Use cases and advantages of Gantry Robots vs automated systems

As supply chains grapple with increasing pressures brought on by the global acceleration of business, warehouses are looking into enabling greater efficiencies. With the advent of Automation, it has become much easier to optimize storage and material handling workflows. There are a few strategic technologies like Automated Industrial Machines that can help. Among the countless types of technologies available, Gantry Robots occupy a special place in them. In this blog we will discuss the various types of automated systems and the advantages of choosing Gantry Robots over them.

What is Warehouse Automation?

Robotic Warehouse Automation are machines designed to replace the manual effort in a factory. Whereas, robots are designed as single-purpose machines. They transfer material between warehouse slots and move racks around to create efficient space. By using software, robots and humans can work together to minimize injury and fatigue while accomplishing repetitive tasks.

Why Gantry Robots?

An automated industrial system, often referred to as a Cartesian Robot or a Linear Robot has large structures vaulting overtop the workstation. They are made up of a manipulator, mounted on an overhead system allowing linear motion along a plane. Primarily designed for pick and place operations, Gantry Robots can be used for several other use cases.

The name Cartesian robot is ideal as they contain at least three elements of motion, arranged perpendicular to each other. Each one refers to linear motion in a single direction typically labelled X, Y and Z where X and Y are in the horizontal plane and Z is vertical. Consider X and Y as the width and length of a box and Z as the height of the box. Moving in linear paths they create a 3D cubic envelope of space to work in.

Even though these three axes are the principal forms of movement, Gantry Robots may contain as many axes as necessary to perform the required task. Their ability to scale provides them with an undeniable advantage over other robots. They can receive orders from a manual operator or through predefined programs. Using Gantry Robots replaces forklifts in the lanes, increasing the storage capacity. They help optimize operator movements and eliminate the risk of accidents and damage to the racks.

Benefits of Gantry Robots

  • Diversification: Pallets can be used to their optimum capacity and each channel can be used to store a different item.
  • Increased Productivity: With better movement of inventory there is an increase in the flow of incoming and outgoing goods.
  • Greater Capacity: Gantry Robots provide a 3D cubic envelope creating a depth for storage.
  • Cost-effective: The reduction in operating cost results in these robots being highly cost-efficient.
  • Reduced Incidents: Manual labor being replaced by automated machines decreases the number of incidents and the overall maintenance costs.
  • Remote Access: Many advanced functions can be easily monitored and controlled from the tablet.

Features of Gantry Robots

With their own set of strengths and limitations, Gantry Robots are appropriate for specific use cases. The key features to be considered are:

Payload Capacity: Gantry Robots are known for their payload capacity. They have enormous metal structures providing great mechanical strength. There are very few use cases that are too big for a Gantry robot. However, plenty of applications can be too small for them. So, it’s important to first analyze your requirements before investing in Gantry Robot.

Speed: The speed usually depends on the size and mechanics of the Gantry Robot. It mostly depends on the motors used and the payload to determine how fast they can go. High payload demands high gear ratio and heavy components which limits the robot’s speed. The demands of your use case determine the type of robot to use.

Reach: With an unmatched reach when compared to other robot types, Gantry Robots shine in this area. Reach is needed in large warehouses and storage applications where the space available for construction is large and a Gantry Robot is the best solution for such a warehouse.

Dexterity: Gantry Robots have limitations, when the application area requires flexible motion. They are typically reserved for tasks where they can move over the top of the part, drop down, perform a function, move back up and move to its next position.

Size: Being one of the largest robot types, even at their smallest level of implementation, Gantry Robots can operate across the entire length of a factory floor.

Things to keep in mind before choosing Gantry Robots

It is important to analyze whether they fit your requirements. You could suffer negative consequences like inefficient operation, lost revenues and even complete failure of the project, if they don’t fit. Another aspect is whether the cost incurred to deploy these robots can help you get enough revenue. It is not advisable to go for Gantry Robots if the expenses are higher than your profits.

Use Cases

A Gantry Robot is ideal for moving large or heavy objects that need to be manipulated with precision. They are designed in a wide range of sizes, strengths and configurations. A Gantry Robot can be the size of a small room or a large football field, depending on the user’s requirement. The payloads can range from a few kilograms to several tons.

Gantry Robots are commonly used in pick and place operations but have been used for a variety of tasks, such as:

  • Palletizing/Depalletizing
  • Machine Loading/Unloading
  • In Process/End of Line
  • Material Handling/Packaging
  • Machine Tending
  • Sortation and Storage

With a wide variety of application areas, Gantry Robots excel in many industries including:

  • Aerospace
  • Metals
  • Plastics and Rubber
  • Logistics/Warehousing
  • Paper
  • Food and Beverage

With other robot types, the payload requirements and reach can be a limiting factor, while a Gantry Robot can excel here.

Enhanced Intralogistics with Warehouse Automation

Automation is critical with the growing complexities of material handling at warehouses. Inlogsys provides complete warehouse solutions and Gantry Robots are one of them. Available in many shapes and sizes, they are the most versatile industrial robots. Benefit from a highly efficient system capable of handling complex warehouse requirements. Get in touch with us to leverage our team of experts for smart, integrated intralogistics solutions.