ROBOTICS CLUSTER

6.4. LOGISTICS ROBOTICS
The word “logistics” can refer to a wide range of operations for the movement of material, personnel, and
products across an equally large number of sectors. The maritime international shipping of raw materials,
the delivery of packages to the consumer, or even the movement of men and supplies for military operations
are logistics processes. At this time, robotics support for logistics operations occurs indoors, largely at
manufacturing sites, warehouses, and distribution centers.
Corporate logistics and supply chain groups have adopted a wide range of automation technologies to
improve the operational efficacy and efficiency in manufacturing sites, warehouses, and distribution
centers. Robotics technologies can be employed in warehouses and distribution centers to automate costly,
dangerous, and time-consuming activities. Moreover, these new robotics solutions provide companies with
a high degree of flexibility, a capability lacking in many earlier forms of warehouse and distribution center
automation, such as fixed conveyors and carousels.
6.4.1. Total Automation
Today’s logistics and supply chain managers are faced with multiple sets of contradictory requirements.
They must reduce the space they use, but increase the volume of goods they transport, as well as increase
service levels while reducing costs. These same managers understand that automation is key for meeting
these goals. As a result, all major manufacturing and warehouse/distribution center processes have been
automated to some degree (see Figure 10), with the goal of achieving near total automation.
6.4.2. Multiple Classes
Many different classes of robotics systems are used to automate logistics operations. They Include:
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): AGVs are a common form of robotic assistance in
warehouse and DC automation systems. They are also employed in manufacturing environments.
AGVs range from enormous factory units designed to move multi-ton products from one stage
of fabrication to another, to cart-sized units that navigate hallways carrying smaller amounts
of materials. Many different classes of technologies and products fall under the definition of
AGVs, including:
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Automatic or Automated Carts: Simple carts capable of automated transportation
Unit Load AGVs: Individual AGVs that carry discrete unit loads onboard the vehicle
Tugs or Towing Vehicles: AGVs that pull one or a series of unpowered trailers
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Forklift AGVs: Unmanned forklifts that pick up and deliver pallets, often when unloading
or loading trucks
• Articulated Robots: Classic industrial robots with multiple rotary-jointed “arms.” Articulated robots
can range from simple two-joint robots to complex 10-joint robots. Articulated robots are
commonly employed for palletizing and depalletizing work.
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THE MASSACHUSETTS ROBOTICS CLUSTER
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