Robotic Automation Systems
The right level of independence for your operation
Automated robotic systems, such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), industrial robotics, and cobots (collaborative robots), have a wide variety of applications and can be custom designed to bring the most value to your operation. At ISD, we don’t push one solution. Instead, we get to know each customer’s needs so we can design custom, cost-effective robotic automation systems.
Fewer workers to meet more demand
Consumers are buying more goods and expecting those goods to be more customized. In response, warehouses are stocking extra SKUs and manufacturers are expanding their production lines. But with continued labor shortages, operations managers need to be creative about how they meet demand. Robotic automation systems can help solve the gap.
Making robotics accessible
AMRs are more affordable than you think. Robotic solutions aren’t only for multinational corporations who can afford major investments. Robotics technologies vary widely in complexity, ranging from rudimentary machines performing repetitive tasks, such as simple pick-and-place operations, to advanced robotic systems equipped with sophisticated sensors and artificial intelligence, enabling them to execute complex tasks like precision assembly in manufacturing lines. We’ll calculate the ROI and be transparent about what makes sense to integrate into your operation.
Increasing efficiency and safety
Manufacturing and distribution are just two industries that can reap the benefits of robotic automation systems that reduce downtime, increase productivity, solve labor challenges, and protect human workers. Robotic automation systems can level up your operations without requiring you to retool your space — and offer more consistency than you’ll be able to hire for.
Transport, pick, pack, sort, ship with robotic automation systems
Flexible solutions to operational challenges
One of the fastest ways to provide more value to your customers is to improve your material handling. And that doesn’t always mean adding more square footage or finding more workers. Robotic automation systems can handle almost anything your operation may require. Some of the robotic systems ISD works with include:
AMRs
Autonomous mobile robots
Autonomous mobile robots work to transport products or materials from one location to another using dynamic pathways that can avoid obstacles like workers or other vehicles. The use of precision photo eyes and proximity sensors allow for fast and consistent cycle times.
Traditional industrial robotics can be combined with AMRs to create a mobile, high functioning automated machine. Some areas where AMRs may be integrated include shipping systems, order picking and fulfillment, lineside delivery, storage systems, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and automatic truck loading and unloading.
AGVs
Automated guided vehicles
Automated guided vehicles transport products or materials from one location to another using fixed guided pathways. Unlike an AMR that will dynamically change its route if it comes into proximity of an obstacle, an AGV will stop and wait for an obstacle to clear from its programmed route.
AGVs are best suitable for frequently repeated travel to and from fixed locations. Like an AMR, traditional industrial robotics can be combined with AGVs to create mobile, high functioning automated machines. Some systems that may gain value from AGVs include shipping systems, order picking and fulfillment, lineside delivery, storage systems, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and automatic truck loading and unloading.
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Picking, Packing, Palletization, Loading, Unloading
Industrial Robotics
Industrial Robotics includes a wide variety of applications and technologies. Generally, these robots will fall under one of three categories:
Picking, Packing, Palletization, Loading, Unloading
Picking, packing, and order processing
Picking, packing, and order processing: Robots fitted with custom end of arm tooling (EOAT) can be used for order-picking and fulfillment systems, performing tasks such as case picking, piece picking, and order packing.
Picking, Packing, Palletization, Loading, Unloading
Palletization
Robots designed to position or stack packages, products, and materials on pallets can be used to prepare goods for shipping or remove packages, products, and materials from pallets to induct items into the receiving process.
Picking, Packing, Palletization, Loading, Unloading
Loading and unloading
Robots made to pick up items or pallets and move those items to a different location are sometimes referred to as pick-and-place robots. Some applications for these robots include automatic truck loading and unloading, machine tending, and assembly.
Collaborative Robots
Cobots
Cobots, or collaborative robots, are intended to work side-by-side with operators without the requirement of safety fencing around the robot. These robots can bring great value in any operation as they can be designed with the same capabilities as any industrial robot, yet require a smaller footprint and have the flexibility to work with operators. Applications could include order-picking and fulfillment systems, shipping systems, automatic truck loading and unloading, machine tending, assembly, and more.
Are robots right for your operation?
Robotic automation systems reduce time- and labor-intensive tasks, allowing you to boost productivity without adding more space or more workers. Are they right for your warehouse operations?
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Related Resources
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Your Complete Guide to Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
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Will Automation Pay Off? 3 Ways to Reduce Risk and Increase Predictability
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3 Ways Manufacturing Automation Keeps Your Facility More Competitive
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Embracing Warehouse Automation and Technology to Solve Labor Challenges and Create Better Jobs
Related Solutions
Automated Storage & Retrieval
Order Picking & Fulfillment
Conveyor Systems
Packing Systems
Shipping Systems
Storage
Software Systems
Talk with an Automation Expert
Let automation do the work
Robotics solutions for a range of tasks. Robotic automation systems are just one of many options of solutions to material handling problems. At ISD, we love a good operational puzzle — and we’re ready to help you solve yours, with or without robots.
Let’s Talk About Your Operation