Autonomous mobile robots for your warehouse
The Skypod
The Skypod® assists operators in preparing orders by transporting goods that are stored inside bins or trays between our racks and picking stations.
These autonomous mobile robots (AMR), or automated warehouse robots, are programmed to prioritize the most urgent orders received from our software to ensure the fastest and most efficient processing of orders.
Our Skypods operate in an enclosed and human-free environment. This reduces the risks associated with pedestrian traffic in the warehouse and drastically improves site productivity. As your operations change, our Skypod robots can be added or removed from your system within minutes to support throughput needs without interruption.
Fast
Can travel up to 4 m/s (13 ft/s) to access any item in the system within two minutes.
Agile
Can move in three dimensions without the need for complicated infrastructure.
Adaptable
Can operate in both chilled and ambient temperature environments.
Maximizing Your Benefits
All SKUs are quickly accessible
Our agile warehouse robots can retrieve any bins or trays stored within the system in less than two minutes. No slow, complex machinery. No inefficient digging and stacking of goods. Each system is designed with the appropriate number of robots to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Reduce wasted space
Skypod robots can climb up to 12 meters (39ft), allowing you to utilize every inch of your warehouse space from floor to ceiling. Stock more items in your warehouse by building up instead of out.
Quickly add more robots
As your business needs change, you can purchase additional robots to enhance your automated workforce. These additional robots can be added within minutes of their arrival without interruption.
They can also be rented to help you address peak season demands, high inventory periods, or business ramp-ups.
| Specifications | Measurements (metric) | Measurements (imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 765 x 660 x 390mm | 30.1 x 25.9 x 15.3in |
| Payload | 30kg | 66.4lb |
| Operating Temperature | 0° to 40°C | 32° to 104°F |
| Battery Charging Time | 5 minutes every hour |
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 dynamic 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, thereby 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 system’s 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 equipped with LIDAR, which utilizes laser light to measure distances and generate precise, three-dimensional maps of the surrounding environment.
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.
Discover more products within the Skypod system:
Let’s get efficient
Reach out to our team to learn how our autonomous mobile robots can transform your warehouse.