Automation is revolutionising the warehousing industry. In an age when speed and efficiency have become non-negotiables for any warehouse, many more Australian businesses are turning to Automated Warehouse Robots (AWR) to drive their logistics operations. With this shift comes a pressing need for infrastructure that complements and boosts automated efficiency. One key piece of this infrastructure puzzle? Adding a mezzanine floor to your existing footprint. In this guide, we’ll explore how Unistor’s mezzanine systems can enhance the functionality and productivity of AWRs.
Automated Warehouse Robots (AWRs) — What Are They?
Automated Warehouse Robots (AWRs) or Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are mobile robots used in warehouses and manufacturing facilities to transport goods without human intervention. These vehicles follow a predefined path, typically guided by wires, magnets, or lasers, ensuring precision in their movement. Over the years, these nifty warehouse robots have proven instrumental in increasing efficiency and reducing errors in warehouse operations.
The Advantages of Warehouse Automation
Warehouses have been historically associated with various risks. Automating dangerous, manually handled tasks has shown a marked reduction in the workplace injury rate. Additionally, automation drives up productivity and significantly reduces costs. With automation, the constant need to hire qualified workers is vastly reduced. Not to mention, a major boon of AWRs is their ability to operate continuously, optimising workflows especially during peak operational hours. They also play a crucial role in enhancing safety, as they’re designed to navigate around obstacles and reduce the chances of workplace accidents.
The Role of Mezzanine Systems in Modern Warehousing
Using mezzanine floors to add more storage space in warehouses is a tried and true method. But as the demands of online shopping grows, these floors are now being used as bases for automated storage and selection systems. While mezzanines were once just extra floors, with the rise of automated warehouse robots (AWRs), they’ve taken on a more advanced role in supporting automation in the following ways:
- Space Optimisation: The most obvious benefit is space. Mezzanines effectively double or even triple the usable floor area, ensuring there’s more room for AWRs to move, store, and retrieve items.
- Workflow Segmentation: Mezzanines allow warehouses to separate different processes, ensuring that AWRs can specialise in specific tasks on different levels, in turn increasing their efficiency.
- Improved Workflow: Mezzanines facilitate better routing and movement paths for AWRs, speeding up order fulfilment and inventory management.
- Adaptability for Future Tech: As AWRs and other technologies evolve, mezzanines offer the adaptability to accommodate newer systems, ensuring the warehouse remains future-proof.
Mezzanine Systems: Designed for AWR Compatibility
In the context of warehouse automation, AWRs are often paired with other systems, like mezzanine floors, to maximise storage and transport efficiency. As technology evolves, AWRs are becoming smarter, more adaptable, and integral to the modern warehouse ecosystem. However, not all mezzanine floors are made equal, especially when it comes to AWR compatibility! Unistor stands out by ensuring that our mezzanine designs cater to the current set-up (and future needs) of your automated warehouse by delivering:
- Strength and Durability: Unistor’s floors are robust, ensuring they can bear the weight of multiple AWRs, along with the items they transport.
- Smooth Surfaces: AWRs require smooth surfaces to move efficiently. Unistor ensures that our mezzanines have a flooring finish that facilitates smooth, uninterrupted movement for robots.
- Primed for Robotics: Beyond providing mezzanine surfaces to support conveyors and robotics, mezzanines also serve as access pathways and maintenance platforms for automated machinery servicing.
- Unmatched Versatility: Recognising that each warehouse has unique needs, Unistor offers tailored solutions, ensuring that the mezzanine system fits perfectly with your existing AWR setup.
Enhancing AWR Functionality with Unistor’s Innovative Designs
Unistor is at the forefront of mezzanine design innovation. Here are just some examples of how our systems can enhance AWR functionality:
- Integrated Charging Points: Considering that AWRs run on batteries, Unistor’s designs often incorporate charging points. This ensures that AWRs can quickly recharge without needing to leave the mezzanine floor.
- Safety Barriers: AWRs are programmed to avoid obstacles, but accidents can still happen. Unistor’s mezzanines come equipped with safety barriers that not only protect the stored goods but also guide the AWRs.
- Optimised Routing Paths: Unistor collaborates closely with AWR providers to ensure that the layout of the mezzanine optimises the robots’ routing paths. This reduces travel time and increases efficiency.
The Unistor Advantage: Expertise and Commitment
Choosing Unistor for your AWR integrated mezzanine needs comes with several advantages:
- Industry Experience: As Australia’s leading manufacturer and supplier of mezzanine flooring, Unistor has over thirty years of experience that translates into quality, reliable solutions.
- Bespoke Solutions: Unistor understands that one size doesn’t fit all. Their team is committed to understanding each client’s unique needs and delivering a solution that’s just right.
- End-to-End Support: From initial consultation and design to installation and aftercare, Unistor’s team is with you at every step, ensuring the system integrates seamlessly with your AWR setup — without breaking the bank.
Future-Proofing Your Warehouse with Unistor
The era of automation has arrived, and it’s changing the warehousing landscape rapidly. Automated Warehouse Robots are a significant investment, and to make the most of them, businesses need infrastructure that not only supports but also enhances their capabilities. Investing in AWRs is a forward-looking decision that aligns with the trend of automation and smart warehousing. At Unistor, we focus on innovation, tailored solutions, and commitment to 100% Australian-made quality — making us the ideal partner if you’re looking to optimise your warehousing solutions for AWRs.
We’ve helped many businesses across different industries improve their operations with our solutions. Want to see how an automated mezzanine can boost your warehouse’s efficiency? Reach out to our expert team today, and we’d be glad to help. By choosing Unistor’s mezzanine systems, you’re not just buying a product; you’re investing in a partnership that will drive your warehouse’s productivity now — and well into the future.
Choose Unistor as the right mezzanine solution and increase your storage capacity by double.