:
  • Transport a pallet from one position on the floor to another.
  • No additional hardware is required, making it simple and efficient.
  • Ideal for environments with standardized pallet dimensions.
     
• Conveyor Belt to Conveyor Belt:
  • Move pallets from one conveyor belt to another or between a conveyor belt and the floor.
  • Ensures smooth transitions in automated workflows.
  • Suitable for facilities with existing conveyor systems.
     
• Standard Pallets:
  • Effective with Euro or US standard pallets, considering open or closed pallet bases.
  • Pallets must be in good condition to ensure smooth handling.
  • Scissor lift mechanisms are less suitable for closed pallets due to entry requirements.

Heavy Forklifts (1.5 to 2 Tons, up to 6 Meters High)

• High Lift Operations:
  • Lifting pallets up to 6 meters high.
  • Requires perfect, undamaged pallets to avoid stoppages.
  • Suitable for operations needing higher storage and retrieval.
     
• Diverse Pallet Handling:
  • Can handle multiple types of pallets with proper training and configuration.
  • Necessary to train the system for each pallet type to ensure reliability.
  • Often used in environments with varying pallet standards.
     
• Heavy and Tall Load Transport:
  • Ideal for transporting heavier and larger loads.
  • Must ensure aisle and layout suitability for large machines.
  • Provides flexibility for different load types and heights.

Under Rider AGVs

• Pallet Transport on Stations:
  • Transports pallets placed on elevated stations.
  • Can handle weights up to 1.5 tons, with specialized versions for heavier loads.
  • Ensures efficient pallet movements within warehouses.
     
• Cart Transport:
  • Moves various types of carts by driving under them and lifting.
  • Suitable for environments with compatible cart heights.
  • Flexible solution for transporting different loads.
     
• Warehouse and E-commerce Applications:
  • Frequently used in large warehouses like those of Amazon and Alibaba.
  • Effective for transporting items stored in standardized shelving units.
  • Provides high flexibility and efficiency in automated warehouse systems.

Dolly AGVs

• Transport of Boxes placed on a “Dolly”
  • Boxes on dollies are widely spread in the automotive industry. 
  • Both boxes and dollies have standardized measures.
  • The Mobile Robots for this type of transports are mature and already widely used in the automotive industry. 

Conclusion:

Choosing a suitable use case for Mobile Robots is essential for achieving effective and sustainable automation. By concentrating on straightforward applications such as floor-to-floor pallet movement, box transportation, and standardized pallet management, companies can enhance their logistics processes quickly and smoothly. And not only this … the successful implementation of the first Mobile Robot use case will greatly support the topic of Change Management in your organization and help you to catch tailwind for further initiatives.