Types of robots for logistics

Industrial robots have, for some years now, become a reality in many companies related to transport and logistics. They provide greater agility and efficiency to the companies that use them, optimize resources, and improve the operation of warehouses and storage facilities, among other benefits.

In recent years, technology has benefited the logistics and transport sector. Advances and innovations in machinery and equipment have been developed, facilitating the functioning and progress of this industry. Robots are one of those improvements that are here to stay, and over time their mechanisms have been enhanced and their functionalities expanded. In this sense, robots have diversified in order to specialize different teams according to key factors such as the volume and dimensions of the goods they transport, or their fragility/strength, for example.

Logistics professionals require very specific knowledge regarding the possibilities they have to carry out certain types of work. In this article, we focus on understanding the types of robots available on the market and how they support the performance of activities in environments that require them.

What is a robot?

When we talk about a robot in the logistics field, we refer to two similar and complementary concepts: on one hand, the machinery itself, the equipment created to optimize operations carried out in warehouses and storage facilities, among others. On the other hand, the term “types of robots” also refers to automation systems used in certain facilities to improve their operation.

In any process involving innovation, an automation process is required, and the logistics sector is a clear example of this: increasingly, equipment is researched and developed to offer a higher degree of autonomy and improve efficiency in the tasks they perform. They are used in warehouses, storage and loading/unloading areas—ports, airports—production and distribution centers. In other words, in any space where it is necessary to move parcels, goods, and other large or heavy items.

These systems have evolved, and today there are different types of robots, as outlined below. The use of one type or another will depend on the location where they are installed, their size, and the type of work being carried out, among other factors.

Types of industrial robots

Industrial robots used in logistics and distribution can be adapted to different circumstances. That is why we can find very diverse robots on the market.

These are the types of industrial robots currently available and how they work:

AGVs – Automated Guided Vehicles: These are devices used for transporting goods. They move autonomously through facilities following pre-established routes and using tracks, sensors, guides, cables, and other systems.

AGVs eliminate the need for operators in repetitive and routine tasks. However, they still require qualified personnel to program and control them, which is where R&D in logistics plays a key role in their development and programming, always considering the characteristics required for industrial robots in these tasks. Examples include automated forklifts and tractors. Continuous improvements are being made, and today there are even robots equipped with infrared cameras, among other technologies, to avoid obstacles and ensure error-free operations.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): These systems are designed to handle large volumes of goods. They are controlled by dedicated software and are highly valued for their speed in storing and retrieving products.

AS/RS systems use cranes and shuttles to move through aisles and warehouses. These automated storage and retrieval systems are among the most common types of industrial robots and are often customized to fit the specific facilities where they are implemented.

Articulated robotic arms and legs: These are articulated devices that simulate human movements. They can move in different directions and are capable of lifting and rotating packages and other goods.

Robotic arms are more commonly used than legs because their design allows for easier and safer handling. Robotic legs, on the other hand, offer other advantages such as high efficiency and long battery life.

Cobots: collaborative robots. Their use is widespread and growing rapidly, although they are not yet fully autonomous. Cobots require operators to assist and guide their movements.

What is a cobot?

Collaborative robots are increasingly popular, which is why it is important to define what a cobot is. A cobot is a type of industrial robot that is not fully autonomous and requires a qualified human operator to manage its operation—hence the name “cobot,” commonly used to refer to them.

These machines are used for mechanical tasks and routine activities that require precision and can cause fatigue for human workers. Their applications include transporting and handling goods or mobile-based worker tracking—tools widely used in sectors such as e-commerce, where frequent order preparation is required. Cobots are highly useful systems that are becoming increasingly integrated into companies seeking to streamline processes and increase productivity.

Characteristics of industrial robots

Implementing industrial robots in a warehouse or production/transport center requires highly specialized professionals who understand the different logistics systems available on the market. The integration of such technology must be gradual and aligned with the company’s actual needs.

As mentioned, there are different types of industrial robots, and choosing one over another depends on expert evaluation. However, there are several common characteristics:

• They must be controllable by operators, as they are automated systems.
• They must have rigid structures and mechanical arms to handle goods and move safely along programmed routes.
• They must have varying levels of autonomy, depending on the number of articulations or arms they include.
• They must be adaptable in terms of load capacity (weight) and operating speed.

This machinery and technology provide numerous benefits to companies that adopt them, including reduced production and labor costs, increased productivity, improved workplace safety, and higher final product quality, among others. This is why industrial robots are highly valued in sectors such as distribution, logistics, and transport.

Professionals who want to specialize in this sector must understand logistics robotics systems, how they work, and in which contexts they should be used. At EAE Business School Barcelona, we include this training in highly specialized programs such as the Master in Supply Chain Management & Logistics. Its theoretical-practical approach includes technology and machinery topics like those described above, providing graduates with a comprehensive end-to-end supply chain perspective.

For those aiming to go further and pursue leadership roles in companies and teams, the Master in Project Management is another program where industrial robotics knowledge is essential. These technical skills are key for professionals who aspire to lead companies in logistics or related fields.