How to Identify Reliable Mobile Robots

Published on 23.06.2022

Identifying reliable robots is an important building block when it comes to integrating mobile robots (AMRs, AGVs) in warehouses. The market for mobile robots is very fragmented, many manufacturers are entering the market and offering various products. This article shows you which aspects play a role in the selection of robots and manufacturers.
 
Reading time: ca. 2 minutes
 
The criteria for a robot are very diverse. This starts with the delivery and setup of the robots. If the robot is set up correctly, you need a user-oriented interface to control and maintain the robot. During operation, the robot should be able to independently draw attention to errors. These and other requirements for reliable robots are explained below.
 
First steps: The robot must be delivered in solid packaging. This packaging should be reusable in case you need to send the robot back. The conditions for shipping the device should be clarified with the manufacturer beforehand. The device requires instructions for unpacking and assembling the parts.
 
Customer Oriented Setup Procedures: The robot manufacturer should provide instructions on how to set up the robot. Furthermore, the manufacturer should name a contact person that you can contact during the setup of the robot.
 
User-oriented user interface: The robot should have a user-oriented user interface so that you can use it flexibly. This interface should enable you to control the robot and solve any error case on your own.
 
Reduction of complexity & cognitive load: The robot should do the work for you. It is all the more important to find out which errors can occur. If the robot is actively used, the robot or a robot operator in the company must be able to solve these problems. Simulate the onboarding process and run through all the possibilities for problems with the robot and the robot operator.
 
Flexible operations: The robot should be flexible in use. The robot must offer you the prerequisites for this. To find out how easy it is to change the workflow of the mobile robot.
 
Instant alerting: In order to be able to react quickly in the event of an error and not impede operations, the robot should offer an alarm system that informs you or the responsible employees immediately if a problem occurs. Also make sure that the robot offers the right channel (MS Teams, Slack, SMS, email) for you.
 
Data reporting: The robot should offer an interface (API) that you can use to evaluate the performance and utilization of the robot.
 
Analytics for reporting and improvement: Does the robot provide data and tools for analyzing KPIs relevant to you? Can the robot be connected to the analysis systems of other robots? You should clarify this topic in order to avoid operating the robot only as an isolated solution.
 
Maintenance notification and procedures: Find out about the maintenance cycles of the robot and how they are carried out.
 
Use of cutting-edge technology: Explore the specifications of the robot. Ask the manufacturer about the possibility of an extension or a particular version of the robot no longer meets your growing needs.
 
For more information on reliable robots in logistics and production, please have a look at the Reliable Robot Operations Framework. Download the manual and all the useful checklists to identify a reliable robot for free. You can search for your reliable robot on LotsOfBots - the largest independent comparison platform for mobile robots in the area of logistics and production.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Contact our robot experts!

WAKU Robotics supports you in choosing the right robot for your application. We take care of the procurement of the robots as well as the on-site test. Our WAKU Platform software helps you to operate the robots across manufacturers and to analyze the processes.

Contact WAKU