Issue 12 | 20.04.2024

Mobile robots are at the forefront of modern industrial logistics. From semiconductors to steel coils, their adaptability allows for efficient movement of various loads, optimizing operations in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. In this article, we explore this adaptability in more depth to provide you with insights on what mobile robots can transport to help you find use-cases in your facility: 

First, let’s take a look at the relevant mobile robot categories: 

1. Goods-to-Person applications vs. Mobile Industrial Robots.

Goods-to-person applications encompass mobile robots used in e-commerce or fulfillment centers, where they transport items to human operators for picking. This category is not discussed in this article. For more information on this mobile robots category, we can highly recommend the following report by STIQ. 

Mobile Industrial Robots on the other hand operate in settings like production plants, warehouses, and distribution centers, focusing on conveyance from one point to another. This mobile robot category is our focus for this article. 

Next, let’s discuss the difference between lifting and towing: 

2. Lifting vs. Towing:

Lifting: Involves raising loads off the ground, typically using forks or platforms and transporting them from one location to another.

Towing: Involves pulling or towing loads behind the robot, which requires specialized attachments or mechanisms for secure connection to the load.

After clarifying this important difference in the way goods can be transported by Mobile Industrial Robots, let’s take a closer look at the main types in this robot category and their transportation capabilities: 

3. Types of Mobile Industrial Robots:

Under-riders: These are autonomous vehicles designed specifically as mobile robots. They cannot be operated manually. This robot type is capable of lifting loads and can be used to handle various materials, from small boxes to full pallets weighing up to 1.5 tons. In addition to that, Under-riders can also be used for towing of weights up to 5 tons, making them very versatile devices. No wonder they are the most commonly used type of AGV/AMR on the market. 

Forklifts: Both traditional forklifts retrofitted with automation and newer, smaller models designed solely as mobile robots fall into this category. They can lift loads and operate in automated fashion, with some newer models lacking manual operation options entirely. Forklifts are not designed to tow goods. 

Tuggers: These robots are specialized in pulling or towing loads, such as metal trolleys or carts. They are suitable for applications like material replenishment or "milk runs" within industrial environments. This type is not designed to lift goods. 

Finally let’s take a closer look at different weight categories which those types of Mobile Industrial Robots can cover. This will provide us the opportunity to also talk about different load carriers that are typically handled in each category: 

4. Weight Categories & Load Carriers:

0 to 100 kg: Small items like plastic boxes, or blister packs holding e.g. semiconductors. Typically transported by Under-riders. 

100 to 500 kg: Different pallets, half pallets, metal cages, and dollies with lighter loads. Typically transported by Under-riders or Forklift Robots

500 to 1,500 kg: Different pallets, finished goods and components transported in industrial settings. Typically transported by Under-riders, Forklifts and Tugger Robots. This is the most common weight category for Industrial Mobile Robots. You will find a lot of choice and many successful use-case in this weight category. We recommend to start your automation journey here. 

Above 1,500 kg: Special racks to transport e.g. car bodies, steel coils, etc. Typically transported by Under-riders, Forklifts and Tugger Robots. This weight category usually requires tailor-made Mobile Industrial Robots which are not off the shelf. Their implementation is connected with additional safety concerns and higher costs.

Conclusion:

Mobile Industrial Robots have the capability to transport a wide range of items in industrial environments, including small items, pallets, and even heavy loads, depending on their design and specifications. Understanding the distinctions between different types of mobile robots and their capabilities is essential for optimizing logistics operations and choosing the right solution for specific applications.