Published on: November 15, 2024 / Update from: November 15, 2024 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Warehouse logistics: Which logistics robots are known for their innovations – creative image: Xpert.Digital
Innovations in logistics robotics: An overview of leading technologies and developments
Innovation drivers in the warehouse: The future with logistics robots
The logistics industry is facing major challenges, particularly due to growing e-commerce, the shortage of skilled workers and increasing demands for efficiency and flexibility. In order to meet these requirements, innovative logistics robots are playing an increasingly important role. From autonomous mobile robots (AMR) to humanoid robots, developments in robotics are revolutionizing the way goods are stored, picked and transported. In this article, we take a look at some of the most innovative logistics robots currently on the market.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)
Autonomous mobile robots (AMR) have become an integral part of modern logistics centers. These robots navigate independently through warehouses and carry out transport tasks without relying on permanently installed infrastructure such as rails or conveyor belts.
Move by Robots by IGZ
An outstanding example of the use of AMR is the Move by Robots solution from IGZ, which was awarded the *German Innovation Award* in 2024. This platform seamlessly integrates AMR into SAP-based warehouse management systems (SAP EWM/MFS) and thus enables efficient control of all warehouse transports. Using artificial intelligence, the system optimizes the robots’ routes, prevents traffic jams and ensures predictive maintenance of the vehicles. This leads to an increase in performance of up to 20% while at the same time reducing investment costs by 15%.
KMP 3000P from KUKA
Another innovative AMR system is the KMP 3000P platform from KUKA. This mobile platform can transport loads of up to three tons and move in all directions. Using 3D cameras and laser scanners, the robot navigates safely through work environments, even when people are nearby. The platform is operational around the clock and can work continuously thanks to an inductive charging concept.
Interrolls AMR with conveyor belt integration
Interroll has developed a particularly innovative solution in which an AMR is equipped with a conveyor belt. This combination makes it possible to transport goods directly from the robot to another conveyor belt. Thanks to a plug-and-play interface, the system can be easily integrated into existing logistics environments.
Humanoid logistics robots
In addition to the classic AMR, there are also humanoid robots that were specifically developed for flexible tasks in logistics.
Reflex robot from Reflex Robotics
The Reflex Robot is a multi-purpose humanoid robot characterized by its ability to perform various tasks autonomously. This robot is currently being tested in a pilot project by US logistics provider GXO Logistics. The Reflex robot can transport containers, pick products and move seamlessly between different tasks. What is particularly innovative is its ability to become more autonomous over time by observing human work processes.
Picking robots
Order picking is a central task in every warehouse operation. Specialized robots are increasingly being used here to make this task more efficient.
Brightpick autopicker
The Brightpick Autopicker is the world's first autonomous mobile picking robot that can pick orders directly in the warehouse aisles. The robot was awarded “Best Product” at LogiMAT in 2024 and can be used in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals or electronics. It works with standard shelves and containers, enabling quick integration into existing systems.
Bin-to-picker AMR from Dematic
Dematic has developed a new bin-to-picker solution that allows AMR to automatically pick bins from shelves and transport them to the picking station. This solution integrates modern software to control robot movements in the warehouse and ensures efficient order processing.
Cobots (collaborative robots)
Cobots are designed to work directly with people and support their workflows.
AMC-H from 4am Robotics
The Cobot AMC-H from 4am Robotics is an autonomous mobile cobot with a gripper arm that has a reach of two meters and can lift loads up to 15 kilograms. The cobot uses advanced SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to move safely in complex environments. It can pick both up and down and offers different gripping options for different process requirements.
Agile Robots and Bär Automation
Agile Robots worked with Bär Automation to develop a solution in which a lightweight cobot is mounted on an AMR. This combination allows the cobot to move freely around the warehouse and complete tasks such as picking or packaging more efficiently.
Innovations in the area of crossdocking
Crossdocking is a process in which goods are routed directly from incoming goods to outgoing goods without intermediate storage.
cv.CROSSDOCK by Cellumation
The Bremen company Cellumation has developed an innovative solution for crossdocking with its cv.CROSSDOCK. The system consists of hexagonal robot cells with omnidirectional wheels (omniwheels) that can sort objects precisely. An integrated 3D camera detects the size and height of the objects and controls their movement via the system. This technology makes it possible to design nodes in the material flow more efficiently.
Innovations in the field of logistics robotics
Innovations in the field of logistics robotics are advancing rapidly and offer companies numerous opportunities to optimize their processes. Autonomous mobile robots such as Move by Robots or KMP 3000P, humanoid robots such as Reflex, as well as specialized picking and cross-docking solutions such as Brightpick Autopicker or cv.CROSSDOCK help make logistics processes more efficient and flexible.
By using these technologies, companies can not only increase their productivity, but also reduce costs and relieve their employees - a crucial step given the increasing shortage of skilled workers in many industries.
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