Logistics Archives - Used Robots

AUTOMATION IN MOTION: STRATEGIC USES OF AMR IN INDUSTRY 4.0

In the era of intelligent automation, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have transitioned from a futuristic vision to becoming key components of modern industrial operations. Unlike automated guided vehicles (AGVs), AMRs do not require fixed infrastructure such as magnetic tapes or predefined routes, allowing them to adapt in real-time to environmental changes using sensors, cameras, LIDAR, and advanced navigation algorithms.

Their ability to collaborate with human workers and other technologies has driven their integration across various sectors, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and retail. Below, we review five key applications where autonomous mobile robotics are transforming workflows with efficiency, safety, and flexibility.

Material Transport in Manufacturing Environments One of the most widespread uses of AMRs is the internal transport of raw materials, parts, and semi-finished products between workstations. Unlike fixed production lines, AMRs enable flexible and dynamic distribution, adapting to changes in layout or production demand. For example, automotive manufacturers use fleets of AMRs to supply assembly cells just-in-time (JIT), optimizing delivery times and reducing work-in-process inventory.

Automatic Inventory Replenishment in Smart Warehouses In modern logistics centers, AMRs perform replenishment tasks by detecting low stock levels in picking or production areas. Equipped with cloud-connected inventory management systems, the robots can identify which products need restocking and from which location to retrieve them. This functionality is crucial for high-turnover e-commerce operations, where inventory efficiency directly impacts customer responsiveness.

Human-Robot Collaboration in Picking Operations Thanks to artificial vision and autonomous navigation, many AMRs are designed to work alongside human operators in collaborative picking tasks. The robot handles movement and container transport, while the worker picks the products. This approach reduces physical strain on staff, minimizes errors, and speeds up order preparation, especially in warehouses with a wide variety of items.

Internal Deliveries in Hospitals and Pharmaceutical Centers In critical environments like hospitals, AMRs transport medications, biological samples, food, or sterilized clothing between departments without disrupting clinical activity. Their ability to navigate crowded corridors and avoid obstacles makes them ideal for repetitive and sensitive tasks. Additionally, by reducing human contact in certain transfers, AMRs help lower the risk of cross-contamination or medication delivery errors.

Industrial Waste Management and Recycling AMRs are also used for selective waste collection within industrial plants, where they can identify different types of waste (metals, plastics, paper) and transport them to recycling points. Using IoT sensors, some models even monitor container fill levels to optimize collection routes. This application not only improves waste management efficiency but also strengthens companies’ sustainability and regulatory compliance goals.

Technology with Purpose: A Commitment to Efficiency, Safety, and Workplace Well-being The integration of autonomous mobile robots into production chains goes beyond technological improvement: it represents an investment in operational sustainability, workplace safety, and the dignification of human roles in the sector. By taking on monotonous, hard, or high-risk responsibilities, AMRs allow employees to focus on strategic, creative, and supervisory tasks where human judgment is indispensable. This not only enhances work quality but also reduces fatigue, incidents, and job dissatisfaction. In a scenario where industrial competitiveness demands constant agility and adaptability, AMRs are not a trend but an essential tool for building smarter, more resilient, and human-centric factories.

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MOBILE ROBOTS OR HUMAN WORKERS? A DICHOTOMY THAT NO LONGER MAKES SENSE

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For years, the discussion about whether machines will replace people has marked the debate in industrial automation. However, in the current context of accelerated technological transformation, posing this dilemma as a direct competition between mobile robots and human personnel is not only simplistic but counterproductive. In reality, intelligent collaboration between both actors is proving to be the true driver of industrial progress.
More than competition: a strategic alliance
The “robots vs. humans” approach is an increasingly obsolete proposition. Leading automation companies have already understood that the future of productivity and efficiency does not depend on replacing people with machines, but on leveraging the best of both worlds. While mobile robots (AMR, for its acronym in English) provide precision, speed, and continuous availability, human operators offer judgment, adaptability, and problem-solving ability in complex contexts.
Tangible advantages of integrating mobile robots
The acquisition of autonomous mobile robots can generate significant benefits from day one, especially in logistics, industrial, and manufacturing environments. Some of the most notable advantages are:
Reduction of downtime and unnecessary movements: AMRs optimize routes and perform internal deliveries with millimetric efficiency, allowing human operators to focus on higher-value tasks.
Greater job security: Mobile robots can take on repetitive or dangerous tasks, minimizing risks for personnel.
Operational scalability: Faced with increases in demand, scaling with mobile robots is faster and more flexible than hiring and training new employees in the short term.
Real-time data and traceability: Modern AMRs generate key information for continuous improvement, such as circulation heat maps, logistics flows, and delivery times.
In which tasks do mobile robots excel?
Mobile robots are especially effective in tasks where repetitiveness, precision, and autonomy are key. Some examples of outstanding applications include:
Internal logistics: Transport of materials, parts, and tools between workstations.
Hospital environments: Delivery of medicines, samples, and food autonomously and safely.
Distribution centers and e-commerce: Optimization of picking and product replenishment.
Industrial manufacturing: Supply of production lines and movement of semi-finished products.
Robots and humans: a powerful synergy
Far from replacing staff, mobile robots are designed to collaborate with them. Collaborative robotics — both fixed and mobile — prioritizes safety and smooth integration with the human environment. Modern AMRs have advanced sensors, SLAM mapping, and dynamic navigation that allow them to move in shared spaces without interfering with human activities.
Moreover, delegating the most routine or physical tasks to robots frees human teams to focus on functions that require technical judgment, analysis, or interpersonal contact.
Do not give up human value: train and empower your team
Investing in mobile robotics should not imply a reduction in human talent, but an opportunity for its revaluation. Training staff in the use, supervision, and maintenance of robots can open new professional doors within the organization. Operators cease to be “labor” to become technical supervisors, system integrators, or responsible for operational data analysis.
By training your team in this technological transition, you not only improve their employability but also reinforce their commitment and sense of belonging in an evolving environment.
Integration, not substitution
The true qualitative leap in the industry does not come from choosing between people or robots, but from learning to combine them intelligently. Mobile robots are not a threat but a strategic tool to make companies more competitive, operations safer, and people more valuable.
Incorporating technology without losing sight of the human factor is the key to sustainable, efficient, and human automation.

