Issue 28 | 29.07.2024

While Mobile Robots offer exciting possibilities for automation, there are certain scenarios where their use is currently impractical or inefficient. In this discussion, we'll explore some key use cases where Mobile Robots face significant challenges or limitations. Understanding these "no-go" scenarios can help organizations make more informed decisions about when and where to deploy Mobile Robot Technology.

1. Loading and Unloading Trucks

• Lack of Standardization: Trucks often arrive with non-standardized, irregularly stacked loads, making it difficult for mobile robots to handle efficiently. The variability in pallet sizes, load stability, and packaging poses significant challenges.
   
• Complexity of Unloading: The process of unloading, especially with multiple layers of products or irregular configurations, is complex and often requires manual intervention. Current technology struggles to match the speed and adaptability of human operators in such scenarios.
   
• Transport Safety Issues: Robots currently cannot handle tasks related to securing and unsecuring loads, such as removing metal bars or straps. These safety requirements are beyond the capability of most mobile robots today.

2. Outdoor Operations in Severe Weather

• Extreme Weather Challenges: Snow, heavy rain, and other severe weather conditions significantly impact the performance and safety of mobile robots operating outdoors. Snow in particular can halt operations entirely, while rain and fog still pose substantial challenges.
   
• Increased Complexity: Outdoor environments introduce variables like uneven terrain, varying ground conditions, and exposure to elements that complicate navigation and operation for mobile robots.
   
• Limited Current Solutions: While some outdoor use cases like tow tractors are feasible, the technology is not yet advanced enough to handle severe weather conditions reliably. Snow, in particular, remains a major hurdle.

3. Mobile Manipulators (Cobots)

• High Complexity: Mobile manipulators, which combine mobility with robotic arms, involve a high level of complexity and precision that is not yet practical for most applications. They require sophisticated programming and integration, making them costly and complex to implement.
   
• Limited Practical Applications: While theoretically possible, practical use cases for mobile manipulators are limited. They struggle with variability in tasks and environments, making them unsuitable for many real-world scenarios.
   
• Cost and Efficiency Issues: The high cost of mobile manipulators and their slower performance compared to traditional methods makes them an impractical choice for many operations. The technology is still in a developmental phase and not yet suitable for widespread deployment.

Conclusion:

There are specific use cases where the deployment of Mobile Robots may not yet be feasible or cost-effective. Challenges such as handling non-standardized loads, dealing with harsh outdoor conditions, and managing complex tasks with mobile manipulators highlight the current limitations of this technology. By acknowledging these constraints, businesses can better strategize their automation efforts and invest in solutions that align with their operational needs and technological readiness.