Autonomous Mobile Robots for Your Warehouse
Introducing the Next Generation of Skypod® robots — a leap forward in elegant warehouse robotics. With a unique design and the ability to move in three dimensions, Skypod robots seamlessly integrate into your operations to transform workflows and maximize efficiency.
Enhance Efficiency and Flexibility
Performance
Achieve under 2-minute response times for any order. Skypod® robots navigate the system by moving under and climbing racks to access any container at any time without blocking chimneys or shuffling inventory. They carry up to 30kg and handle Exotec® bins or trays which can accommodate various container types.
Accuracy
By bringing inventory bins and fulfillment containers directly to the operator, the robots facilitate one-to-one picking, minimizing human error. Advanced line tracking localization ensures precise movements and accurate placement, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of your operations.
Scalability
Expand your fleet by adding more Skypod® robots as needed. Within just 10 minutes, new robots can be integrated into existing operations without extensive setup or interruption. Each robot operates independently, ensuring continuous operation without disruption, making it simple to scale from small operations to large-scale distribution centers.
Maximized Warehouse Density
With an innovative design, Skypod® robots are engineered to navigate under racks and climb adjacent chimneys to access any tray or bin. These robots can carry a variety of bins and trays, maximizing space and storage density while providing more storage locations within the same footprint.
Flexible Demand Solutions
Peak Season Readiness
Expand your operations with flexibility without significant upfront investments or downtime. Our rental options provide additional robots during peak seasons, offering a cost-effective and fast solution to meet increased demand without delays.
Risk-Free Expansion
Experiment with scaling your warehouse operations risk-free. Renting Skypod® robots allows you to test and optimize your system’s capacity without committing to permanent hardware purchases. This flexibility enables you to adapt swiftly to market changes and business needs.
Comprehensive Support
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with our comprehensive support package. Our rental agreements include maintenance, upgrades, and 24/7 technical assistance, ensuring that your operations run smoothly and efficiently at all times. Learn more about the maintenance of our systems.
Technical Specifications
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight Capacity | 30 kg (66 lbs) |
| Container Load Type | Exotec® bins or tray Custom customer containers |
| Drive | 4-wheel drive |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +40°C (32° to 104°F) |
| Speed | Up to 4 m/s (8.9 mph) |
| Max Climbing Height | Up to 14 meters (45.9 feet) |
| Ability to Drive Under Rack | Yes, in any direction |
Industry Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of autonomous mobile robots?
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) bring about a significant enhancement in warehouse operations by automating material handling and transportation tasks. The benefits include increased operational efficiency, reduced labor costs, and improved safety by minimizing manual handling of goods. AMRs also bring a level of flexibility that’s vital in today’s business environment as they can accommodate sudden changes within your business model, evolving market trends, and inevitable supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, these advanced systems contribute to faster order fulfillment and better space utilization, defining a new standard in warehouse automation. To delve deeper into how AMRs and robotic AS/RS systems are transforming warehouse operations and enhancing efficiency, safety, and productivity, we invite you to read our in-depth article, Transforming Warehouse Operations with Robotic AS/RS.
What are the key differences between autonomous mobile robots and traditional forms of warehouse automation?
The key differences lie in flexibility, intelligence, and ease of integration. Unlike traditional forms of warehouse automation, autonomous mobile robots can navigate dynamically in a warehouse environment without needing fixed infrastructure like tracks, wires, or heavy or complex machinery. A significant feature of AMRs is their ability to update and adjust their operations in real-time. This is particularly beneficial when managing urgent orders, as the system can re-prioritize tasks to accommodate these high-priority needs without human intervention. This capability, integral to the Skypod system, enhances operational efficiency and flexibility, making automated warehouse robots a more responsive and adaptable solution than traditional warehouse automation forms.
Do the robots require downtime to charge?
Our Skypod robots are designed for high efficiency and minimal charging downtime. Each lightweight robot requires only about 5 minutes of charging per hour. This is accomplished through strategically placed charging boosters within the system, allowing the robots to charge autonomously without human intervention. Furthermore, the system is configured to ensure that this charging process does not negatively impact throughput. An innovative feature of our robots is their ability to charge while braking and descending the racks, enhancing energy efficiency. This design ensures continuous operation and high productivity, with the charging process seamlessly integrated into the system’s workflow.
How do the robots navigate throughout the system?
Deepsky, our end-to-end warehouse software orchestrates every element of the Skypod system, including the robots, and connects it with third-party equipment. Additionally, the robots are able to drive beneath the racks, utilizing an advanced line following system.
Are Skypod® system robots built in-house?
Yes, the robots used in the Skypod system are a proprietary Exotec technology, uniquely designed and built in-house. Our approach to creating these robots is not just an iteration of existing AS/RS designs; it’s an invention of a new, more elegant solution. Each component of the Skypod system is built to be simple yet effective, embodying what we at Exotec believe is the future of warehouse automation – modular, performant, and reliable. We understand the complexities of warehouse operations and are committed to not adding to them. Our focus is on providing products, not lengthy projects. We aim for solutions that are straightforward to deploy, operate, maintain, and scale. This philosophy is what defines “elegance” at Exotec. To learn more about our approach to warehouse automation and the philosophy behind our Skypod system, we encourage you to read our article, Elegant Robotics: The Future of Warehouse Automation.
Connect With Us
Ready to transform your warehouse operations? Contact us today to learn more about the Skypod system.