Processes to automate
Clarify whether the priority is tote transport, pallet transport, picking, goods-to-person, parcel sorting, palletizing, depalletizing or operator assistance.
B2B purchase intent
Warehouse Robotics
Warehouse robotics covers mobile robots, automated pallet flows, goods-to-person systems, robotic picking, infrastructure, software integration and implementation services. This page structures RFQ preparation and links to the relevant catalog categories.
Procurement context
- Robotics can support transport of totes, cartons, pallets and heavy loads, but selection depends on the process, layout, load carriers, traffic and human-machine interaction.
- AGV systems are typically used in more controlled guidance and traffic environments, while AMR systems typically use more autonomous navigation and dynamic route planning.
- The final AGV or AMR classification depends on the specific vendor system, infrastructure, integration scope and safety requirements.
- A project should consider charging, docking, power, attachments, safety systems, fleet management, monitoring and integration with WMS, WCS and ERP.
- Before RFQ, prepare load-unit types, weight and size ranges, pickup and drop-off points, aisle widths, storage height, shifts, work environment and service expectations.
Decision questions before RFQ
AGV or AMR
AGV may fit stable routes and controlled traffic; AMR may fit variable layouts and dynamic navigation. The choice should be validated for the specific project.
Pallets and heavy loads
For pallets, compare pallet AGV, pallet AMR, autonomous pallet trucks, autonomous forklifts, reach trucks and loading or unloading systems.
Goods-to-person
Goods-to-person and shelf-to-person bring inventory or carriers to the operator, usually requiring SKU analysis, workstation ergonomics and control-system integration.
Picking and manipulation
Robotic picking, pick-and-place, vision-guided grippers, cobots, palletizing and depalletizing require review of products, packaging and process tolerances.
Infrastructure and safety
Include docking, charging, batteries, route marking, traffic separation, visibility, human interaction zones and project-specific safety analysis.
Software and integrations
Check whether the project needs fleet management, traffic management, monitoring, digital twin, WMS, WCS, ERP and clear data exchange rules.
Warehouse readiness
Readiness may include layout measurements, flow mapping, floor constraints, charging points, network coverage, signage and operating procedures.
Supplier comparison
Compare not only devices, but also audit, concept design, commissioning, SLA, maintenance, training and integrator responsibility.
Related catalog categories
Warehouse robotics and automation
Catalog section for robots, infrastructure, software and robotics services.
Mobile robots AGV / AMR
AGV, AMR, tote and carton transport robots, tugger robots and platform robots.
AGV / AMR for pallets and heavy loads
Pallet transport, autonomous trucks and pallet loading or unloading flows.
Goods-to-person and picking automation
Systems where goods or carriers move to the operator or picking station.
Picking and manipulation robots
Pick-and-place, palletizing, depalletizing, parcel sorting and warehouse cobots.
Exoskeletons and work assistance
Operator-support systems for lifting and repetitive warehouse tasks.
Infrastructure for warehouse robotics
Charging, power, docking, traffic routes, accessories, safety and spare parts.
Robot software and integration
Fleet management, WMS/WCS/ERP integration, monitoring and simulation.
Robotics implementation and maintenance
Audit, concept design, commissioning, process modernization, service and SLA.
AGV — automated guided vehicles
Vehicles for controlled routes and repeatable internal material flows.
AMR — autonomous mobile robots
Mobile robots for more dynamic route planning and variable flows.
Pallet AGV
Automation of stable pallet flows between defined process points.
Autonomous pallet trucks
Pallet movement between receiving, storage, picking and shipping areas.
Shelf-to-person robots
Systems delivering inventory or shelving to an operator or picking station.
Order-picking robots
Automation of picking, placing and assisted order fulfillment.
Palletizing robots
Stacking cartons, totes or products on pallets after product review.
Depalletizing robots
Removing loads from pallets and passing them to downstream process steps.
Passive exoskeletons
Operator support for lifting or sustained postures in warehouse work.
Fleet management AGV / AMR
Robot fleet, task, traffic and system availability management.
Robot integration with WMS / WCS / ERP
Data exchange, transport orders, task statuses and control logic.
Warehouse robotics audit
Process, data and constraint analysis before an investment decision.
Related terms
Order picking
A process that often drives goods-to-person, robotic picking and workstation design.
Euro container
A standardized carrier that may matter in tote and carton transport analysis.
Pallet racking
A reference point for pallet flows and integration with storage areas.
Related solutions
Intralogistics
Intralogistics connects internal transport, storage, picking and material flow inside a facility. This page helps buyers structure equipment and category decisions around flow performance.
Warehouse equipment
Warehouse equipment decisions start with workflows, loads and operator tasks. This page structures procurement choices for racking, containers, workstations and warehouse infrastructure.
Picking and packing
Picking and packing zones directly affect order throughput, operator ergonomics and dispatch quality. This page structures equipment decisions for repeatable warehouse workstations.
E-commerce warehouse
E-commerce logistics requires high flexibility, fast order picking, and efficient returns management. This page coordinates purchasing decisions for shelving systems, picking carts, packing stations, and plastic bins.
Distribution center
Distribution centers rely on high-volume pallet flow, inventory buffering, and efficient cargo consolidation. This page coordinates procurement for selective pallet racks, forklifts, warehouse mezzanines, and aisle marking systems.
Warehouse safety and logistics infrastructure protection
Rack protection, traffic segregation, and appropriate safety equipment reduce collisions and protect warehouse assets. This page guides procurement of column guards, safety barriers, and industrial trucks.
Procurement FAQ
What is the difference between AGV and AMR?
AGV usually operates in a more controlled guidance system, while AMR usually uses more autonomous navigation. The classification should be checked for the actual system and process.
Which warehouse processes can be automated with robots?
Common candidates include tote, carton and pallet transport, picking, goods-to-person, sorting, palletizing, depalletizing and operator assistance.
Can robots transport pallets?
Yes, but selection depends on load weight, dimensions, carriers, pickup and drop-off points, route widths, traffic and system integration.
How does goods-to-person work?
Goods-to-person delivers goods, carriers or shelving to an operator or workstation. It requires analysis of inventory, ergonomics, task sequencing and controls.
What data should be prepared for RFQ?
Prepare load-unit types, weight and size ranges, flows, start and end points, layout, operating environment, WMS/WCS/ERP systems, availability and service requirements.
How do robots integrate with WMS, WCS and ERP?
Integration usually covers orders, statuses, priorities, location mapping, process exceptions and reporting. Scope depends on the warehouse system architecture.
How should warehouse infrastructure be prepared?
Review routes, floor condition, charging points, docking, network, visibility, signage, traffic separation and human-device operating procedures.
Does implementation require safety analysis?
A project-specific safety analysis should be planned because safety depends on layout, traffic, human interaction, devices and procedures.