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DOBOT TAKES A BIG LEAP: $87.6 MILLION IN ITS DEBUT IN HONG KONG

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The Chinese collaborative robot manufacturer reaches a significant milestone by debuting on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with ambitious international expansion plans between 2025 and 2029.
Hong Kong, January 16, 2025. Dobot, the leading manufacturer of collaborative robots or “cobots” in China, has just reached an important milestone in its history by raising $681 million ($87.6 million in its initial public offering – IPO) in its debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This event not only marks a significant advance for the company but also positions Dobot as the first Chinese cobot manufacturer to achieve a successful debut in the international stock market.
Dobot’s stock closed its first day on the market with a slight increase of 0.7%, trading at 18.94 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 2.40 US dollars), giving the company a market capitalization of 167 billion dollars. Although the gain seems modest, it represents an important step for a company known for its constant investment in innovation and global expansion.
A Growing Giant in Collaborative Robotics
Founded in 2015 and based in Shenzhen, Dobot has established itself as the second-largest global company in collaborative robots, with a market share of 13%. The company specializes in four and six-axis robots, as well as composite models, which are used in sectors as varied as education, light industry, retail, healthcare, and chemistry.
With an ambitious vision, Dobot has seen a notable increase in its international presence. According to data from the research firm China Insights Consultancy, more than 59% of its revenue comes from markets outside China, standing out in regions such as Europe, America, and Asia-Pacific. This international growth has been a key driver in its revenue, which in 2023 amounted to 287 million yuan ($39.3 million), an increase from 241 million yuan in 2022.
Despite Losses, the Future is Promising
Although the company has recorded losses in recent years due to its high spending on research and development, as well as its expansion, Dobot maintains an optimistic long-term vision. In the first half of 2023, the company recorded a loss of 59.9 million yuan ($8.2 million), although revenue increased by 9.6% compared to the previous year. In 2023, losses nearly doubled to 103 million yuan. Nevertheless, the company expects its investments in technological innovation and international expansion to bear fruit in the near future.
The company plans to further expand its presence outside China between 2025 and 2029, establishing three new subsidiaries abroad and strengthening its marketing teams in key markets. This expansion will be essential for its goal of consolidating its leadership in the collaborative robotics sector.
Challenges on the Road and Competition
Dobot has observed how competitors have tried to go public without success due to regulatory issues. These challenges highlight the need for a solid approach to face the growing competition.
The cobot market continues to expand rapidly, driven by increasing automation in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and customer service. With its expansion plans and a strong focus on innovation, Dobot is poised to become a key player that could redefine the global industrial robotics landscape in the coming years.
The successful debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is just the beginning for Dobot, a company that is demonstrating that collaborative robotics, beyond factories, is destined to become a key tool in various sectors of the global economy. With its eyes set on the future and its international expansion strategy, Dobot is in a favorable position to continue innovating and leading in the global cobot market.
The race to dominate the collaborative robotics market has just begun, and Dobot has made its first big step.

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KUKA UNVEILS NEW HEAVYWEIGHT AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOT AT PROMAT 2025: INNOVATION AND FLEXIBILITY FOR INDUSTRY

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KUKA Robotics, a global leader in industrial automation solutions, is set to amaze attendees at PROMAT 2025 with its new heavyweight addition to the family of autonomous mobile robots (AMR): the KMP 3000P. This innovative robot will be unveiled from March 17 to 20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, where visitors to booth N7307 can explore its advanced capabilities that are transforming logistics and manufacturing production.

