1962 1980s
2000- present
First commercial ARSR goes into operation
The first ARSR machine went into operation in 1962 , installed at a Bertelsmann book-club warehouse in Gütersloh , Germany . Though it was manually controlled from a cabin on the mast , it did offer some semblance of automation … via punch-card control .
Computer controlled ARSRs
Computer and IT solutions expanded significantly in the ‘ 80s , alongside softwarecontrolled warehouse technologies . Sensors , magnets and lasers were brought in to measure distance and position . Stepless drive systems required less energy and new load-handling equipment went deeper into racks , enabling different container and pallet systems to serve new markets .
Automated guided vehicles ( AGV )
Also called an autonomous mobile robot ( AMR ), this is a portable robot that follows along marked lines or wires on the floor , or uses radio waves , vision cameras , magnets , or lasers for navigation . They are used to transport heavy materials around warehouses and factories .
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