Sizing and specification
Where evaluations go wrong
Sizing on payload alone
A two-tonne machine does not move every two-tonne load. An offset centre of gravity, an overhanging load or an over-tall one can all overturn the choice.
Using rated speed
Take the average speed as 60% to 70% of the rated speed, allowing for turns, slowing down and passing.
Ignoring floor works
Gaps, steps, ramps and grating do not show on a drawing and have to be checked one by one on site. Any modifications needed, and their cost, are set out at the latest in the formal quotation.
Assuming the network
“We have Wi-Fi” and “the Wi-Fi supports multi-robot dispatch” are different statements. Signal strength, roaming handover time and packet loss must be measured.
Underestimating carrier work
Wrong ground clearance, no docking plate, no QR code: across several hundred racks that is real work and real time.
An underride robot that cannot turn
The rotation diameter is larger than the space under the rack. Measure the space under the racks on site before choosing the model.
Ignoring the load centre
If the distance from the load’s centre of gravity to the fork heel is not worked out, the forklift can carry less than expected. Calculate the load centre from the shape of the materials and containers.
The wrong totes
Black or reflective totes for a tote robot. Use only rigid totes that are not black and not reflective.
Ignoring the peak
A fleet sized on the average queues at the peak. Size capacity for the peak and leave a margin.
Four items are most often left out of the budget: floor works, carrier modification, interface development and the first spare parts. The full cost also covers the robots, chargers, the dispatch system and server, accessories, implementation, network and power; chargers, accessories and the dispatch system are listed separately in proposals and quotations.