The KMP 3000P is a robust and flexible solution designed to transport heavy loads of up to three tons in any direction, including diagonal angles. Its omnidirectional drive system allows it to maneuver nimbly and precisely in the tightest spaces of production facilities. Equipped with four integrated 3D cameras and two laser scanners, this mobile robot offers a 360-degree view, enabling it to autonomously detect and navigate around obstacles, optimizing both safety and operational efficiency. Thanks to this advanced technology, the KMP 3000P eliminates the need for floor guide systems, facilitating its integration into any environment.

The KMP 3000P also features an innovative inductive charging system, allowing the platform to wirelessly recharge at multiple points within the production plant, further enhancing its flexibility. This feature is key to maximizing the robot’s uptime without interruptions, enabling a continuous work cycle.

At KUKA’s booth at PROMAT 2025, visitors will be able to see how the KMP 3000P works in conjunction with a KR QUANTEC industrial robot. This robotic cell will be a live demonstration of how the KMP 3000P transports heavy rolls to the KR QUANTEC, where these materials are handled and placed at different points on the production line. Equipped with AIRSKIN®, the KR QUANTEC ensures fast and safe handling, even in barrier-free environments, without compromising its load capacity or reliability.

In addition to the demonstration with the KMP 3000P, KUKA will present a second interactive cell featuring its KUKA LBR iisy cobot and the AMR KMP 600P. Attendees will be able to participate in a unique experience where the cobot will select an item chosen by the visitor from a tablet and transport it with the AMR KMP 600P to another cobot that will deliver the item directly to the user. This interactive flow allows firsthand experience of how KUKA’s robotic solutions can enhance the efficiency of material handling and transport in highly dynamic work environments.

The KMP 600P is a compact, high-performance platform designed to operate in confined spaces, with a load capacity of up to 600 kg. It is ideal for transporting materials from the warehouse to workstations or assembly lines, optimizing production flow and minimizing downtime.

To delve into the benefits of mobile robotics, Denise Stafford, KUKA’s Director of Business Development, will offer a lecture titled “How Mobile Robots Have Evolved: Lessons Learned After a Decade of Use” on Monday, March 17, at Theater I of PROMAT 2025. In this session, Stafford will provide valuable insights on how to choose the most suitable robotic solution to address the complex challenges of modern industry, helping manufacturers increase productivity while facing labor shortages.

KUKA, known for its expertise in industrial automation, supports its solutions with comprehensive services that include training, engineering, system simulation, spare parts, and robot refurbishment. Additionally, access to the my.KUKA.com platform ensures efficient technical support and fast customer service throughout North America.

With these innovations, KUKA reinforces its commitment to the digital transformation of the industry, providing automation tools that not only optimize production but also improve safety and efficiency in the workplace.

About KUKA Robotics

KUKA is one of the leading global providers of industrial automation and robotics solutions. Its product range includes everything from industrial robots to autonomous mobile platforms, designed to enhance efficiency and flexibility in various sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. KUKA offers comprehensive solutions that include hardware, software, and support services, always aiming to drive productivity and innovation in modern industry.

PROMAT 2025 will be held from March 17 to 20 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover how KUKA robots are changing the future of industrial automation!

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AUTONOMOUS ADAPTABILITY IN ACTION: YASKAWA’S NEW MOTOMAN NEXT

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The Motoman NEXT robotic system by Yaskawa Electric marks a milestone in industrial automation by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for picking and sorting applications. This new model stands out for its ability to autonomously adapt to changing environments, offering an advanced solution for complex tasks such as picking, sorting, and handling objects, even under uncertain conditions.

The Motoman NEXT uses an AI-based vision system that allows it to identify and classify items in real-time. Equipped with the NVIDIA Jetson Orin platform and Wind River Linux operating system, this robot can perform edge computing data analysis, facilitating quick and precise decision-making. Additionally, it features an autonomous control unit that allows it to adjust its operational strategy according to environmental conditions, reducing the need for human intervention and improving operational efficiency.

The Motoman NEXT series offers models with load capacities ranging from 4 kg to 35 kg, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. These models have been designed to operate in sectors such as automotive, food and beverage, logistics, and more, addressing traditional challenges like variability in the shape and size of objects.

Success Stories

In the logistics sector, leading companies have implemented the Motoman NEXT to automate sorting processes in high-turnover warehouses. One example is the use of the robot in distribution centers of large retail chains, where it has demonstrated a 30% reduction in picking errors and a 40% increase in process speed. The robot’s ability to adapt to the presence of obstacles and change its trajectory in real-time has allowed companies to significantly improve their efficiency without compromising accuracy.

Another notable case is in the food industry, where the Motoman NEXT has been implemented for the selection and packaging of fresh products. Thanks to its vision system and adaptability, the robot can identify and classify products of different sizes and shapes, ensuring optimal packaging and minimizing waste.

The integration of intelligent robots like the Motoman NEXT can transform your company’s operations, providing unprecedented efficiency and adaptability. If you are looking to optimize your picking and sorting processes with advanced robotic solutions, contact a Yaskawa expert for a personalized consultation and discover how this technology can take your production to the next level.

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