What Is a Transport Robot?
A transport robot is a specialized robot designed for the autonomous movement of objects or cargo.
As a type of industrial robot, they can be deployed between assembly machines and processing machines to automate transitions between different stages of production. This automation contributes to manpower savings and reduces the physical burden on humans by handling the transport of heavy objects. Additionally, by automating routine tasks, these robots enhance the value of work performed by human employees.
The use of transport robots also leads to quality improvements. High work efficiency is achieved through precise, programmed routes and tasks. Operating at a constant speed, robots minimize the risk of human error and reduce downtime.
From a safety perspective, these robots are highly beneficial. Equipped with sensors and cameras, they can monitor their surroundings, detect, and avoid obstacles, thus decreasing the risk of accidents and collisions at the worksite and enhancing overall safety.
Applications for Transport Robots
Transport robots have diverse applications across various industries. Some key examples include:
1. Logistics Industry
They are extensively used in large company warehouses, often in the form of autonomous robots known as AGVs (Automatic Guided Vehicles). Logistics companies handling a high volume of daily orders frequently use these robots.
In a factory setting, when an order is received, the inventory status is automatically verified, and the transport robot is instructed to retrieve the items. These robots execute their tasks flawlessly, updating the inventory system upon completion of their jobs. This ensures constant, accurate control of inventory information.
Warehouse transport robots include line tracing robots that follow floor-marked lines and those operating based on input maps. The choice of system depends on cost considerations and the scale of installation.
2. Manufacturing Industry
These systems are used in various companies’ product manufacturing processes. Examples include automated transport vehicles for moving heavy materials and robotic arms for transferring products to inspection and packaging areas. They alleviate worker strain and enhance the speed and accuracy of operations.
Additionally, transport robots are employed in the movement and processing of waste and recyclable materials, enabling efficient waste management and recycling while conserving manpower.
Principle of Transport Robots
Many transport robots are designed for autonomous operation. They commonly use sensors, radar, or GPS to perceive their environment, facilitating obstacle avoidance and efficient task execution.
These robots typically follow pre-programmed instructions or control commands, with specific movement patterns or algorithms for designated tasks. Their movements and paths are generally dictated by these programs.
In some cases, they are network-connected, allowing for cooperative work among multiple robots or synchronized operation with a central control system.