Top 10 Myths About Warehouse Robots Debunked

If you've watched a sci-fi movie in the last decade or kept up with any of the concerns over AI, you might have concerns about investing in robotic automation for your warehouse. While open discourse about the legitimate concerns surrounding AI is vital, modern warehouse robots are a far cry from 2001: A Space Odyssey's Hal. Yet, there are still a multitude of myths surrounding robotics. Don't let these misbeliefs keep you from the substantial benefits robots provide. Read on to debunk the top ten myths about autonomous warehouse robots.

Myth 1: Robots Are Expensive

Robotic automation can come with sticker shock. Models like the robots at Amazon warehouses require an upfront investment that leaves some managers worrying about the bottom line. However, the total cost of warehouse robots does not need to be paid in one lump sum. With financing options and subscription models, robot operational expenses are now flexible enough to fit into almost any warehouse's budget. Additionally, robots offer rapid ROIs, which make them even easier to fit into your company's financial plan.

Myth 2: Robotic Automation Technology Is Difficult To Use

We've all heard horror stories of so-called technological time-savers that turned out to be time-wasters. Yet, simplicity is the mantra of modern robot design. Cloud-based software like LocusOne allows rapid deployment of new models and fast, responsive support from vendors. Additionally, streamlined human/robot interfaces allow users to learn the latest equipment in just 15 minutes.

Myth 3: Robotics Make My Facility Vulnerable to Hackers

With cybercrime rising, it's natural to worry about hackers corrupting or co-opting your robotic workers. However, autonomous mobile robots from reputable dealers have programming to protect against such attacks. They utilize encryption, access controls, ongoing security and compliance reviews, and myriad other safeguards to keep your facility safe. These countermeasures don't eliminate the need for data security vigilance. Still, they make it much harder for hackers to hijack your data.

Myth 4: Warehouse Robots Are Inflexible

Once upon a time, automation meant rigid systems that required intensive labor or even infrastructure changes to adopt. Thankfully, those days are gone. Modern robots are highly configurable and adaptable. As your facility's workflow evolves, they can adjust to meet your immediate needs, taking on roles such as picking, restocking, and point-to-point transfer. This enhanced flexibility is an essential element of modern automation, which emphasizes long-term utility and updated solutions.

Myth 5: Robotic Automation Won’t Integrate With My System

Robotic automation tools are not stand-alone systems. They need integration with your existing WMS to achieve optimal efficiency. That prospect raises justifiable concerns over compatibility and the ease of integration. However, the robots themselves aren’t the only flexible feature of automation. Open system architectures, APIs, and our experienced automation teams make integration a straightforward and expedient process.

Myth 6: My Workers Will Hate Working With Autonomous Mobile Robots

It's human to resist change. Even technology that ultimately improves our lives can be hard to accept at first. However, overcoming the fear of robotic automation in your workforce is simple when rollouts emphasize how robots make life easier for the workers themselves. Hands-on exposure quells anxieties by reminding operators that their roles remain vital while adding robots makes each day less taxing. After overcoming those initial fears, you'll see the "cool factor" takes over. No longer afraid of becoming obsolete, workers embrace the novelty of working alongside high-tech equipment and the opportunities that it provides.

Myth 7: Robots Will Replace the Humans on My Team

On the topic of worker concerns, job loss is the number one fear. However, warehouse automation robots will not replace workers. Instead, they handle dangerous, strenuous, and tedious jobs. This frees up your workforce to do what human brains do best, tackling complex and strategic work. In this way, robots augment human capabilities instead of erasing them. In fact, models like autonomous mobile robots work as a team with humans, taking care of the day's heavy lifting and organization while their human counterparts focus on quality work.

Myth 8: Robotic Automation Is Dangerous To Work Around

Anyone who’s seen Robocop or Blade Runner knows concerns about the safety of working around robots are not a new concept. However, robots outside of the movies are incredibly safe. They feature numerous safety features, such as LiDAR and collision avoidance sensors, to keep human workers out of danger. Still, these safety nets don’t eliminate the need for common sense and prudence when working around warehouse automation robots. Comprehensive training and proper procedures are still critical.

Myth 9: Robots Compound Simple Mistakes

The thing about robots is they do exactly what they are told to do. This is a double-edged sword. Most of the time, robotic automation dramatically reduces errors. Still, if there's a mistake in the commands given, it can multiply errors tenfold. Luckily, this is easily avoided by using a system of checks and balances, such as validation steps and sensors that verify operations. These systems slow the process marginally but add up to incredible improvements in efficiency over time.

Myth 10: Vendors Don’t Offer Enough Robotic Automation Support

Southern States Toyotalift is no stranger to robotic automation. Our years of experience mean you can count on responsive, expert technical support, operational resources, roadmapping, and workforce training on your warehouse automation robots. We work with you on your schedule to provide the solutions you need to get the best out of your autonomous systems. With us as your partner, investing in autonomous warehouse robots has never been a better choice. To learn more about robotic automation or to explore what options are best for your facility, contact us online or visit one of our locations throughout Georgia and Florida.

Florida
Jacksonville
Lakeland
Ocala
Orlando
Tampa
Winter Haven

Georgia
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Macon
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Valdosta

Further Reading

Labor Shortage Problem? Why Automation is a People-First Solution
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Automatic Storage System (ASRS)?
Before You Invest In Warehouse Automation, Request a Technology Roadmap